On May 22, 2025, Zain Cano from San Antonio suffered life-threatening burns covering 30-40% of his body after running into a burning duplex to rescue his dog, Clarence.The fire started when gasoline leaked onto the carpet while he was working on his motorcycle. Though he initially escaped, he went back inside to save his dog.Cano spent about a month in the hospital and now faces an uncertain future, as his family is displaced and living in a motel they can’t afford long-term.
His girlfriend, Jenna Carter, created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical and housing costs. Cano can’t work yet due to his injuries and is looking for temporary, handicap-accessible housing. The fundraiser has raised over $7,300 of a $9,000 goal.
In a related tragic story, Alicia Leonardi from New Hampshire lost her life saving a dog from an oncoming train on June 2, 2025. Leonardi was hit by the train while trying to rescue her ex-boyfriend’s dog, Jackson, who survived. Her family and friends mourn her loss and honor her memory.