Six-Year-Old Saves Sister from Dog Attack, ‘If Someone Had to Die, I Thought It Should Be Me’

Bridger Walker, 6, is being hailed as a hero across the country after putting himself between his sister and a dog, incurring 90 stitches in the process. As part of his reasoning, he said, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.”

It was just a seemingly normal afternoon at a friend’s house, and Bridger and his sister were playing in the yard when they were told by the friend that there was a “nice dog” and a “mean one.” Unfortunately, the “mean one,” a one-year-old German shepherd mixed, lived up to his name.

“Bridger explained how, at that moment, the mean one ran at them,” Bridger’s parents said in a statement. “In Bridger’s words, ‘I stepped to the side, in front of my sister so that the dog wouldn’t get to her. I kept moving, so it couldn’t get past.”

As the dog attacked Bridger, it grabbed onto his cheek.

His parent stated, “Bridger explained that when the dog bit him, he yelled for his sister to run. After the dog released, Bridger ran to his sister and led her to a more secure part of the yard where he thought they would be safe.”

The owner of the German shepherd mix was able to gain control over the dog and Bridger was taken to the hospital where he underwent a two-hour surgery and received 90 stitches on his cheek.

His parents report that despite the terrifying ordeal, the only time he cried was when he received an IV at the hospital.

Bridger also rejected the idea of putting the dog to sleep, since he has two dogs himself.

He is now recovering at home, with some encouraging words and phone calls from many of the actors who portray heroes in the Marvel Universe.

Chris Evans, the actor who portrayed Captain America for several years in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sent Bridger a Captain America costume and a video.

“Captain America here, so I read your story. I saw what you did. And I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of this over the last couple of days but let me be the next one to tell you, you’re a hero. What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud,” the actor said. “I’m going to track down your address and I’m going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it.”

Another MCU hero joined in supporting and encouraging little Bridger as well.

Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, told Bridger  in a video, “I just want to say, mate, you’re an absolute inspiration. Your courage is beyond belief and we are all so impressed by you, and we’re thinking of you. I know you’re an Avengers fan and so myself and all the team, we’d be honored to have you on the team, and we love you and we’re sending you our support. Stay strong and we’ll talk to you soon, mate.”

Others who have reached out or offered encouraging words on social media or to the family include Anne Hathaway, Shazam star Zachary Levi, Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Jackman, Robbie Amell, the Russo brothers (who directed the last two Avengers films) and current MCU Spiderman Tom Holland.

Bridger’s story goes to show that superheroes don’t have to wear capes or have giant muscles, sometimes all it takes is a willingness to do the right thing and protect those you love.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13, ESV.

Photo from Instagram

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