The couple took firearms training courses and got handguns and concealed carry permits in late 2009 after a PIT BULL named Big Boi menaced Shellie Zimmerman near their home. Big Boi later spooked a dog owned by Zimmerman’s mother-in-law prompting the Zimmerman’s to contact Seminole County Animal Services and to buy pepper spray. After a third encounter with the dog, George Zimmerman called authorities and an officer who came his home………..
ADVISED HIM TO TAKE UP ARMS.
“DON’T USE PEPPER SPRAY. IT’LL TAKE 2 OR 3 SECONDS TO TAKE EFFECT, BUT A QUARTER-SECOND FOR THE DOG TO JUMP YOU. GET A GUN.”
The volunteer neighborhood watchman continued the armed vigil over his gated community as a rash of burglaries left his neighbors frightened.