I am owned by a cat, and I also own a dog. At 6 months old he is knee-high, 40 lbs., and so black you can't even see him at night. Black as a black hole, a flashlight at night just lights up his eyes, black. He is a cute puppy. Some mix of Setter, Black Lab, Chow, and something else. Did I mention he is blacker than elemental Carbon black?
But, I would shoot a dog, ANY dog, in a minute if it attacks me or my family. I value human life much, much more than other animals.
Sadly, a friend wound up in court for shooting a stray dog, on property he owned. The dog was not on the required leash, and was a long way from the owner's home. However, that didn't deter owner from threatening him, and eventually taking him to court. I still can't believe it. And the court failed to even mention to the owner that he was required to have the dog on a leash, just admonished my friend for killing it. Yeesh.
When walking, I carry a weapon (I hold an HCP), a knife, and a walking stick. But the stick is really just flimsy aluminum. It does have a fairly pointy carbide tip that would help hold off a dog until I could bring a weapon to bear. Think I might investigate a heavier unit though.
Glad everything seems to have come out ok for you.