Dogs harassing walker on trail

Dear Abby: I live in an area with a large number of dog owners who frequent the same walking trails I do. On several occasions, I have encountered dogs that are offleash and running ahead of their owners. Sometimes the owner isn't even in sight. On several occasions, dogs have jumped up on me, almost knocking me to the ground. I'm in my late 60s, under 5 feet and weigh 105 pounds. I could easily be injured. I was once attacked and bitten.

My question is this: What's the best thing to say to these dog owners when they finally appear? The last time it happened, the owner happily said to her dog, “I know you're excited, but ...” The rest I couldn't hear because she had already passed me on the trail. Abby, she saw her dog jump up on me and never even acknowledged me.

I don't want to respond angrily, but in a friendly yet firm manner. Walker in Washington

Dear Walker: You are far too nice. Start carrying bear spray when you walk on the trail. If an offleash dog starts to jump on you, use it. When the owner shows up, say their dog charged you and take their picture. If they give you any trouble, file a police report.

Dear Abby: I met a real estate agent when I sold my house. He represented the buyer. After the sale, he represented me in a rental property. Then he said he wanted to partner with me in purchasing properties. After he borrowed $750 from me and didn't repay it, and I refused to loan him any more, he ghosted me. Should I sue him or chalk it up to a lesson learned?

Still Waiting in New Jersey Dear Still Waiting: If you have proof that you loaned the real estate agent money that he failed to repay, feel free to take him to court. (It's worth a try.) And when you are done with that, report him to the ethics committee of the real estate board in your area.