To be a hero, you must not be a legend, and this 8-year-old boy is the ideal example. When Bryson Kliemann’s dog became ill, he didn’t hesitate to sell his Pokémon card collection in order to save the dog’s life. A remarkable gesture that paid off in the end, as the puppy’s life was saved owing to his faithful companion!
Bryson had always loved animals and wished for a puppy, but his family could not afford one. But in March 2021, the boy’s wish came true when the family adopted Bruce, a loving 4-month-old labrador-mix.
“For a long time, my kid has been asking for a dog…,” mother Kimberly Woodruff told TODAY. “He was ecstatic when we decided to purchase our house since he knew it meant we’d be able to get a dog.”
Bryson and his two other siblings were overjoyed to be able to share their house with a puppy for the first time. Because everyone was so ecstatic about Bruce’s arrival, Bryson was by far the closest to him. The two became inseparable buddies very quickly. Unfortunately, Bruce became severely ill a few weeks after the family found out. He had contracted Parvo, which is a highly serious infection.
Because the family was strapped for cash and the hospital expenses were so high (about $700), they feared the worst. Bryson, on the other hand, refused to give up on his closest friend and devised a scheme to make money in order to save his life!
“I told him Bruce was unwell and warned him he might be at the vet’s office or in heaven when you return home today from school,” Bryson’s mom stated.
However, when Bryson returned home from school, he informed his parents that he would sell his valuable Pokémon cards to assist Bruce. So, not far from his house in Lebanon, Virginia, he set up a stall on the side of the road with the sign “4Sale Pokemon.” His mother was moved to tears by the boy’s gesture.
“He’s such a wonderful guy who loves to help people,” she explained, “but they’re his belongings.” “He’s been collecting Pokémon cards since he was four years old, and they’re his most valued possession.”
It wasn’t long until everyone in the area heard about Bryson’s story, and they immediately rushed to assist him. They didn’t simply buy his cards; some even offered him their own to sell in order to help him save his ill pet. The selfless adolescent raised approximately $400 in less than three days. But there was still more to come.
His mother decided to publish a photo of him selling his cards by the side of the road for this worthy cause, and she set up a GoFundMe campaign in the hopes of reaching their $800 target. But Bryson’s remarkable story touched people’s hearts, and they received over $25,000 in donations in only a few days.
Bruce’s life was saved thanks to his dedicated friend. Woodruff has been using the funds received to help other pet owners who are unable to pay their vet fees.
“I hope this story inspires people to remember that there is still good in the world,” she said. “I’m astounded by the outpouring of support for a young boy and his dog in Lebanon, Virginia. “Who’d have guessed?”