Walking dog in the dark - what’s your winter solution ?

[InaPuddle]

Hi

Im female mid fifties.

Aging dog who is prone to puddles at night and waking household up (already on bladder meds) if not walked for 20 minutes about 8.30-9.30 pm (this pattern is an effective solution worked out throughout summer light evenings). NB Also walked earlier in the day regardless.

Live in a poorly lit, quiet residential area.

I take her out alone along the streets I consider safest, dog has a light up collar and I have a light coloured visible coat and carry my phone, no headphones worn ever, stay vigilant. I do this because I think it is the best solution though I am not comfortable and wouldn’t choose to walk alone at night otherwise.

Is this what you would do? If so would you carry a personal alarm? If you wouldn’t walk alone in the dark how would you manage this situation?

Yes I have a car but there are unavoidable walks between work and the car in dark residential area as well. I find that one a bit more intimidating weirdly because there are more people around but mostly they don’t live there they are to and from
work doctors college.

Everyone walks faster than me and I hate people approaching from behind and past me too close on small paths without speaking. With the dog this is less of a problem because she will sniff around and I can stop and face those approaching and do the polite help and this feels less intimidating!

however I am of the approach that life has to and should be got on with and I do that and stay vigilant

I have started to question myself
today after relative confided their worries. But dog needs the walk so…

In the day I walk the dog in open fields off lead behind my house. But when it's dark it does feel a bit remote. You can get other dog walkers and teenagers lurking about up there too. I've had one or two nasty experiences in the daytime (cyclists harassing me, following me and not leaving me alone) so at night I tend to just pavement walk with lead on and stay out of the fields.

Thank you everyone for your advice and experiences and examples of your approaches x