Dog Refuses to Leave Kittens During House Fire

Leo, a Jack-Russel cross in Australia, is being hailed as a hero for risking his life to protect four kittens. Leo’s family ran from the burning house along with their other dog, but Leo refused to go until he was sure the kittens were safe.

When firemen charged into the building, they found Leo in a fog of thick smoke guarding the kittens, which were in the bedroom in a cardboard box. By the time firefighters reached him, Leo was unconscious as a result of heat and smoke inhalation. He and the kittens required medical treatment but all survived. Leo was revived with oxygen and heart massage.

Leo has now been nicknamed Smokey. See The Belfast Telegraph for a video of Leo and the kittens.

For more stories about heroic and altruistic animals, see:

• Cat Heroes
• Hero Cat Dials 911
• Cat Provides Care for the Dying
• Cats Adopting Puppies