Dogs for self-defense? Weapon Tip #6

Hi friends,

I can’t believe Searching for Sanctuary is coming out next Friday!

Now is the time to dive into how Rita and April survive the mega hurricanes that devastate the Gulf and East Coasts – and the chaos that ensues!

There are six books in the series, so lots to read if you enjoy the first. 🙂

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Pets as self-defense – Self-defense Weapons Tip #6

Yes, our dogs are like family members and not really weapons, but when I started the self-defense weapons series I kept getting great stories of how readers had been saved or protected by their pets, so I had to mention them.

First a few tips, and then tell me what you think:

Pros:

1. Dogs as a deterrent.

There’s nothing better than stopping an attack before it happens! A home invader will think twice when they hear a barking dog. When out of the house, an attacker will often move on when they see you have an alert dog with you. If not, a warning growl can also turn aside a would-be attacker.

2. Dogs can fight for you.

In addition to any of your own self-defense moves, your dog’s strength and bite can make the difference fighting off an attacker.

3. Dogs can instill confidence.

For someone recovering from an attack(or other forms of PTSD) or those who live on their own, a protective dog can help instill confidence to feel safe when home alone or venturing outside.

Cons:

• Your dog isn’t always with you. When going to and from locations where pets aren’t allowed, you’ll be on your own.
• Many living situations don’t allow for owning a dog.
• There is added expense and investment of time to train and own a dog.
• Your dog might be too small or not have the right temperament to warn or fight off an attacker.
• Your dog could get hurt in an altercation.

So, what do you think? Has owning a dog made you feel safer? Has your dog come to the rescue and helped you in a potentially dangerous situation? I’d love to hear and share your stories!

Stay safe out there,

All the best,

— Misty 🙂

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Misty’s Writing Update:

Continuing my dog theme today, what do you think?

Should Toby, Rita’s loyal German Shepherd, join her in the final battle of Searching for Victory, Book #6?

Funny story – toward the end of book 5, we realized I’d forgotten to bring Toby along for the big events happening in the city. I then had to spend more time than I expected going back and adding him in to a handful of chapters . . . hint: a dog can really change how a fight scene plays out!

So now we have a big note at the top of our manuscript:

“Remember the dogs!” LOL

Currently, we’re putting together the final battle of the series, and it’s on a much larger scale than in previous books – military, good guys, bad guys, guns, fires – all at night in an big city. We’re also leaving a few valuable people home to protect the homestead.

So your verdict?

1. YES! Take Toby to the final battle in the city. He’s crucial and would help Rita stay alive!
2. No! Don’t take him into that chaos! He’d be more valuable protecting their homestead where they’ve left the kids (There might be an attack there, too, and Toby would still show off his heroic side).

Happy reading out there!

— Misty 🙂