6-Year-Old Hero Gets 90 Stitches After Saving Little Sister From Dangerous Dog Attack

Nov 24, 2021 by apost team

“Captain America” star Chris Evans took the time out of his day back in July 2020 to send a personal video message to a 6-year-old boy named Bridger Walker after the youngster rescued his little sister from a dog attack. In the process of saving his little sister from the charging German shepherd, he was bitten on his face and needed 90 stitches. Evans, Captain America himself, made sure to tell the young man how heroic his actions were. And to make Bridger's day, Evans sent a “Captain America” shield to the youngster, who lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Evans, along with other celebrities, first heard about Bridger’s heroism on Instagram, where his aunt, Nicole Noel Walker, posted photos of Bridger with his sister, along with a caption that explained the incident. Like Evans, fellow Marvel superstar Tom Holland, the British actor who plays Spiderman, wanted to honor Bridger’s real-life heroism, and so the actor called Bridger to personally commend his actions.

Today, more than a year after he risked his life to save his sister, 7-year-old Bridger’s father, Robert Walker, opened up to People Magazine regarding the young man’s recovery, the outpouring of support he and his family have received and what’s in store for the future.

As graphic photos taken after the incident show, Bridger’s face was severely swollen and cut-up due to his encounter with the rogue German shepherd. Bridger will likely have a scar on his face for the rest of his life — but the young boy, now 7, seems to think it was all worth it.

In his interview with People, Bridger’s dad told the publication that his son doesn’t even want the scar to fade all the way. 

"My wife and I asked him, 'Do you want it to go away?' And he said, 'I don't want it to go all the way away,'" Robert told People. "Bridger views his scar as something to be proud of, but he also doesn't see it as being representative of his brave act. He just perceives it as, 'I was a brother and that's what brothers do.' It's a reminder that his sister didn't get hurt, and that she is okay."

"It almost bothers him sometimes when he's called a hero, because he [thinks], 'Maybe I could have done more to shield her,'" the father of five added.

"If someone had to die, I thought it should be me," Bridger said after the incident, according to his parents.

Bridger was rewarded for his selfless bravery thanks to his aunt’s viral Instagram post. After detailing Bridger’s story in 2020, celebrities from across the Marvel universe made it a point to thank Bridger for his heroism. But beyond the world of Marvel superheroes, Bridger also received vital help from medical practitioners. In an act of kindness, New York City-based dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali offered to provide free treatment to the boy’s face and fly him to his office on the East Coast.

"We still have a little bit more work to do on the superficial, redness part of it, but structurally everything looks so much better," Bhanusali told People. "I always told Robert, 'When Bridger's in junior high or high school, I want this to be a story he tells, not a memory he has to relive every day.' And I think we will have that situation."

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Since Bridger's story went viral in 2020, strangers from around the world have commended the boy for his heroism and selflessness. 

"It's not courage. It's love. His love for his sister gave him courage. I pray for the best for him and may his love for his family and himself never diminish. Love is the most powerful...." one YouTuber commented on the video below.

"Marvel should put this guy in a movie... A character inspired by this kids bravery would make the world a better place...humble heroes make the world work," another viewer wrote.

According to DogBites.org, there were 46 dog bite-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2020, and during the 16 year period between 2005 and 2020, canines have killed 568 Americans.

Marjie Alonso, a dog trainer and executive director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABCT), told WBUR that the first step to preventing dog attacks is to take preventive measures in your community. 

"Get to know your neighbors if you can. Talk to delivery people. See if there are places that they know that there are problematic dogs. Your animal control officer is your friend,” she told the outlet. “And then we should avoid things if we can, even if it's not fair. If you can't walk by that house because this dog is always barking and it bugs you, don't walk by that house.”

That said, if a dog does approach you, Alson says that you should look down, stand still and break eye contact. On the other hand, you can stand your ground and walk toward the dog, which shows the animal that you aren't something to be chased.

What do you think of this young man’s heroism? Did you hear about his story when it first came out in 2020? Let us know — and be sure to pass this on to friends and family members.