The relationship between a boy and his dog is always special. Dogs are always willing to help their young owners when they are in need; and children would do the same for their beloved pet.
Pets also teach children about responsibility. Just like a little boy who made a sacrifice for his best friend when his family had to pay for an operation for the dog.
Bryson Kliemann is an 8-year-old boy from Lebanon (Virginia, USA) who loves to play with his puppy Bruce. But Bruce became seriously ill some time ago.
“He wasn’t coming out of his cage and had changed as far as his behaviour,” Kimberly Woodruff, the boy’s mother told WCYB. “He was lethargic, he just wasn’t doing well.”
A visit to the vet revealed that the dog had contracted parvo – a serious and contagious virus among dogs. The treatment cost 700 dollars; the family found it difficult to raise that much money.
“We currently have enough money to keep Bruce in the clinic for a total of three days,” Kimberly wrote. “But the vet and I are very concerned that he may need longer treatment. Between May 3 and May 4, our baby has already lost 5 pounds overnight.”
When young Bryson overheard this, he took the initiative to fund the surgery: he sold his Pokemon cards.
“I know everyone likes Pokemon cards, so I just decided to sell them,” Bryson told WYCB.
Like other children, Bryson loves collecting and playing cards. He can often be found sitting on the floor with the cards spread out in front of him, looking at his favourite cards.
But being separated from his fictional pets like Pikachu or Squirtle were worth it if it meant he could save his dog.
“It made me kind of sad because usually my brother and sister play together and I don’t have anyone to play with. So I usually play with him,” Bryson said.
The loving gesture surprised his mother, who only found out when someone sent her a photo of Bryson outside at his stall.
Bryson says he made $65 on the first day of sales – an impressive sum for a kid selling Pokemon cards. But unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to fund the operation.
However, the family soon set up a GoFundMe page. When the story of Bryson’s selfless act went viral, it resulted in numerous donations, so luckily Bryson doesn’t have to sell any more cards to raise the money.
The fundraising page has now raised more than $5,000, far surpassing the goal of $800 for the surgery.
“I want to thank everyone for their love and support for my son and his dog,” Kimberly wrote on GoFundMe. “Bruce is now home with his family. He is doing great but is still in recovery.”
The rest of the money will be used to vaccinate Bruce against more diseases and help other dogs in the area.
And hopefully Bryson will be able to buy some new Pokemon cards!
Thank you so much to Bryson for looking after your pup. It’s always great to see what children do for their dogs.