“You are more of a man than many,” said Mark Ruffalo to the boy, who also heard of his “friendly neighborhood idol.”
Wyoming, a boy in Cheyenne, went viral this week after his aunt said she kept a dog from attacking her even younger sister, and received 90 stitches in the process.
When his story started to attract attention, several celebrities sent messages of encouragement and praised the boy.
Warning: graphic photos below
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Earlier this week, Bridger Walker’s 6-year-old aunt, Nikki Walker, first shared her story on her Instagram page, calling him “a hero who saved his little sister from an attacking dog.”
“He took the attack himself so the dog wouldn’t catch his sister,” he said. “Later he said, ‘If anyone was going to die, I thought it should be me.’ He came home from the hospital last night.”
He then tagged a group of actors from the Avengers movies, “so they can learn about this latest addition to their ranks.” She followed up on that post with another update the next day, hoping that Bridger’s story could get more exposure so he could get “some words of encouragement from his favorite heroes.”
He also shared more details of the attack, saying it happened on July 9 and that Bridger intervened “getting in the way. [his sister] and a dog that carries. “He said he bit his face and head several times, grabbed his sister’s hand and ran. He received 90 points and” finally rests at home, “according to Nikki.
“His wounds look much better! He is in a very good mood and his incredible personality is intact.” “He still can’t smile too much, but he was smiling when I read some of his comments to him. I’d also like to mention here that the dog owners are really cool people who have been nothing but kind to Bridger and his family. Family.”
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She said the family does not feel “any resentment towards” the dog’s owner, and “if anything, there has only been an increase in love between our families as a result of this incident.”
At least one of the Avengers left a comment on Nikki’s post, as Mark Ruffalo, aka The Incredible Hulk, wrote: “Dear Bridger, I just read what happened to you and wanted to reach out to say this … People who put the healthy beings before others are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know. “
“I really respect and admire your courage and your heart,” he continued. “True courage is not dominating people or fighting people or walking like a tough guy. True courage is knowing what to do and doing it even when it could end up hurting you in some way. You are more of a man than many many I’ve seen or met. With admiration … Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner / Hulk / Professor). “
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On Wednesday, Nikki shared a photo of Bridger in a Spider-Man costume, when he revealed that two other stars, whom he did not name but who were likely Tom Holland and Chris Evans, had approached.
“We just got a call with a friendly neighborhood idol (Pic is Bridger’s reaction right after the call),” captioned the photo, probably referring to Spider-Man from Holland. “Bridger is over the moon!”
“I can’t wait to show him what follows: a message from a guy who doesn’t like bullies,” he added, probably a reference to Evans and his portrayal of Captain America. “However, first I have to wait for the stardust to disappear from your eyes. Mission accomplished, everyone! We can’t thank you enough.”
Octavia Spencer also commented in one of Nikki’s posts, writing: “I am not an avenger, but I know them and appreciate how I appreciate your little hero. Angel hugs you.”
Robbie Amell added: “A true hero. Improve Bridger soon.”
“How brave! Best big brother and true hero. Get better soon,” wrote Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan, while Justin Baldoni also praised his heroics. The situation also commented: “You can measure the height but you cannot measure the heart.”
Anne Hathaway also shared Bridger’s story on her page, captioning her post, “I am not an Avenger, but I know a superhero when I see her. I can only hope to be half as brave in my life than you, yours, Bridger. I I wish for an easy recovery and lots of great looking rocks. “
As the accolades kept coming, Nikki said the family received inquiries about a GoFundMe, but instead asked that people donate to The Wounded Warrior Project and Mission 22, a pair of support groups for veterans.
On Facebook, Bridger’s father shared Nikki’s post and exclaimed that there was “So much love for my little friend!”
He also posted a video of LDS Church leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf on being the hero of his own story. “I love this! With our own family experience this past week, it has hit so close to home,” wrote Bridger’s father.
TooFab has contacted Nikki as well as Bridger’s parents via social media for comment.
Cheyenne, WY police told TooFab that they had nothing in their system regarding the animal attacks on or around July 7. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Department was not immediately available for comment.
