A six-year-old boy from Cheyenne, Wyoming has been hailed a hero after he stepped between his little sister and a charging dog, braving the vicious mauling himself, 7 News reported.
On July 9, Bridger Walker positioned himself in front of his sibling when he realized the dog intended to attack, sustaining serious facial wounds that required 90 stitches.
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The children’s aunt, Nicole Walker, shared the story of Bridger’s unbelievable bravery in a now-viral series of Instagram posts.
Walker explained that the six-year-old boy specifically stepped in front of his sister to save her from the charging animal, and was subsequently bit himself.
“After getting bit several times on the face and head, he grabbed his sister’s hand and ran with her to keep her safe,” she wrote.
Walker shared a heartbreaking photo of Bridger following the attack, showing the injuries he sustained in place of his younger sister.
In total, his aunt said he received around 90 stitches “give or take” from a “skilled plastic surgeon,” and she reported that he is now at home resting “in great spirits.”
Speaking about his brave actions, Bridger reportedly told his aunt, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.”
The young boy’s selfless act has quickly gone viral, with Walker’s Instagram posts amassing nearly 600,000 likes collectively.
Bridger’s aunt has since shared several updates, including informing people that the boy loves geology and would love to see photos of “cool rocks” if anyone would like to provide some. She also touched on some questions people had about the dog that attacked Bridger:
“I’d also like to mention here that the dog’s owners are really great people who have been nothing but kind to Bridger and his family. We feel no resentment toward them at all, and—if anything—there’s only been an increase of love between our families as a result of this incident.”
Once the post really began to gain traction online, Walker took this opportunity to secure her “superhero” nephew some praise from other heroes of the Marvel variety.
“We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks,” she wrote in an edit to the original Instagram post, going on to tag such Avengers actors as Tom Holland, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, among others.
“Please check your DMs for my sweet nephew’s story,” Walker added.
Although not an Avenger herself, actress Anne Hathaway was the first to share Bridger’s incredible story to her own social media account.
Hathaway posted a collage of photos of Bridger and his sister to her Instagram page , writing, “I’m not an Avenger, but I know a superhero when I see one. I can only hope I’m half as brave in my life as you are in yours, Bridger. Wishing you an easeful recovery, and many cool looking rocks.”
“Hey @markruffalo,” she added, “do you need a teammate??”
As it turns out, Ruffalo, who portrayed the Hulk in the *Avengers* movies, was more than happy to give Bridger the shout out he deserves in a comment on Hathaway’s post.
“People who put the well being of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know,” the actor wrote. “I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart.”
“Real courage isn’t dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy,” he continued, “Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow. You are more of man than many, many I have seen or known.”
He signed the comment, “With Admiration… Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk/Professor).”
Next, Captain America himself, Chris Evans, sent Bridger a sweet video message to praise his heroic actions, which the young boy watched while appropriately dressed as the Cap. himself.
“Pal, you’re a hero, what you did was so brave, so selfless — your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother,” Evans said in the video, which was shared by Walker to her Instagram . “Your parents must be so proud of you.”
The star also promised to send the six-year-old an official Captain America shield for his bravery.
Numerous other actors and onscreen heroes have reached out to Bridger to praise him for his courageous act.
In the comment section of the original video, Brie Larson, who plays Captain Marvel, wrote, “DM’ing you” to let Walker know she would be reaching out with a private message for Bridger.
Actress Octavia Spencer added, “I’m not an avenger but I know and appreciate them as I appreciate your little hero. Angel hugs for you.”
Even Gordon Ramsay chimed in to commend the young boy while he heals from his facial wounds.
“So brave!” he wrote. “I may not be a hero in the Marvel Universe but heroes need to be fed. [Dinner’s] on me bud. Sending you lots of love from all the Ramsay’s.”
Other celebs who have also passed along their praise in the post’s comment section include Mike the Situation, Justin Baldoni, Robbie Amell, and Vanessa Morgan.
