In a heartwarming act of compassion, 11-year-old Jean Fernandez from Brazil exhibited true heroism as he risked his own safety to rescue an injured dog left behind by a hit-and-run driver. The dog was in distress in the middle of traffic, and Jean took immediate action to help the suffering animal. The incident was reported by the local news station Globo Rural.

In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, the 11-year-old hero didn’t hesitate but took swift action to rescue the injured puppy. Racing into the street, he stopped traffic and carefully carried the wounded dog in his arms, bringing it to safety.

A local resident named Rafael Matins captured this heartwarming act on video, sharing the touching moment on his social media accounts. Praising the young boy’s bravery, a woman on Facebook noted, “This little boy is already greater than many men.” The video quickly went viral, spreading the inspiring story far and wide.

When questioned about his heroic act of compassion, Jean’s mother says it doesn’t surprise her since he has loved animals since she can remember. Jean would always help any wounded or hopeless animals, she added.

The dog, named Mel (which means “honey” in English), was later taken to a nearby shelter, where officials assessed his injuries and administered the necessary medical care. Thankfully, Mel is now on the road to a full recovery. You can watch the video below: