I hunted, fished and backpacked for more than 4 decades without concerning myself with the dogs, cats or anything else (do carry silver for werewolves, though).
Six years ago, a black bear tried to have me for supper (stalked and charged). I was armed only with a muzzle loader (very fortunately, I have a double barrel). HOWEVER, even after two perfect shots, it wasn't quite dead (fell and was incapacitated at about 12 feet).
Between when he fell and when he stopped moving, I sure wanted my .357. I'll never be in the mountains again without my REAL rifle or the sidearm. I don't have enough faith in the stopping power of a bow, muzzle loader or a fishing rod.
My choice is a Colt SAA .357 (I bought a knock-off so as to save those expensive Colts.) It is my choice simply because I've been shooting them since 1967 and I can actually hit things.
Within the shadows, go quietly.