I’ve developed a new shadow this week, in the form of a young boy. Since my kids are adults now, I am really not good at guessing ages. He is old enough to ride a bike and is learning to ride a skateboard, and he has really good manners, but he is YOUNG. Maybe 7 or 8? I keep forgetting to ask.
A few weeks ago, when I was walking SNUFF my German Shepherd, the little boy said, “Excuse me Ma’am, may I pet your dog?” I told him that I did not think it was a good idea because Snuff was “working” and she is kind of protective of me while she is on the job. I then thanked him for asking and continued on my way.
The following week when Danica and I were taking a walk in the evening, the little boy was outside with an older person (older than him younger than me) boy I am bad at ages. I would have guessed the other young man was 18 or 19. Both boys said Hello to us as we were passing. I took a minute to stop and tell the older boy (maybe his father?) that the younger one had incredible manners. (something I always loved to hear about my kids, because they didn’t have those incredible manners at home) We talked for a few minutes, and I told the older boy (his brother) that if the younger one still wanted to meet Snuff, that he and their parent could come to my house, where my dog would be more relaxed.
They have not come by. shrug?
The other day, I was walking D.O.G. and the younger boy ran out of his house asking if he could pet my other dog. D.O.G. is friendly as hell, so I stopped and said, “Okay, sure.” After about 5 minutes, I told him I needed to finish my walk, and tried to say Goodbye. The little guy, I now know his name is Dalton, started following me and he hasn’t stopped. Every day I pass his house and he runs outside yelling, “Good morning, Ms. Grace”. It’s cute, he’s sweet. So why is this a problem?
Because he keeps following me home. I’ve tried to tell him that he can not come to my house without a parent, (who I have yet to meet) or his older brother. I feel bad. We live in a way different world than when my kids were younger, and I was the Kool-aid house. I am sad that this little boy is alone so much, but I don’t want to be a babysitter. I also don’t want him hanging around my house waiting for me or the dogs to come outside and get hurt.
I’ve thought about stopping at his house one night and asking to meet his mom, but (1) I don’t want to get him in trouble for being bored, and (2) what if I find out he is alone all day, am I morally obligated to do something? I really really really don’t want to “involved”, but that’s what I do.
What would you do?
MS Graceful...NOT! 