Since COVID-19 hit the world with all its fury, we have also taken time out of our busy schedules to sit as
a family each Sunday. We discuss how each family member is doing: going over the various goals set by
each of our children and reading from the scriptures. Bridger commonly remembers more than his
siblings, actively contributes, and amazes us with his ‘old-soul’ insights.
So on July 9, 2020, it was no surprise to us that he stepped up to the plate in a major way. Please know
that we have no desire to embellish what transpired. Our knowledge of events is necessarily limited to
what we heard from our now four (4) year old daughter and from Bridger’s own account of events.
While at a friend’s house, Bridger and his sister went into the home’s back yard. Upon entering the
yard, the child with them pointed to one dog and said, “that is the nice dog,” and pointed to the other
dog int the yard, explaining, “that is the mean one.”
Bridger explained how, at that moment, the mean one ran at them. In Bridger’s words, “I stepped to
the side, in front of my sister so that the dog wouldn’t get to her. I kept moving, so it couldn’t get past.”
Tragically, instead of running off, the dog leaped and latched onto Bridger’s cheek. Bridger explained
that when the dog bit him, he yelled for his sister to run. After the dog released, Bridger ran to his sister
and led her to a more secure part of the yard where he thought they would be safe.
At that point, we understand the dog’s owners secured the dog, ran Bridger inside, began applying
pressure to the wounds, and called for emergent care. We are forever and sincerely grateful for the
love and care they provided. As Bridger’s parents, we were, of course, devastated at the news and were
immediately by Bridger’s side.
Once the firefighters and EMTs arrived, we were able to begin evaluating Bridger’s injuries.
Unsurprisingly, there was a LOT of blood—so much so that the firefighters asked Bridger if they could
cut off his shirt. He refused and said, “My mom likes me in this shirt.” It may sound strange, but as the
families sat waiting for the EMTs to stabilize Bridger, my wife and I felt a strong spirit of love for all
involved.
Bridger’s father was able to ride with him in the ambulance, and stay by his side, while his mother went
home to care for and comfort the rest of the family. On the ride to the hospital, Bridger said, “I always
wanted to ride in an ambulance…but not like this. Maybe I can ride home in one too?” He loves his
stress ball ambulance the EMTs gave him, and he has kept it with him as a comfort ever since.
At the hospital, emergency workers immediately wheeled Bridger into a curtained-off area. The only
time he cried was when he got the IV. At one point, the assigned animal control officer came to tell us
the dog was up to date on its vaccinations. She also explained that the dog’s owners were the ones that
called to report the incident, that the dog was a 1 year old German Shepard mix rescue, and that the
owners decided to put the dog to sleep. Bridger responded, “I don’t want anything bad to happen to
the dog; is it going to be killed?”
We assured him that the animal police would take care of the dog and that he wouldn’t ever need to
worry about seeing it again.
The most challenging moment for Bridger’s father was during a quiet moment between CAT scans.
While he sat in a folding chair next to Bridger’s hospital bed, he began to ask about what happened and
was able to gather the details above. When Bridger explained how he had shielded his sister, his father
asked why he did that. Bridger, in his own words and without hesitation, declared, “If someone had to
die, I thought it should be me.”
As a family, during a Sunday family time, we had just discussed personal sacrifice and service. Yet, at
that moment, Bridger was the teacher. Bridger’s father was able to keep it together just long enough
for emergency workers to wheel Bridger into surgery. The surgery would be a nearly two (2) hour
procedure; it involved pulling his face and scalp back together, holding it in place with over 90 stitches.
Before leaving the ER for surgery, the incredible supervising doctor, Doctor Jordan Greer II, turned to
Bridger’s father and said, “I want you to know he is the bravest patient I’ve ever had…I really mean it.”
The following morning—when his skilled an amazing plastic surgeon—Dr. Joseph F. Looby, checked in,
he asked Bridger whether he had any pets.
Bridger explained that he had two dogs, Elektra and Thor. When asked what kind of dogs they were,
Bridger shrugged his shoulders and said, “nice ones.”
Upon returning home, Bridger’s little sister was so excited to see him. She ran to her father and
declared that Bridger had protected her, that there was soooooooooooo much blood, and that she was
“totally freaked out.” Bridger’s whole family now appreciates all those little moments a little more now,
understanding with a new realization of how fast life can turn.
In an effort to cheer Bridger up, his amazing Aunt Nicole shared his story in Instagram in hopes of
getting just a few shout-outs from Bridger’s favorite big-screen superheroes (or possibly Mr. Beast—his
favorite YouTube personality). The response has been both surprising and humbling. Our family was
entirely unprepared. We are so appreciative of all the kind words, love, and prayers extended.
Numerous times throughout the day, we will break into genuine tears after reading how our little
Bridger touched a life. At the time of this release, we have received tender, heartfelt messages from his
heroes and many others including: Hugh Jackman, Zachary Levi, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, the
Russo brothers, Robbie Amell, and Mark Ruffalo, as well countless others from around the world. The
love and support we have received astounds us.
Many have asked how they can help. We are so very grateful but believe there are so many with a
greater need. After much prayer and consideration, we ask that if you would like to help, please
consider contributing to the following organizations:
Mission 22—an organization dedicated to winning the war against veteran suicide,
Operation Underground Railroad—committed to the permanent eradication of child sex trafficking,
or
The Wounded Warrior Project—an organization whose goal is, “to help bring independence back to our
nation’s (USA) most severely wounded veterans.”
We want to make clear how we do not plan on asking for any financial assistance. As such, we would
unequivocally condemn any who would exploit our son’s adversity to further a personal agenda. We
also humbly request that you keep the dog’s owners in your prayers and forego any superficial
judgments—because we love them.
Somewhat ironically, prior to Bridger’s injury, our family had been discussing what we would say if we
could spread one single message to the entire world. We had no real expectation that we’d ever get a
chance. Heaven knows this year has kind of sucked and could use more positive messages.
After Bridger’s actions, our family has settled on a simple request: may we each actively strive to bear
one another’s burdens; stand up for and protect those that are weak, oppressed, or those whom the
world might forsake; mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that need comfort, and love one
another. May we follow Bridger’s example, approach the world as a child, and bring greater peace to
our own homes, communities, states, and countries.
