Boy, 9, makes huge sacrifice to save kitten tossed by older kids ‘like a football’
Zayin Berry, 9, intervened to save a small kitten that was being tossed around by a group of older kids “like he was a football.” The Berry Family
A 9-year-old boy from Arizona is being celebrated as a hero after rescuing a small kitten that was being tossed around “like a football” by older children.
Zayin Berry, from Yuma, sprang into action at a skate park in Somerton, offering his prized skateboard in exchange for the frightened kitten. His quick thinking not only saved the kitten’s life but also earned him national recognition as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025. Berry received the award on October 9 during the ASPCA Humane Awards at New York’s Plaza Hotel, an annual event honoring people and animals who show exceptional courage and compassion.
“I’d seen the older kids tossing a baby kitten around like he was a football,” Zayin recalled. “I was sad and mad because of the poor kitty. I grabbed my skateboard and ran over to the kids and told them they could take my skateboard if they wanted.”
The children accepted the trade, stopping their rough play. Zayin was shocked at the kitten’s injuries. “He was really hurt in his eyes and paws with yucky stuff all over him,” he said. “He was so small and little. When I picked him up, he was meowing. I ran over to my mom and told her he needed our help.”
Rhiannon Berry, Zayin’s mother, described her son arriving at her side with the tiny orange kitten. “You could hear its breathing was congested, and its paws were all caked with gunk,” she said. The family brought the kitten home, cleaned him up, and rushed him to the Humane Society of Yuma for emergency care.
Veterinarians discovered a severe eye infection and a respiratory illness. Despite treatment, one eye had to be surgically removed. “They told my mom that he might lose his eye, and I said, ‘I don’t care as long as he lives, because he’s my best friend,’” Zayin said.
The kitten, named Peaches for his orange-and-cream fur, recovered quickly. Humane Society staff praised Zayin’s actions, calling his instinctive compassion “honestly outstanding” for someone so young.
News of Zayin’s skateboard trade quickly spread in Yuma. Local businesses, including a skate shop, donated a replacement board, while donations helped cover Peaches’ medical and adoption expenses. Zayin said he has never regretted the trade. Peaches now sleeps beside him every night and has become a beloved companion to Zayin and his siblings.
“He loves me, sleeps next to my face, and gives me kisses in the morning,” Zayin said. “We’re meant to be together. I saved him. He’s my best friend.”
At the ASPCA ceremony, Berry and Peaches appeared onstage together, symbolizing the young boy’s empathy and courage in protecting an innocent animal.
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