I feel for you. I think it stinks that meter readers, mail carriers, etc. have to risk their safety to go in people's yards, to perform a service. It is no one RIGHT to have their meter read or mail delivered. It is a privledge. I think they LEAST they can do is make sure no one is going to get bit.

When I bought my house, one of the meters was in the dog's yard. I called the gas company and had them move the meter, at my expense, to the other side of the house. No problem, I felt it was what I should do. I never expected the meter reader to negotiate my dogs!

I think you definately should be allowed to carry pepper spray. I carry pepper spray every time I take my dogs for a walk, and I will NOT hesitate to spray a loose dog that tries to attack my leashed dog.

I also keep pepper spray in my boarding kennel. It would be stupid of me not to. I've never had to use it, in eight years, but I have considered it a time or two.

Dogs, however domesticated we see them, are still animals. Animals are unpredictable at times ... ALL animals. Better to have a dog sprayed with pepper spray, then shot or gassed by animal control for biting someone.