In an incredible demonstration of courage and sibling love, six-year-old Bridger Walker saved his sister from a vicious dog attack. His love for his sister surpassed the fear of an attacking animal and he made a split-second decision. The story shared on his aunt Nicole Walker’s Instagram account has caught the attention of Hollywood celebrities as well.
How Did the Dog Attack Incident Happen?
The incident took place in Wyoming in the US. On July 9, Bridger and his sister were visiting a friend. While hanging out, they went to the backyard and saw two dogs. The friend pointed one out as a nice dog and the other one as a mean dog. At that moment, Bridger saw the mean one, a 1-year old German shepherd, run towards them.
Guessing that the dog was aiming to lunge at his sister, Bridger moved sideways in front of his sister. He kept repositioning himself so that the dog could not get past him to the baby girl. The animal ran at them and latched on to Bridger’s cheek.
Bridger said he first shouted for his sister to run. After the dog had released him, the brother rushed his sister to a safe part of the yard. The owner had secured the dog by then and reached out for help.
How did Bridger Survive the Dog Attack?
Image Source: Instagram/@nicolenoelwalker
Timely and effective medical help was what abetted harm. After Bridger was rushed to the hospital, the emergency medical staff took the boy to a curtained-off area immediately. He was put on IV before further procedure. That was the only time Bridger cried.
The dog attack left the little boy with a badly injured face. The medical team had to perform a two-hour-long surgery to seal up the mangled flesh. It left Bridger with 90 stitches on his left cheek. After that, he was sent home and he is recuperating fast.
Bridger’s aunt Nicole’s post says that he keeps his spirits high while he is recovering. The 90 stitches make it difficult for him to smile wide, but he grins happily when learning about the reaction and comments of people.
Nicole also states in the post that Bridger and his parents, Robert and Teila, love dogs. They have two dogs of their own. So, when the neighbour wanted the rogue dog put to sleep, Bridger objected to it. The family harbours no ill-feelings towards the dog or its owner. The two families have grown closer after this incident.
Bridger told his father that if the dog was going to kill someone, he preferred to die in place of his sister. This declaration is what made a fascinating story about this amazing little gentleman.
The High-Profile Appreciation
Bridger, who is a big Avengers’ fan, has garnered a lot of high-profile attention. Nicole’s page has attracted Hollywood bigwigs.
Actor Anne Hathaway says that though she isn’t an Avenger, she recognised a superhero in Bridger from protecting his sister from the dog attack. She tagged actor Mark Ruffalo, who plays Hulk, in her comment. She wished Bridger a speedy recovery and many cool rocks. Geology, particularly rocks, are a passion of Bridger, aunt Nicole said.
Actor Chris Evans, who plays Captain America, praised Bridger’s gallant nerve. He even claimed that Bridger’s sister was lucky to have a brother like him and his parents must be proud of him. He promised to give Bridger a Captain America shield.
Chris Evans video message to Bridger. | Image Source: Twitter Video Screengrab
Shazam actor, Zachary Levi, hopes to shake his hand someday and offers Bridger honorary membership in ‘Shazamily’. Tom Holland, Hugh Jackman, Robbie Amell and the Russo brothers have also extended their admiration and support.
A post shared by Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) onView this post on Instagram
Aunt Nicole’s posts and Bridger’s pluck has got tremendous positive response and wishes from the public. People wanted to fund Bridger, if possible. But his family has refused financial help. Instead, they are urging supporters to fund military veterans’ groups.
The only request from Bridger’s family is that supporters send in photos of unique rocks and rock collections. This would keep the hero happily engaged.
Lead image from Instagram/@nicolenoelwalker and Twitter/@BrandonDavisBD
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