Sunny Days on Merritt Island

During my summer escapades on Merritt Island, Florida, long before it became a controversial topic, time seemed to stretch on. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a magnificent orange glow.

Those rainy summer days spent with my grandparents are among my fondest memories. Back in the '80s and '90s, when neighborhoods felt safe, we roamed freely, engaging in mischief and tracking dirt into the house, much to the dismay of our grandmothers.

My grandfather worked as an engineer for NASA, much like my best friend's father, who lived just two blocks away. Our friendship flourished as we frequently darted between our houses for sleepovers and adventures. Although we were easygoing kids, our neighborhood had its share of troublemakers.

Contrary to common belief, bullies often start as acquaintances. This was true for Jayson, a 14-year-old who towered over us at age 10. With few kids his age around, he found himself drawn to us, exhibiting a mix of adolescent frustration and aggression.

Research from Yale indicates that bullying often stems from one of three sources: difficulties at home, learning challenges, or a lack of empathy. The last point is particularly significant, often visible in brain scans that show underdeveloped areas responsible for empathetic responses. Ironically, both bullies and their victims may share this social disconnect.

The Shift in Our Friendship

Initially, Jayson was part of our group, but soon, his behavior changed. He began to play rough—snatching video game controllers and tripping us without reason, laughing as if it were a joke.

We found ourselves avoiding him, even hiding in bushes when we spotted him approaching.

A pivotal moment occurred months into Jayson's reign of terror. Ryan and I were enjoying a game of catch when Jayson emerged, menacingly towering over Ryan, a gentle, nerdy kid with a good sense of humor.

With no provocation, Jayson offered Ryan a choice of violence: "I'm giving you four options: A) I punch you in the face. B) I kick you in the crotch. C) I kick you in the shins. D) I peg you with this baseball."

Ryan, undeterred, replied, "Any chance for an option E?" To which Jayson responded by kicking him in the shins.

The Moment of Truth

One afternoon, while Ryan and I were constructing a makeshift treehouse, Jayson appeared uninvited. It’s curious how bullies seem to seek out those they torment.

"Hey, stupid. I want to pet your dog," he sneered, referring to our 120-pound Gordon Setter, Trapper, who was typically friendly but full of energy.

Reluctantly, I led Jayson to Trapper, who was on a long leash in the yard. I warned him, "Be gentle with his..."

"Shut up, I know how to pet a dog," Jayson interrupted.

Ignoring my warning, Jayson tugged at Trapper's long ear, mockingly stating, "This dog is ugly. Look at this long ear—"

In an instant, Trapper reacted, barking fiercely and leaping toward Jayson. As Jayson stumbled back, Trapper’s paws left red scratches on his arms, just shy of breaking the skin.

"Get down, Trapper!" I shouted, but it was too late.

Jayson, now in shock, bolted home in tears, leaving Ryan and me in stunned silence. We never encountered Jayson again after that day.

Trapper, my mischievous companion of twelve years, had effectively chased away a bully, and that made all the effort of caring for him worthwhile. I often wonder if my dog somehow sensed Jayson's negativity or understood his comments about his appearance.

Dogs have an uncanny ability to read people, and Trapper seemed to recognize the bad energy around us. Ultimately, Jayson moved on, and we spent the rest of our summer liberated from his malicious presence.

In this video, "DogVlog 123: How To Stop Bullying So It Doesn't Lead To Fighting!", we explore effective strategies to prevent bullying before it escalates.

The second video, "By Any Means Necessary when Dealing with a Bully! Let's Show Him how to Meet Dogs Properly", discusses how to manage interactions with bullies while ensuring safety for all involved.