After saving his younger sister by jumping in front of a violent dog, a seven-year-old boy is proud of the scars he received as a result of the incident.
A one-year-old German Shepherd mix attacked Bridger Walker and his four-year-old sister when they were playing in the backyard of a friend’s house in Wyoming in July 2020.
In July 2020, the children’s parents told NBC News that while 6-year-old Bridger had no hesitation about standing in front of his sister to protect her, the dog attacked him in the face as a result.
To close the wound, the child required ninety stitches, leaving him with severe facial scars. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
“I thought it should be me if someone had to die,” Bridger said.
The now seven-year-old child continues to hold this view. Robert Walker, his father, says his son is proud of his scar and is not bothered by it.
“Do you want it to disappear?” his wife and he asked.
“I don’t want it to go away completely,” Bridger replied. His father shared this in an interview with People.
Although Bridger takes pride in his scar, he does not see it as a symbol of the brave act he performed. “I was just a brother, and that’s what brothers do,” he says, emphasizing that his sister is safe and unharmed.
At the time, his aunt Nikki Walker shared the story. “My nephew is a hero for protecting his little sister from an aggressive dog,” she said in an Instagram post, praising her brave nephew.
“He took on the attack to protect his sister from the dog’s bite,” she added. When asked about it later, Bridger said, “I thought that if anybody was going to die, it should be me.” He was discharged from the hospital last night and is now home. “I’m trying to get in touch with the Avengers and other heroes to let them know about the newest addition to their team, even though I know it’s a long shot.”
In her post, she tagged several “superhero” celebrities, including Chris Evans, who portrayed Captain America, and Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man. These celebrities responded with video tributes, expressing their gratitude to the young hero for his bravery.
However, Bridger’s father says his son isn’t too excited about being called a hero.
“When people call him a hero, it almost makes him sad because he thinks, ‘Maybe I should have done more to protect her,'” his father explained. Sometimes, he even feels uncomfortable being called a hero.
The family is very grateful that so many of their son’s heroes have reached out to offer support.
“Chris Evans sending the shield was incredible, and his video was amazing. Thank you. Bridger couldn’t have been happier,” his father shared. “But the moment that probably had the biggest impact on him was when he had a live conversation with Tom Holland, which really struck him. It was heartwarming to see how much global support has contributed to his emotional recovery.”
Bridger has had several treatments, but there’s still more work to be done.
“We still have some work to do on the surface redness, but overall, everything looks so much better,” said dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, who heard Bridger’s story and offered to treat him for free, even flying him to his clinic in New York.
“I’ve always told Robert that when Bridger is in middle or high school, I want this to be a story he tells, not a memory he relives every day. I believe that will happen,” the generous doctor added.
Other Hollywood celebrities, including Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo, have also reached out to offer their support.
It’s wonderful to hear that Bridger is recovering quickly and receiving all the love and care he so deserves. He is a brave young man whose selfless act is an inspiration to others.
share this with your family and friends!
