On a rainy, depressing day in Brazil, Mayane Rodrigues saw a touching drama play out her flat window. From a distance, Rodrigues saw a small child on the wet street, her school day perhaps barely over. The girl then gave up her rucksack, then her coat, in an act of kindness that melted Rodrigues’s heart.
A wet stray puppy curled up at the girl’s feet caught Rodrigues’s eye and said volumes about the girl’s generosity. Rodrigues described the incident as seeing an angel at work as the girl gently picked up the puppy and carried on with her trip.
Touched by the incident, Rodrigues recorded it on camera and shared it with her community, wanting to find out who the kind little girl was. That 12-year-old whose deed of rescue had saved a life that day was Cibely Stiegelmair, the angel Rodrigues had mentioned.
Rejane Stiegelmair, Cibely’s mother, related her first dismay at her daughter’s return home, wet and apparently hurt. Relieved, Cibely said she had found the injured dog and couldn’t stand to part with it. A peaceful suburban neighborhood’s streets hummed with the usual noises of children playing and leaves rustling in the breeze on a clear fall afternoon. Among the happy events, one especially remarkable instance of bravery and compassion highlighted the great influence one small deed of kindness can have. Emma, a twelve-year-old student, is the main focus of this inspirational narrative; her bravery warmed a life in need.
Emma was walking home from school, her rucksack bouncing slightly against her back. The path was known, dotted with tidy homes and ancient oak trees. She turned a corner and saw an odd sight: a tiny shivering puppy curled next to a bush. Emma’s heartstring were pulled right away by the dog’s matted fur and terrified eyes. She went straight forward and gently spoke to the animal to help it to relax from clear anxiety.
She could see the puppy was probably left to fend for itself and was in great need of assistance. She most likely abandoned. Emma realised she couldn’t just leave after remembering the teachings her parents had taught her about empathy and accountability.
Emma called her mother using her cell phone, outlining the circumstances. Pleased by her daughter’s fast thinking and compassion, her mother cautioned her to take great care bringing the dog home. Emma took off her jacket and carefully lifted it around the shaking creature to take it home.
Emma and her mother brought the dog food, water, and a cosy bed once they got home. To get more help and to document the discovered dog, they got in touch with a nearby animal rescue group. Arriving soon, the rescue crew took the dog to a veterinarian for a comprehensive check-up. Apart from being undernourished and terrified, the dog was in really decent condition and might totally recover given appropriate treatment.
Emma’s rescue deed did not go unreported. Inspired by her generosity, the neighbourhood came together around the dog and her. Emphasising the need of compassion and the difference one person can create, her school honoured her bravery with a little ceremony. Emma’s narrative went viral on social media and received compliments as well as encouragement for people to treat animals in need compassionately.
Via the animal rescue group, the dog—now Hope—found a caring home. Emma’s family thought about adopting her, but finally they selected a local couple with a large garden and great love of animals. Emma visits Hope often; their relationship is evidence of the continuing force of empathy and action.
Emma’s narrative reminds us poignantly that age has nothing bearing on bravery. Her modest but great act of kindness showed that even the tiniest people can have a big influence on the surroundings and gave hope and a fresh start to a fragile life.
Fortunately, the puppy—named Pretinha—escaped serious injury, demonstrating the healing potential of affection and attention. Although the specifics of Pretinha’s situation are yet unknown, one thing is for sure: Cibely’s action has given her a brighter future.
As she considered her daughter’s unselfish deed, Rejane was rather proud of Cibely’s character and emphasised how her kindness has only increased their respect for her