Don't you think that 14 is a little young to let your child go door-to-door, alone without a partner (let alone adult supervision) peddling for a fundraiser? I agree that the guy was out of line for how he handled the situation, but I have to question why on Earth, with all of the crime and child abductions out there, you are allowing your son to be put in these situations in the first place. The world is a far different place from the way it was when we were kids, selling girl scout cookies and boy scout popcorn door-to-door.
I think that you may also have overreacted in going to the police and attempting to file a report. Again, I think the man mis-handled the situation, but he is right to a point. People do get shot, attacked by dogs, et cetera for "trespassing" (soliciting). Is it right in this case? Probably not. Does it happen? Yes. Feel lucky that the dog was tied up and didn't have the opportunity to attack your unattended child-I am far happier to hear that the worst he was made to endure was a verbal "assault."

This is sad and totally different from our usual comfort zone in Bulloch County. Because of my age, I have seen the day my family and I could leave our doors unlocked at all times, and feel comfortable in the process. Unfortunately, there are presently both distant and close neighbors that have no respect for our children and that saddens me greatly. In my day, we would not only welcome the child, we'd scold the dog for making such a fuss and then we'd buy what he was selling for his worthwhile cause. Times have changed and for that I am saddened.

What happened to the world we use to live in???? I don't think 14 is too young to go in his own neighborhood. I'm not sure if I would have gone to the police station but I sure wish you would let me know what business this person owns and I want shop there.

I agree we should have the right to protect our property but from a 14 year old selling tickets!!!!! OMG!!! Just don't answer the door if you are scared or don't want to buy stuff. Cussing at this child is abuse!!!!

No, I don't think 14 is too young for him to go door to door. He keeps his cell phone on him at all times. He has been told to stand on the porch and not go inside. He is also going out during the middle of the day, not near or after dark. He is only going to neighborhoods that we are familiar with.

I'm from the same era as you, Luree. I remember those good ole days. We never had trouble with neighbors until a policeman(of all people) moved next door. You would think that would be a good thing, NOT. I was already grown by then but was living with my parents as my husband was overseas and I had just had a baby.

Those parents had no control over those kids. They had a German Shepard that would attack for no reason. My Daddy hid in his shop once when the rest of the family was gone. He caught the oldest boy climbing in up over the eaves of shop. Another time my brother was home sick and the same boy was trying to beak into the house. My brother got his 22 rifle and threaten to shoot the German Shepard dog if it attacked our ole toothless bull dog.

Some people can just be so insensitive to other people. So sad that we have to live around people like that.

I think a police report was in order, but I would go back and speak with a supervisor or the chief. Threats were made against a juvenile, and people have been arrested for cursing in a juvenile's presence.

Maybe going to the police station seems to be an overreaction on my part, but the fact that the man thinks it is okay to harm people who step on his property is a cause for concern. Somebody needs to let him know that he is liable if his dog harms someone or if he decides to whip out a gun and shoot someone.

I would have been happy if a police officer would have just gone to him and talked to him about the incident.

the police should have at least warned the guy that he needed to post some signs - if he wont then yall be good neighbors (cause he doesnt seem to know how) and put some up for him!

I do not think 14 is to young. If the kid was familiar with the neighborhood, then he certainly would have felt safe. I cannot believe some of you are blaming the kid. That dang grown man was way out of line. If the kid was there to break in and rob him he certainly would not have knocked on the door.

Good luck with the fund raiser. I would buy one if I lived near you.

Thanks, Burke!! I appreciate that:)

Wait a sec, there, Burke-never once did I blame the kid. I blame the parents for allowing their child to be put in this situation. We all know of the dangers out there, and how close to home they are. The only way you can ensure that your child is truly safe is by parental supervision, or at the very least employing the buddy system.
Also, I think the guy who was shouting at the kid was way out of line.
Should the child feel safe, since he's in his own neighborhood during daylight hours? Ideally, yes. Unfortunately, this is far from a utopian society, and when a child is getting snatched, I think the last thing a kidnapper/molester/murderer is going to do is allow them a phone call.

You have a point ProCommonSense. A buddy system is a good idea. My husband usually goes out with my son when he gets home from work. They have been walking all over our neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods.

It really is sad that we have to constantly worry about people like this man. My son really wants to help pay his way for this trip, but we will probably have to limit his "peddling" to late afternoon when we get home.

Oh and by the way....I would be glad to buy one. How much are they and when do you pick them up?

I realize that, Procom, but you did come down on his family pretty hard. It is so sad that we live in a society where we have to be so suspicious of every one and everything around us. Would you think that child would have been any safer with another child? An evil person with maliciousness in their heart would just take both kids. I'm just saying that child should have been safe even from that very rude insensitive person.

I wonder why the man didn't just call the mom and dad since he knew them if he was really concerned. Why curse at a child? Also, I'm surprised that something hasn't been done about the dog if he has already put someone in the hospital. That sounds a little strange. What is an ok age to let your child do something like that, or play in the yard by himself, or ride a bicycle in the neighborhood without parents? It's getting to the point that it is scary to let children get out of sight at all. I can remember living in a much larger location as a small child and running all over the neighborhood with friends without any parents. Everyone in t he neighborhood knew each other and looked out for everyone else's kids. There were also a lot of stay at home mom's in the neighborhood. It wasn't unusual for kids in the neighborhood to stop at one of the mom's homes (sometimes a dozen at a time) for snacks. No one there thought anything of it. Yet, now I would be terrified to let my child do the same thing. In some ways, we've made a lot of progress. In others, we have lost a great deal, especially innocence.

Since the person that got bitten was one of his employees, I am guessing he paid the hospital bill and asked the person not to report it. Or he could have been telling us a story to make his dog seem more vicious. He kept telling my husband to walk up to the carport to see what the dog would do.

The man claims he did not realize it was our son. He has met our son before, but I could understand if he didn't recognize him. My son was wearing his team shirt along with the team hat. Not sure why the guy didn't at least notice that much.

When I was a kid, we walked to school. I remember being in 1st grade and walking to and from school - usually with my brother and sisters. We had no parents at home after school or in the summers. We lived in a small town in Kansas and we never had a problem - not once. I miss those days. I also have a 6-year old daughter that I won't allow to go in the yard by herself.

Could he have forgotten to take medication or have been on something to cause him to act crazy?

Who are you talking about, Dorothyn? Is it the rude man with dog or is it David Pearce? LOL Just kidding, David.

Dearest PRO-not!! This is a couple of parents providing their son opportunities to "cut the apron string" and gain independence, build his self-esteem and has been taught respect, behavior.

There is NOTHING wrong with a 14 year old going door to door, perhaps offering to cut grass for a little spending money, perhaps selling magazines or other things such as this!

Next year, we will have Census workers doing the same thing, adult strangers!

It does not say but I assume this homeowner did NOT have a fence. I assume this homeowner had a walk up to the front door. These two things happen to represent a form of access to the household from outside sources.

Doro brings up the possibility of a "bad day" for some unknown reason--surely this homeowner still would not have an excuse for such language to a young teen showing respect.

For the dog, why should neighbors put up with such an animal? If it were a chain on the animal, maybe some form of cruelty could be lodged (raw neck) and if it were a rope, it is easy for dogs to chew through. With an animal as described, near a school where children go- even in summer, to play - I would think Police should act on a complaint!

This young man-to-be should be encouraged on continuing his development into becoming a fine young man,, respectful, independent, self-assured and a benefit to the community!
NOT tied to an apron string, sitting home playing wii, wasting his future talents on cop-outs and served french fries to go with that.

Actually, I brought up mental issues and medication, not a bad day. There isn't an excuse for being mean to a kid like that. However, some people do have mental issues.

Williamser....thanks so much for your kind words. My son is a very responsible and smart young man for his 14 years.

My son has offered to cut grass, as well, to earn money for his trip. He cut grass a couple of weeks ago for someone that I work with. He is a hard worker and doesn't complain too much.

