How on earth are you calling my comment gaslighting? I merely pointed out that both of our examples are a single person‘s data point, and we cannot draw broad conclusions from them.
Maybe dogs hate the way I smell and love the way you smell but that doesn't make it right.
I do carry defenses (rocks, pepper spray) to deal with the situation and avoid injury but having to be on guard for dogs at every second and ready to pull out these things on a moment's notice is NOT a pleasant way to cope.
I respect your wish not to feel threatened and I tried to show that, no need to make incorrect replies.