Here is how I justify it. I think back. I think back to walking by schools and seeing hordes of excited children gather around to pet him. I think back to taking him to the retirement community in which my mother lives -- on a leash, of course (my dog, not my mother) -- and seeing the joy that shows up on peoples' faces. To be honest, fear shows up about one in 10 times, but the nine joys make it worth it ... unless, maybe you're that 10th person.