I was beginning to wonder if I had made a bad judgment call by allowing my son to go door-to-door. I was a little worried about him at first, but after we went over the rules, I felt more confident. I made sure he tells everyone who he is and why he is selling boston butts. He also is asking each person that purchases one that we will gladly deliver it to them if they feel they can not be there to pick it up when it is ready. He is to tell them thank you, whether they buy a ticket or not. He checks in with us often, and we call him to check on him often during the day.

I am pretty darn proud of him for offering to help without being asked.

I do feel sorry for the census workers that you mentioned who will be knocking on his door next year. Maybe by then he will put some signs up.

Statesborogirl....the Boston Butts are $25.00 and will be ready on Saturday, July 18 in the Park Avenue Bank parking lot next to Wal-Mart. We will be there from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 for pick up. The butts average about 10 pounds each. If you would like to get a ticket from me, you can email me at Lasa1965@hotmail.com and I will get a ticket to you. Or you can send me a message on my profile here on the website. I'd rather not give out phone numbers on here:)

Lasa, do you have butts left? Or was your son just taking orders? I'm coming to Statesboro Thurs. or Friday and I'd love to help your son out a little. You can send me a private message on where to meet you.

I meant to say he is telling each person that purchases a boston butt that we will gladly deliver it to them if they cannot pick it up that day.

Thanks, Lasa. I just saw your comment to Statesborogirl.

We will probably have a few extra butts that day if somebody doesn't get a ticket ahead of time. We like to do the pre-order thing so that we have an idea of how many to buy and cook. Each child is selling tickets individually to help pay for his own costs.

Fourteen is NOT too young for this...not here. It may be for New York City or Detroit. Sure, we have to be careful of the neighborhood...but you were not an irresponsible parent for allowing him to do his fundraising.

Not content with domestically produced jerks,we import them as well.Since the dog owner has moved to this country, he might take the time to learn just a little bit about American culture.

I don't think he can be excused for acting badly ,and I doubt that it is purely a matter of clashing cultures since the behavior described would be considered unacceptable in most places.

He may,however, be under a great deal of stress or be emotionally troubled.At any rate,14 -yr-olds should be able to sell stuff door-to-door without being abused.

Thanks, theflyonethewall. I appreciate your comments.

Yes, he needs to learn what is acceptable here. Problem is that he has been in the US for more than 30 years, from what I understand. If he hasn't learned by now, there may be no hope.

FirstM8...thanks for your comment, too. He is a mature 14-year-old, both physically and mentally/emotionally.

I am impressed that he offered to do all of this on his own without prompting, especially grass cutting. He sounds like a responsible boy. It sounds like you and your husband have raised him well.

lasa, as unhappy as you may be with this situation, the officer was correct. There is nothing he could have done in regards to this civil matter. The only possible crimes that he may have even come close to violating were Disorderly Conduct and maybe Simple Assault. Disorderly Conduct will not work because it pertains to using profanity in the presence of a child UNDER the age of 14. Simple Assault may work, but an actual threat must be made. Based on your post it sounds like the only thing the man did was warn your son what the dog would do to him based on previous incidents and experiences. It doesnt sound as though he threatened to let the dog loose on him. As for the dog itself, as long as the dog is current on his shots, and tied up with access to food and water, there is not much the police department could do for you. Animal matters are usually handled by Bulloch County Animal Control Officers. I am really disappointed in this man's behavior and would love to have a word or five with him, but unfortunately there is not alot that can be done about it except to stay away from him and his property.

there was a blog a while back about tied up dogs, it's cruel and stressful for an animal that's supposed to be mans best friend-your son seems like a great young man lasa and with supportive parents like yall I know he won't grow up to be like the vicious man he had to deal with!

dirtroadlady - thanks for the comment. I feel bad for the dog, but at least he is in the shade of the carport. I worry that if this "vicious" dog ever gets loose, he might head for the elementary school that is one block away. But maybe the dog isn't so vicious when he isn't tied up.

