The dog came charging out of nowhere from across and down the street and knocked me over like a feather (and I'm 5'9" tall). He proceeded to take two big chomps (*edit* turns out it was actually four by the bruising - two of them badly punctured my leg - the other two more surface bites) into the back of my right leg. There just wasn't time to react at all - except to scream for help - and try to get up. He was doubling around for a second attack when my screams were heard and the owners called the dog. He ran back home when they did. Then an interview with the local sherriffs was required and of course, a trip to ER. The dog was current on his rabies vaccination, thank goodness. I won't go into graphic details, and I'm not writing this to bash dogs or dog owners. Although, I'm not a dog owner, I am an animal lover. I'm writing this to give you some good hints that might help you someday. I'm very fortunate to be writing this post this morning - it could have been so much worse. I keep thinking, what if it had been a child?
So here's what I learned:
1. Always carry your cell phone. I do. I was able to get a hold of my son to come to the dog owner's house and help However, some time ago I read about entering ICE (in case of emergency) numbers into your cell phone. Had I? No. Did I do it today? Yes. Here is the information, if you'd like:
2. Always carry a form of ID on your person. I am not in the habit of doing this...what if I'd been unconscious or unable to speak? My purse was locked up in my car about a mile away!The idea is that you store the word " I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency".
In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It's so simple that everyone can do it. Please do.
Please will you also email this to all the people you know, it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.
It’s a great idea, store it in your phone then pass on the message to your family and friends....
3. Bring along some protection...a walking stick, pepper spray, etc. Never thought I would need such things living in the country like I do. I know better now.
So, hopefully these are some ideas that may save someone else...I guess I won't be walking for awhile, anyway...these won't be red days, will they?
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.
Mimi
Debs xx
Walking stick, good idea as well, I like this idea, walking around with a BIG STICK, brandishing it high !! 
No harm no foul...