Do you keep a really big dude nearby as like a body guard or some such?

I have a friend who is 6'7" but he's a gentle giant

I'm fine with my shoulder harness, today it has a training 9mm in it

I keep a body double w me at all times in case I need to jump on a proverbial grenade

yes and armed too and two highly aggressive dogs

I am the guy although I'm not really big.

No, iam the bid guy,

I keep him aroundas the "after" while I play the "before" role