If this dude as smart he'd have a Beware of Dog sign on his property. If someone gets bitten...even if they are on his property and he doesn't have a sign...shame on him.

Guesswhat - thanks for explaining all that WAY more than the police officer did. I have seen officers go and talk to people just to talk about a situation, not with the intent of an arrest, but as a way to explain the law...maybe let the guy give his side of what happened. It seems if there is a valid complaint - that if it bordered on breaking a law - they would feel compelled to at least have a word with the man. I sure hope I never have to read about the man being arrested for injuring someone on his property.

My nephew was jogging down Mulberry Street recently when a pit bull came out of a home near Grady and Mulberry and bit into his calf muscle. He was taken to the hospital. The police were called and the guy that was "keeping the dog for its owner" was on probation for some crime. The guy was arrested. The bottom line is he was suppose to "communicate with the owner" about the dog and pay the hospital bills. All of them have disappeared. As you know Mulberry is near downtown. Not exactly an unsafe area. If this can happen in a relatively quite area it can happen anywhere. Lasa, I would say your son was lucky. I do think a 14 year old is old enough to venture out without his parents, but it seems to be a sad state that we find ourselves in.

Searcher, that always seems to be the case with a vicious dog. "I'm keeping it for a friend" or it "belongs to my brother." Personally, I think the owners should be tied up in the sun without any water or food. Most of those dog are used for fighting and are almost always mistreated. It is just so sad for the animals and everyone that comes in contact with them. Those dogs are not born vicious. They are made that way by uncaring owners.

It is very unfortunate that people teach their dogs to be mean. It makes you wonder if the owners are trying to hide something sometimes...making their dogs so vicious that nobody dares approach their home.

I think that may be true, Lasa. Dog fighting and drugs do go hand and hand.

Keeping a dog tied without social interaction with humans - positive social interaction - will drive a dog crazy and make it more aggressive. Being tied makes it feel vulnerable - it can't flee, so it must fight.

I think having a dog on a run line with supervision for limited times is OK, but tethered to a stake on a short chain is so cruel.

Thanks for the more detailed information, Guesswhat. I've seen people arrested for cursing in front of kids but did not know it meant under 14. I thought it was all juveniles.

Lasa, did the man threaten your son with bodily harm? Either way he is a creep.

It is hard to say. He said his dog would eat my son up. Not sure if he was just saying the dog had the potential to eat him up, or if he didn't leave the property the dog WOULD eat him up. Either way it seems like a threat to me...but maybe I am just reacting this way since he is my child? No...actually I think I would react this way even if it weren't my child.

READ THIS CAREFULLY:

Lasa said : "He knocked on the door .... Nobody answered, but a dog under the carport began barking. My son started walking back down the driveway and away from the house when the owner of the house came out yelling and screaming obscenities at my son. He said things like, "What the f*&% are you doing on my property?" and, "My dog will f*&%ing eat you up!"

This sounds like a threat and abusive langiage to me. All the kid did was knock.

I think it takes a lazy cop that didn't see the danger in this situation. You should report this incident to the chief. Too many times ,a criminal is uncovered simply from an incident report such as this one. I do believe the man was fearful of being caught for something.What in the world could he be so afraid of being found out? Drugs...Guns...money laundering...counterfit? Makes ME wonder. I am glad the boy was not physically hurt...but what about the emotional hurt?

Statesboro cop, huh? "Civil crime" my old Aunt Nellie's left patoot.

Terroristic threats is a crime (last time I checked). Threatening to shoot somebody for trespassing is downright stoopid. Especially if it is broad freaking daylight and they represent no threat, MOST ESPECIALLY if your lazy, immigrant butt has not spent the $1.00 at Home Depot to buy a "No Trespassing" sign to put up...

Betcha had it bee nthe Mayor or a member of City Council walked in the Satesboro PD office with that story, our buddy with the potty mouth, itchy trigger finger and mouthy dog woulda become a guest of the county so fast his head would be spinning.

Welcome to Statesboro.