One young boy went to adorably heroic lengths to save the dog he loves more than anything.
Best friend in need
The only thing that eight-year-old Bryson Kliemann of Lebanon, Virginia loves more than his prized Pokémon cards is his dog Bruce.
So, his world was turned upside down when, organizing his cards one day, he noticed that Bruce was sick. It was so serious that his mother, Kimberly Woodruff, rushed the dog to Southwest Virginia Veterinary Services.
"He wasn't coming out of his cage and being the normal puppy he usually is," Woodruff told Local12 News. "He was very lethargic, just not doing good."
The news from the hospital was devastating: Bruce was diagnosed with Parvo, a highly contagious dog virus affecting the stomach and intestines. Treatment would cost $700, a tab Bryson’s family couldn’t afford.
Bryson was crushed.
"It made me kind of sad because usually my brother and sister play together and I don't have anybody to play with. So, I usually play with [Bruce]."
- Bryson Kliemann
Puppy love
Knowing that his family didn’t have the money for Bruce's treatment, Kliemann played the cards he had, which stunned his mom.
"While I [was] in school I get a text message with a picture of him and a sign on the side of the road selling Pokémon cards," Woodruff said.
The move was a no-brainer for Kliemann.
"I know everybody likes Pokémon cards so I just decided to sell them," Kliemann said.
A warm windfall
To help her son, Woodruff posted her boy’s picture online and even made a GoFundMe page, with a stated goal of raising $800.
Amazingly, they have since raised almost $6,000. Kliemann was overjoyed.
"I was so happy because I really wanted to get him back."
- Bryson Kliemann
After a week of treatment, Woodruff posted an update on Facebook titled "Just a boy who SAVED his dog with the help of many many people," showing her son reunited with his furry friend.
The surplus money raised will go towards Bruce’s vaccinations and - paying it forward - other sick dogs in their community.
As well, word of little Bryson's heroic act made it all the way to Pokémon headquarters in Washington, and they sent him a collection of rare cards as well as a thank you letter.
A dog's love is priceless
Any parent or kid lucky enough to have a puppy can tell you how precious they are. Apart from their cuteness, they have an innocence and joy that touches everyone.
If you're not convinced, look no further than Bryson Kliemann, the young boy who moved the world of Pokémon for his pup. Judging by the outpouring of support, he's not alone.
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