Product Review: Mace Muzzle Dog Repellent Spray

Before I begin, I would like to make it clear that I love animals. I am not part of the Michael Vick set, who strives to see them in the throes of torture, nor do I look for a way to make a fortune off man's best friend. I am, however, relatively protective over my body, as well as my girlfriend. And I deem it necessary to take the proper precautionary measures that neither one of us are going to get hurt. We both enjoy taking walks in our neighborhood, sometimes dusting off the Huffy bicycles and venturing out after a quick dinner. Television shows like Deal or no Deal can just as easily be viewed at a later time after we experience the beauty of a sunset with the wind at our backs.

But lately, such forms of exercise have become more and more troublesome. And not because the latest Fall preview lineup on TV has jumped into our living rooms. Instead, we have found ourselves at the mercy of inconsiderate neighbors. And you probably know the type. They leave their dogs unleashed and unchained; the canine often waits in hiding under a parked vehicle in their driveway, shadowed and well-hidden from the unsuspecting passerby. Then, when all is right with the world, a darting bullet in furry-form, snarling and raging at two individuals whose only defense may be a set of keys, Nike sneakers, and a cheap pedometer.

Often, the dog owner will be outside to call the dog away from you, and he or she will inform you in a good natured unabashed sing-song, "That is Rex's way of saying hello. He won't bite you." Sure. And yet strangely enough, this does little to soothe the nerves, since this was the very same Rex that seconds ago, had a wild-eyed, foaming-at-the-mouth-I-am-going-to-rip-you-apart expression that would make Hercules himself bolt away in his sandals.