It was a day much like any other day as 13-year-old Bradley North walked home from school in Prestwich, Manchester, England, until he saw a very large mastiff dog smashing through a parked van’s window in order to escape the summer heat. The dog’s leash caught on the inside of the van causing the strangling of the dog as he hung listlessly from the lead. The size of the dog may have intimidated some, but not Bradley. He quickly sprang into action and supported the heavy dog´s body as he undid the buckles of the collar and then massaged the dog’s neck bringing him back from the brink of unconsciousness.
Animal Hero Kids, the youth empowering charity I founded encourages and recognizes kind action by youth. I was sent a message on the same day about Bradley’s courageous action and began planning how to honor Bradley’s compassionate life-saving rescue from across the pond.
Fast forward, if you will, to the last day of school during an entire school assembly when a surprised Bradley was called up to the front by head teacher Mr. Fitzgerald. An Animal Hero Kids’ Teen Award and a dedicated, signed copy of the inspiring book ”Animal Hero Kids Voices for the Voiceless” was presented to Bradley to the applause of his peers and teachers. Bradley was even further surprised by a congratulatory message in the form of a signed letter from Manchester City Football Club team hailing his “recent act of bravery as he selflessly worked to save a dog… displaying of qualities that are important to every professional footballer and team member”.
Thanks to Bradley a dog was rescued from the brink of death, plus his story reached thousands inspiring others to do the right thing. “I felt really sorry for the dog when I saw him and I just thought about my own dog and that I would want someone to save him if he was in the same position,” said Bradley. If you know of a deserving person or group to nominate for an Animal Hero Kids Award, or if you wish to support the mission of gifting the “Animal Hero Kids Voices for the Voiceless” guidebook to school libraries, please, go to AnimalHeroKids.org
Susan Hargreaves is the woman behind Animal Hero Kids, an allvolunteer charity educating, empowering and recognizing kind youth.
Susan is an award-winning educator, radio host, ex-undercover investigator and activist. She is the author of Animal Hero Kids: Voices for the Voiceless, which includes tips from famous animal advocates; Joaquin Phoenix, Russell Simmons, Sir Paul McCartney, and Jessica Chastain, she is an Honor Book award winner for notable contribution to ecology and nature. Russell Simmons said her “book is for anyone who cares about animals, kindness and justice” Susan has been vegan for 32 years and has been a defender of animals for almost four decades. AnimalHeroKids.org
By: Susan Hargreaves - AnimalHeroKids.org - “Animal Hero Kids Voices for the Voiceless”