My mother, in the later years of her life, bought a shih-tsu as a companion. It was a wonderful dog for her. One day she and Yuuki were at the dog park in Hawaii Kai and two German Shepherds saw the diminuative Yuuki and chased her under our table. Yuuki was scared as would be any small animal with the approach of the German Shepherds. In a few moments the German Shepherds lost interest and went on their way.
Then, a Jack Russell Terrier came in. Ostensibly smaller than Yuuki, but with close-cropped (or naturally shorter), bristly hair, the terrier passed us by. Suddenly, the two German Shepherds saw the small dog and charged. The Jack Russell Terrier took one look and charged TOWARD the two German Shepherds. I figured that was the end of the terrier. As they approached each other, full sprint, the German Shepherds froze. The Jack Russell Terrier froze. They sniffed each other. Then the German Shepherds turned and went on their way.
And, that reminds me of Allen Toma. A good friend. My only friend in the seventh grade! We were sitting alone at a table when we were approached by two big bullies. They addressed Allen who stood up to talk with them. The leader slapped Allen on the chest. I was in askance and not a little worried. Then Allen said, ’Give me my pencil back’. The bully had obviously grabbed Allen’s pencil from his pocket when he slapped him. I thought it was going to be war. The bullies shouted, but Allen was insistent and said calmly, ’I want my pencil back’.
There was an uneasy silence. Then the bullies gave Allen his pencil and left. I was always glad that Allen was my friend, and I never forgot the lesson.
You don’t back down from bullies.