When people picture a hero or heroine, they tend to imagine someone big and strong, but this story of a young boy who saved a little dog shows that heroes can come in any shape and size.
Jean Fernandez, an eleven-year-old boy in Brazil, was walking down the street when he heard an anguished cry. When he looked out at the road, Jean saw the source of the sound: an injured puppy lying in the middle of the busy street.
Where some people might have called for help or kept going, this young hero knew he needed to act now. He rushed into the street, stopped traffic and lifted the puppy into his arms.
This noble gesture did not fade into obscurity, either. Rafael Martins captured this shocking moment and shared the story online. Predictably, Jean’s heroic story went viral, with people around the globe praising his brave efforts.
When Jean’s mom found out about the young boy’s heroics, she said she was not surprised. According to Jean’s mom, Jean has been fond of animals for as long as she could remember.
The injured puppy, who rescuers later named Mel, arrived at a shelter shortly after. Once he was at the animal shelter, the little dog received the treatment he needed and would make a full recovery soon.
If there is anything we can learn from this heartwarming and inspiring story it is that no matter how old you are, you can still be a hero. As one woman later wrote, “This little boy is already larger than many men.”
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