In a remarkable display of compassion, 8-year-old Zayin Berry from Arizona gave up his prized skateboard to rescue a kitten from abuse at a local park.
When Berry witnessed a group of children tossing and mistreating a small kitten, he immediately stepped in to help. "I felt sad and mad," Berry told reporters. He offered the children his skateboard in exchange for the kitten's safety.
After the trade, Berry quickly scooped up the injured kitten, whom he later named Peaches, and ran to his mother. The pair soon discovered the extent of Peaches' injuries - the kitten had difficulty breathing and debris-covered paws.
They rushed Peaches to the Yuma Humane Society, where veterinarians diagnosed an upper respiratory infection and determined one eye needed surgical removal. Lauren Twerdak from the Humane Society praised Berry's actions: "For Zayin to have that care and that drive at such a young age is honestly outstanding."
The community rallied behind Berry's selfless deed. The skateboard store Zumiez provided him with a gift card for a new board after the children took his original one. Additional donations helped Berry's family officially adopt Peaches.
The Humane Society celebrated Berry's heroism on social media, stating "This young man absolutely stepped up and did the right thing. Peaches is lucky to have you, Zayin."
Thanks to one boy's quick thinking and willingness to sacrifice his beloved skateboard, Peaches now has a loving forever home and a second chance at life.