Dogs... Man's Best Friend or NOT! 
I have always been around dogs but I am not crazy about them. As a kid there were the chores, feeding, walking and the joy of the Pooper Scooper. As an adult I notice the stink of the food, shedding of hair and of course the joy of stepping in a fresh mess hidden in the lawn. All relatively minor annoyances.....
My oldest son's dog ( right ) was with us from about '81 until the mid 90's, about 15 years if I recall correctly. After that we enjoyed a few dog free years before my youngest son wanted a pet. We survived the pressure of kindergarten when every drawing or story had to be about "your pet". That Christmas all the kid wanted was a DOG...but I held firm.... Logically it didn't make sense. His whim would fade and we'd be stuck... but in a momentary lapse of my senses I gave in and my wife ran out that day and came home with dog. ( sofa below )
Now that you understand I'm not a dog lover or hater I'll get to my point. Typically I do the same 3, 5 or 8 mile run several times a week so I know my course quite well. The playful pups that may be out with their owner and run into the street as I come by... The ones that obey the invisible fencing and just bellow out their bark. No problems....
I have never been afraid of dogs but have been startled twice in the last few weeks. Could be partially my fault since the ipod blocks some sound.
The first incident came on my right as I trotted along and JUMPED with a turning twist as the huge head of a Rottweiler appeared by my hand. Fortunately I wasn't injured but a dog bite or a strain from a quick twist of my back is a concern. The second time was a different street, different dog and it made contact on my left. I instantly brought out the Monstrous Me and let out my ROAR of choice words for all to hear.
Yes... I get tee'd off! The dogs should be confined and not bothering me. If I get bit there will be no sympathy. My request will go straight to the town termination committee!!
Chris.. I get over it quick myself but need something to rant about on Tuesdays... Who knows... I may even turn into Mr. Softie if some little kids dog nips at me...
Sarah.. Yes we have leash laws but we all know how well rules work. We also have neighborhood dogs that roam free and last year even had one that liked to sun bath in the middle of the street, never moved so cars would have to drive around him. The joy of neighbors...
Thesa... Glad to know someone else here sees my sometimes hidden humor.
Beth... There are certainly positive aspects of animals running free and a barking dog behind a door is a deterrent to crime. Out in suburbia those are not always foremost on my mind.