thanks Donna and Jo!
I thought maybe I was being too sensitive. I know not everyone loves dogs in their face and some people do have fears of them.
my neighbor's wife is afraid of big dogs b/c she's been bitten TWICE by 2 different dogs that the owners said 'they won't bite'. can't say I blame her there. when they moved in I was really worried - Keegan went sailing down there with me in hot pursuit and I was like I am sooooo sorry. she turned and looked at me and was - its ok I know she won't hurt me.
I'll admit - a 110 pound dog running at you full force barking her fool head off- would be intimidating. But in my uncle's wife's case - that has never happened.