Four Heroic Boys Rescue Abandoned, Abused Dog Tied With Bungee Cord

These four boys warmed the hearts of internet users everywhere after their selfless decision to rescue an abused dog went viral.

Kenny, Kenneth, Kevin, and Andrew, aged 7 to 13 at the time, were helping a woman move in their neighborhood in Detroit when they noticed a dog in a nearby yard, alone and tied to an abandoned home. The boys knew they needed to act.

Calming the frightened pooch with the help of some bologna slices, the boys were finally able to free her and take her to their home. One boy even wrapped the girl in his jacket to help keep her warm.

Fittingly, they named this little jewel Sparkle.

“You could tell they really love this dog,” Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue founder Theresa Sumpter told WDIV in Detroit. “They were protective of the dog and wanted to make sure the dog was going to a good place.”

The Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue tested Sparkle for mange and got her caught up on all her vaccinations.

Following her rescue, Sparkle was brought to the Pet Tales Rescue foster home in Grand Rapids, Mich. to await her forever home.

As for the boys, their rescue of an abused dog reminds us that simple acts of kindness really can go a long way.

Editor’s Note: This piece was first published in 2016.