What type of dog do you have? I'm not great with breeds but is it a puppy/small dog/big dog?
I have a malti-poo. Half maltese, half poodle. He is small - about 8 pounds, and just the sweetest lil guy ever!
That's so cool, he sounds really cute! Does he like the walks you take him on after work? Is he trained to walk without a leash?
He absolutely loves his walks. I cannot walk him without a leash. I would not trust him. He would likely chase after a squirrel. lol
Would you ever consider teaching him to take walks without a leash? I think in general they might be better for him. Positive reinforcement with treats totally works I heard.
He is so little that sometimes the leash is needed for his own safety. We have had hawks in the area pickup small dogs like him.
That is very understandable, safety comes first! I've heard the same sort of issues happening New Jersey, so it doesn't surpise me that it happens in Atlanta too. 
Also, other bigger dogs can be a problem too. Plenty of times I have had to grab him by the leash and scoop him up as fast as I could because a bigger dog was after him. If he was off the leash I'm not sure he'd have a chance trying to defend himself.
Yeah that's crazy stuff. Dog owners need to be careful in training their pets, otherwise it can be totally detrimental to others. I'm sure your friends and neighours feel the same way as well,
Yes, most of them are responsible, but almost weekly some big dog from somebody's yard gets out!
Would you say its harder to raise and train big dogs compared to smaller ones? Mastiffs and Great Danes seem quite intimidating, but I heard they're actually softies.