"Discretion Is The Better Part of Valour"

Or something like that.  And while I think it's supposed to suggest that sometimes you're better off to simply avoid a dangerous situation altogether, I prefer to interpret it as "be brave, but be smart".

Cause there's no way I'm gonna avoid this situation.  I live here!  This is my neighbourhood!  The property that he walks his dogs on is owned by the province of Ontario to which I pay a lot of taxes, and I demand my right to run there without harassment or fear.

But being smart, not stupid, does make sense and so that's what I'm gonna do.  All the helpful comments reminded me that indeed it is the man who needs a lesson, not the dogs, and as such I have devised a new strategy beyond the spray and the stick.

As John mentioned, it's probably unwise to use the implements of destruction (thx Arlo...brownie points to the first person who can explain that reference without research), on the man, and since I believe in gun control because then you can't shoot someone when you're mad, the same thing applies at least to the hockey stick.  I will leave it at home for now, although I have it ready.

As to the strategy I will leave that for another day, as it's still percolating.  Suffice it to say that's it's intended to treat the dogs kindly even when they snarl at me, and if it works, drive the man insane.  We shall see eh?

One thing I have decided is that I am never gonna waste a single word on this maniac again.  I'm not gonna talk to him ever!  I refuse to respond in kind to his abuse. Besides he doesn't even know the level of compliment he paid me when he named me "idiot", and I'm even good with being called a retard!!  Yes!!  Seriously!!

And did you know that about 10 years ago the province implemented something called the Dog Owners Liability Act, under which you can take someone to court for the actions of their pet. It's fairly comprehensive but I don't know how much "bite" it has in actual fact.  One interesting element is that your dog doesn't have to bite someone before you can be liable.  Just scaring the crap out of people is grounds enough. 

And just for the sake of clarity what makes this situation more difficult than normal, is that although the old hospital grounds are provincially owned, they are still technically private property, and unless we have some official business there, we are all in fact trespassing.

Also does anyone know, or know someone who knows, how to discover the owner of a vehicle by their plate number.  That would be very, very valuable!

"I'm retarded - I mean I'm retired"--- Frank Serpico

...and am I the only person who didn't know there was a real "Serpico"?

Love
Peter