I got shouted at today

I haven’t been out much for a few weeks, but I managed to get enough motivation to take a big walk today. I’ve been borderline nocturnal atm so I thought I’d take my dog out before I go to sleep for a decent walk (6am). My dog is in heat so I thought because it’s early I probably won’t see many people. I went to a local nature reserve and sat down on a bench to watch the sun come up over a pond. I actually had a pretty nice time, it was peaceful and calming being in nature, especially with nobody else around. On my way back home I spot another dog on the path and then the owner, I pull my dog to the side and to the path next to us. Giving them room to pass. She thanks me (her tone of voice sounding sarcastic almost) and I say it’s okay and continue walking. Suddenly I notice her dog, who is off the lead, it’s following us, I continue walking, just wanting to get away from any sign of social interaction and hoping the dog will obey its owner and turn around. It doesn’t. She then asks if my dog is in heat so I reply yes. I’m still walking until she shouts over to me “well if you stop I can grab my dog!” So I stop. I’m getting a little visibly panicky now because that’s my natural response when I think someone is angry at me, so I hold my dog and wait for her. She starts berating me at this point, telling me I shouldn’t be out with my dog if she is in heat. And do I think it’s fair on my dog. I just reply with sorry, and I didn’t know, I’m on the verge of tears at this point. She continues saying stuff to me but it’s all a blur at this point. She takes the dog finally and leaves, I just start crying and running out. The journey home wasn’t fun, I just wanted to get home.

And the worse part is I just keep thinking that most people wouldn’t be this affected by this as much as I was. I’m just a weak, sensitive person who cries at any sign of conflict. And I’m upset that the first time I feel motivated to go on a long walk, something like this happens.