Arizona boy saves kitten that was being thrown around like a football

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — The ultimate act of kindness was demonstrated by 8-year-old Zayin Berry in Yuma.

When he saw children tossing a kitten around like a football, his swift thinking helped save the kitten.

Zayin’s mom, Rhiannon, says they were at a local park when Zayin saw some kids abusing a kitten.

He then exchanged his skateboard for the kitten.

“I said, ‘Did you get hurt? No, Mom, I offered them my skateboard so they could play with it and I could save the kitten,’” said Rhiannon Berry.

Zayin’s act of bravery led him to an inseparable bond with his new best friend, Peaches.

“He just fell in love with it and you could see it, and you could see the cat just loved him,” said Rhiannon.

After rescuing Peaches, they took him home but quickly realized he needed medical care.

“You could hear its breathing was all congested and his paws were all caked with gunk on it,” said Rhiannon.

The Humane Society in Yuma said Peaches had an upper respiratory infection causing him to lose one of his eyes and it had to be surgically removed, but he is recovering well.

Lauren Twerdak with the Humane Society says Zayin’s actions saved Peaches.

“For Zayin to have that care and that drive at such a young age is honestly outstanding,” said Twerdak.

That’s why community members are coming together to thank Zayin.

The manager from the Humane Society and Zumiez got together to give Zayin a gift card so he could buy a new skateboard.

“They donated him a gift card and he actually went down to Zumiez and built the whole thing the way he wanted it,” said Rhiannon.

The Berry family also received donations so they could officially adopt Peaches and get him neutered.

“I told him, explained to him he was going to lose his eye, but he said that was fine as long as he can live because that’s my best friend,” said Rhiannon.

Twerdak said the Humane Society is working hard to save homeless cats.

She said Yuma has a big population of cat colonies.

This Friday, they will hold one of their biggest fundraisers of the year with their Home for the Howlidays Pawty from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

They’ll have adoption specials and will raise funds to continue doing their work.

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