TEXAS – When flash floods in early July swept through the Texas Hill Country, sweeping away the homes and memories of tens of thousands of people, Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. didn’t show up for practice. Instead, he was at the scene, where everything was soaked and the disaster was still raging.
As rescue workers combed the water, Ronald saw a shivering, sodden puppy looking up at him with pleading eyes. Without a word, he bent down, picked it up, dried it, and whispered, “I’ll take you home.”
The photo of the incident immediately went viral on social media – an almost iconic image: the MLB star, holding a small dog, in the middle of floodwaters – but with a hopeful look in his eyes.
According to one source, Ronald was not the only one to look back at the lost dogs in the water – but he was the only one to stop and step into the water, carrying the dog himself into the rescue boat, not waiting for someone else to do it.
The image brought tears to one witness’s eyes: “He could have played on the biggest stage, but today, he chose to play here – in the middle of a flooded river.”
Afterwards, Acuña stayed behind to help clean up the shelters, handing out food and clean water to the people. He didn’t say much – letting his silence and actions tell the most powerful story.
The online community immediately spread the hashtag #AcuñaRescueDog – and whether it was #BravesFan or not, everyone was full of praise for his boundless kindness.
The flood passed, but the image of a player holding a dog – soaked in water and ashes – remained in the hearts of Texans, as proof that:
No matter who, no matter where – when there is kindness, a small act can create great hope.