I really think that people get too caught up with firearms when it comes to SHTF weapons. A good study staff/cane/stick seems like something that would have tons a value.
Anytime I'm out and about at my wooded property in Owen county, I'm carrying this hiking staff.
As you mentioned, something like this is first-line defense against an aggressive feral dog ..... or if needed, it swings up instantly into the nads of an aggressive human.
I made it myself from a branch of bristlecone pine. It's very sturdy wood.
.....but yeah, as everyone says, get a shotgun, OP !