I am legally blind and have to walk everywhere. I've encountered 2 dogs, different times, and was very lucky that I was in a busy traffic area. Two lovely ladies saw the dogs coming at me and stopped to pick me up (it helped that I was in the middle of the street!)

What can I do to protect myself? Calling 911 would be too slow, so can someone please suggest something? Also, there is a Bobcat loose in the next town and was spotted heading in my direction......UGH! It's just not safe anymore.