In the beginning...

This inaugural post, coming on Valentine's Day, is dedicated to my dogs: Murphy, Sienna, and Mocha. My wife's Valentine's present to me today was a "Superleash" designed so that I could walk all three of them at once without having to employ my limited juggling skills to keep the leashes untangled. At the same time, it will keep one hand free in case I have to use the gift I gave myself, new paddle holsters for my Kimber 45 and my Smith & Wesson Airlite 357 magnum.

For some reason, there is an increasing number of pitbulls along my walking route, some of which are allowed to run free, and all of which can cause one a great deal of concern when in their presence. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike pitbulls. I'm sure many of them are great dogs when raised properly and by well-intentioned people. However, I think some people get them as part of a "power trip" or because they are afraid and think they will be good protection. In either case, I'd prefer not to be around them, especially when I have my dogs with me. Who knows when their owners might, intentionally or not, lose control of them and what bad things will happen when they do? I sure don't want myself or my dogs to be victimized.

Fortunately, I have a Concealed Firearm Permit(the first one issued in Nebraska), and I am always prepared. Serious dog attacks are rare here in Lincoln, however, even in this small midwestern city, armed robberies are not. A man about my age, walking his dogs, was knocked down and robbed by two young assailants not two blocks from my home just last year. Seldom does a day go by without an armed robbery somewhere in the city. As unlikely as it might be for me to be the victim of one, it won't happen without a battle.

Below are my dogs, and some of my guns: