Inb4 religion...Whats is a good reason why you havent armed yourself? With everything going on around us, it might benefit the world as a whole for you to equip yourself with an equalizer.
Go buy a cheap pistol at the very least and learn to put rounds on target. We need all the backup we can get.
I am glad this is your decision to make.
I will share the gun store is only open certain hours and the background check may not come back the same day. Also consider payment method. Its possible to keep your purchase on the down low, and store a firearm disassembled, in two or more hidden lock boxes. It could then be retrieved and reassembled in less time than going out. My definition of "safe storage" is a level 2 holster on my hip, just to clarify.
Dogs are awesome. Happy Thanksgiving!