[bluedragon]

I have a most unusual problem, which will sound very strange to many people I think.

Here in Romania, there are stray dogs on the street EVERYWHERE - in every park, on every street, even in the center of Bucharest which is the capital. Most people are used to them and are never afraid. They can walk through a pack of 5 dogs without skipping a beat. If the dogs bark at them, they just yell at the dogs and the dogs run.

However, a few people were killed by dogs, one Japanese tourist and a few others. And many people are being bitten by dogs daily and need to get tens of shots in the belly.

Some people avoid dogs, and when they see them, they either make a detour or cross on the other side of the road. This can get really annoying sometimes. I am one of those who are very afraid of dogs. If I am alone and I see a dog, I either cross the road or even go back. If there are other people around, I am less afraid, and if I am WITH someone, even if it's a child or a girl who is more scared then I usually am, then I am not afraid AT ALL. There can be a pack of 20 dogs passing by us, the adrenaline will just not kick in. I guess I am just convinced they will not attack 2 people. But if I am alone, even one small dog who barks at me will make a bucket of adrenaline be spilled into my bloodstream and I go crazy. I have been bitten by a dog belonging to some shepherds, but I don't think that is the cause. I just don't know what to do to get over it. I don't even know if it's logical not to be afraid of dogs, since there is the possibility to be killed by them, but apparently, those who are not afraid never ever get attacked or barked at. So I guess for them, it is logical. I am not sure if this is an emotional problem or a mental one. But it is really interfering with my freedom of movement around the city. I wouldn't have the guts to go out after midnight and walk 2 blocks.

Anyone else has experience with this kind of thing and could offer some advice?