I learned the most terrifying lesson while walking home from work one night.

Hello.<br><br>This just happened to me about 5 minutes ago. I work as a nurse and I’m currently in training so I can be a travel nurse. I currently reside in an apartment in Las Vegas to complete specialty training. I miss my dog back home so much so I stay on the phone with him and sometimes he even falls asleep while I’m on the phone with him and it’s just the cutest thing. <br><br>I decided to stay late at work and ask some questions that I had about the job. I’m not sure what time exactly it was but it was dark outside so I’m assuming it was around 7-8. <br><br>It’s a two mile walk but I’m a young, fit woman so I’m not too terrified to walk home in the dark alone. I usually listen to music or a podcast as I walk home and then as I get closer to my apartment and it starts to get really dark, I’ll call my dog and just talk with him the rest of the way home. <br><br>I stay on the main roads and cross at the crosswalks and don’t take any shortcuts. I also have pepper spray attached to my ID that I carry with me everywhere. <br><br>I called my dog and we were discussing what he wants to eat for dinner. He’s a very smart dog and he knows a ton of words. He’s extremely good at listening. I ask him “Do you want kibbles for dinner?” And he will usually respond with a “Woof!” If he wants kibbles. If not, he’s quiet. <br><br>I have a buddy system with my dog. I ask him “Buddy system?” And he will respond with “woof woof”. This means he’s paying attention to my surroundings. <br><br>I kept hearing footsteps behind me. At first I didn’t think anything of it but as I got closer to my apartment, it became more and more obvious that someone was following me. I kept looking over my shoulder to try to get a visual of the person but they always stayed just out of view. <br><br>I asked my dog “Buddy system?” And he responded with “Woof woof” and I said “Good boy” and he stopped responding and was quiet. I could still hear the footsteps. I was trying to pull out my pepper spray and I never actually got it out but while fidgeting with it, it made a loud noise.<br><br>I heard the footsteps immediately stop. It was dead silent behind me for what felt like forever. I turned around fully expecting to see someone but there was no one there. <br><br>I’m positive that whoever it was stopped following me when they heard my dog respond to “Buddy system”. It’s so weird because they definitely heard my dog(which was very loud) and they definitely heard him respond. <br><br>I feel awful typing this but if I didn’t have my dog to help keep me safe, I probably would have been attacked, who knows what would have happened to me. <br><br>I just learned the most terrifying lesson tonight. It’s not safe for women to be out after dark walking alone, even on a well lit street just because we are women. <br><br>I’m so grateful for my dog and the buddy system we have together. You’re the best boy ever and you’re always protecting me and thank you just isn’t enough. <br><br>And to whoever was following me, let’s not meet again. <br><br><br>UPDATE: <br><br>Thank you all for the positive comments and for all the awards. I’m so thankful and grateful for your kindness. I admit that yes, women and men both can be attacked. But I can only speak from my perspective as a woman. I didn’t say men can’t be attacked, it’s just from my view as a woman, I feel like I have to be more careful. <br><br>Most of you are very nice and have given great advice. Thank you. <br><br>I don’t carry my pepper spray in my purse. It is attached to my ID in which I carry in my bra. I made sure that if my purse were to be stolen, I still have my pepper spray. <br><br>Like I said, I work in a hospital. I am a medical professional. I didn’t say what kind of dog my dog is. I just said he’s smart. He’s also a medical alert dog and service dog. He’s also an emotional support dog. <br><br>To the person who said I was talking about my dog too much, you clearly don’t understand how a service dog works. They are a persons best friend and protector. They are a part of their family and a part of their mobility. My dog is literally my shadow and is with me everywhere I go. <br><br>To the person who said the police aren’t real, I can’t respond to that. <br><br>Also, this isn’t a “me too” post. I’m so sorry that you’ve had bad experiences but I’m just sharing mine. <br><br>Thank you again to everyone who’s been supportive and hasn’t been rude.