Few actions are more reprehensible than the mistreatment of defenseless animals, a behavior that reveals a disturbingly callous mindset. In December 2024, a young hero emerged in Yuma, California, when nine-year-old Zayin Berry intervened in a distressing situation at his local skate park.

Zayin witnessed a group of older kids cruelly tossing a small kitten as if it were a mere toy, even hurling it to the ground, causing severe injuries. Realizing the kitten’s life was in imminent danger, Zayin quickly devised a plan to rescue the suffering animal.

Demonstrating remarkable bravery and compassion, Zayin offered his cherished skateboard to the group in exchange for the kitten’s safety. Remarkably, the group accepted his offer, allowing Zayin to quickly whisk the injured kitten away to seek help.

With the aid of his mother, Zayin took the kitten to the local Humane Society. Despite its serious injuries, the dedicated team managed to nurse the kitten back to health. The once-abused feline now thrives as Zayin’s beloved companion.

In recognition of his courageous act, Zayin was honored as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025, with an award ceremony held in October. His story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact a single act of kindness can have.

His mother, Rhiannon Berry, said her son came running toward her moments later, holding the small orange kitten in his arms. “You could hear its breathing was all congested and his paws were all caked with gunk on it,” she said.

They took the poor, injured critter to the local Humane Society, and although he was badly hurt, they were able to save him. He lives on, and is now Zayin’s “best friend.”

For his heroic efforts, the youngster was named in September as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025, and the ceremony was held earlier this October. 

Congratulations, young man, you certainly deserve it:

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The cat, now named Peaches, has a new lease on life thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking—and very brave—young boy.

Peaches ultimately did have one of his eyes removed due to the severity of his infection. After his eye surgery and treatment for a respiratory infection, Peaches became a happy, healthy cat and now lives with Zayin’s family, which includes six other cats and three dogs. Peaches is now the 9-year-old boy’s full-time best friend.

“He loves me and sleeps right next to my face and gives me kisses in the morning. We are meant to be together, and I saved him. He’s mine. He is my best friend,” Zayin says of life with Peaches today.

9-Year-Old Hero Boy Sacrifices Skateboard to Save Kitten, Wins Animal Welfare Award for Helping Pet (Exclusive) https://t.co/8eQfB4uKH1

— People Pets (@PEOPLEPets) October 12, 2025

Although the story has a hero and a happy ending (and many in the community pitched in to get him a new skateboard), there’s one thing I’m not seeing that I’d like to: the group of abusers being identified and arrested. Maybe somebody could see if they would like being tossed around like a football.