Today (2/9/13) I went out for a walk and a black and white, mid-sized dog was coming up the sidewalk toward me on Colonial south of Helene. The dog moved into the street as it got closer to me so I was not concerned. It did have on a collar and a tag. But as it was passing me, I looked around and it started to bark at me and then proceeded to start following me. I kept walking and checked behind me a couple of times and it nipped at my ankle. Fortunately all it did was to tear the leg of my pants. I'd never seen the dog before so I have no idea to whom it belongs.
I did notice the dog again in a yard with another dog on my return. I'd picked up a stick to fend it off if it approached me again. Fortunately it was preoccupied with its friend.
I don't like dogs but am not one to be cruel to animals. But this incident has inspired me to buy pepper spray. And, I will not hesitate to use it should such an incident occur again.