Kate,
Hmm....I used to run with pepper spray, which was legal in Massachusetts, at least at the time. I don't know if it is legal in all places. I stopped using it as I felt it caused a false sense of security, as well as it probably wouldn't do me any good unless I was walking with it, opened and ready to use.

I look at it like this. You cannot stop all crime from happening. Face it. Then, I look at what I can do to be most protected. Walk in crowds, don't carry my pocketbook in a way that someone could lift it from me, lock my car and house doors at all times. Also, when I walk anywhere (and imagine me, with Jonah in my arms approaching my car), I am alert, looking around all the time, over my shoulder- I am VERY much aware of what is going on around me. I do look in my back seat. I tend to go places during 'safe' times, and things in safe locations. I don't like going into bathrooms that are in a long hallway..so, I avoid them.

Like Karen said, I walk with confidence, I look people in the eye. I smile and say hello to people- not cause I love them all, but, I want them to know I am big and bad and not scared of anyone.

I don't walk places alone at night. I was even nervous with Binx about, when we walked in the pre-dawn mornings..but, his size alone was imposing.

As to the house, I have my own alarm(s)-namely my cats. I can tell in an instant if someone is in my house. If I don't have cats greeting me at the door, no matter which one I come in, there is a problem. I know when someone approaches my door- they all run 15 seconds before I hear them on the steps. Except for Monte, of course. He runs FOR the door. Maybe I could ship you Monte as your own personal guardcat. The more I think about it, the more I like that idea.

Seriously, you must be safe-and careful.