a story that touches my heart

US Humane Society to honor boy who died saving pets
Fri Feb 15, 9:27 AM ET
NEW YORK (AFP) - The Humane Society of the United States, the leading US animal welfare organization, is to honor a New York boy who died last year after going back into his blazing home to rescue his pets.
The organization was to present the Circle of Compassion award on Saturday to Thomas and Maria Monahan, whose nine-year-old son Tommy was overcome by smoke last December after trying to save his pet dog, lizard and fish.
The award recognizes and honors individuals who have performed an act of significant courage or compassion to assist an animal in need.
Tommy and his family initially escaped from the fire in their New York home. "But when Tommy realized that his beloved pets were still inside, he broke away from his mother and ran back into the flames," the society said.
"An avid lover of animals and nature, he did what was in his heart and tried to rescue the animals who were so dear to him," it added.
The organization did not say whether any of the animals survived the blaze.

Would I do the same? Hell yes! If my pets, my cats were ever in trouble I am always there for them. I've taken in my cat Athena countless times to only end up getting her put on some medication to treat a chronic cold that has added up to some serious cash. I'm also the guy who spent the other year over $100 in total costs to get surgery performed for his pet rat who developed a life-threatening tumor. Yes - a pet rat. If my residence ever caught on fire - god forbid - the first things I would make sure to get out safely would be my pets. Television, movies, clothes...all that can be replaced. But not my cats.

Without a heartbeat.... I would risk my life for my cats.