Hero Pup Protects Kittens in Burning House

'Leo the Lion-Hearted' revived by firefighters as family of 7 escapes raging fire

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 27, 2008 4:08 AM CDT

(Newser) – A terrier pup in Australia is due for a bravery medal after refusing to abandon a box of kittens trapped in a blazing house over the weekend, reports the Melbourne Herald Sun. Leo the Lion-hearted—as he’s been dubbed—was carried from the blaze and resuscitated by firefighters, who dove back in to save the kittens as well. Nobody was killed in the blaze, which has left Leo’s human family of seven homeless.

The dog licked the kittens with joy when he saw them, reports a fire commander. "It was a wonderful sight."

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

Firefighters who revived Leo said he refused to leave the home and was found by them alongside the litter of kittens, despite thick smoke. (ThePatriotsMaxims)

A dog was hailed as a hero yesterday after it risked its life to stick by a litter of newborn kittens during a house fire. (Panera111)

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A loyal family dog risked its life to protect four kittens from a house fire in Melbourne, Australia. The Jack Russell cross is a civic hero now. (oinkysqueak)

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Hero Pup Protects Kittens in Burning House