Detroit youths’ stray dog rescue grabs PETA honor

It was a sight some kids might overlook or even avoid: A thin, stray dog, tied with bungee cords behind a vacant house on Detroit’s north side.

But four boys in that neighborhood recently reacted differently. They tended to the golden-brown canine on their own, then turned it over to the nonprofit Detroit Pit Crew dog rescue. Now, “Sparkle” is ready for adoption through a partner group, and her young saviors are set to receive framed “Hero to Animals” honors from PETA.

“These kids prove that there’s no minimum age for being a hero and practicing lifesaving kindness to animals,” said Marta Holmberg, senior director of peta2, the animal rights group’s youth division, said in a statement Thursday. “peta2 points to their compassionate actions as an example for people of all ages to follow when it comes to speaking up and taking action whenever an animal is in danger.”

Her group identified the youngsters as Andrew and Kevin, both 7; Kenneth, 11; and Kenny, 13.

It was unclear when the boys found Sparkle, but they fed her and were walking the newly named mixed-breed near Charest and Seven Mile as Detroit Pit Crew spotted them last Friday, founder/director Theresa Sumpter said.

Some of the youths had previously crossed paths with her group, she added. “They see stray dogs all the time. They feel sorry for them. They try to take care of them to the best of their abilities.”

Weighing only about 36 pounds and missing hair, the dog — believed to be about 11 months old — alarmed volunteers enough to take her. So, Sparkle was rushed to Center Line Veterinary Hospital for an evaluation, Sumpter said.

During her four-day stray hold, Detroit Pit Crew showcased the dog on its Facebook page. A west Michigan-based partner, Pet Tales Rescue, offered to help; Sparkle was transferred this week and could soon be adopted, Sumpter said. “She’s doing very well.”

Meanwhile, her two-legged rescuers were compensated for their efforts — and warned about such daring, Sumpter said. “We don’t recommend that children go into the back of an abandoned house and secure a dog for themselves. … We would urge them to contact some adults so nobody gets hurt.”

PETA also urges potential rescuers to report suspected animal cruelty to their group at 757-622-PETA or local law enforcement.

Regardless of how the rescue unfolded, animal lovers are rallying around the youths.

“I love how this was handled,” one user wrote on Detroit Pit Crew’s Facebook page. “Positive behavior was acknowledged and they were identified as ‘dog rescuers’. Who knows, this might be the spark that causes them to make this a career one day. These boys are truly heroes….”

Another wrote: “Awesome little guys! Children with compassion for animals gives me a little bit more hope for this world!”