I’m sure we have all at least once been asked that famous hypothetical question: What would you save first if your house were on fire?

While most people might mention their phone, a laptop, or a childhood photo album, most devoted cat parents would undoubtedly prioritize saving their fluffy companions first.

However, for one man from Laredo, Texas this hypothetical question turned into a serious life-or-death matter. 

Jose Aranda, an Animal Control Officer displayed extraordinary bravery by running into a burning shelter and saving 45 cats from a fire. 

As reported by the Laredo Morning Times, Aranda had worked in various jobs for more than 11 years until he became an Animal Control Officer, just four months before that fateful night.

Despite his limited experience in that profession, Aranda still leaped into action when he saw smoke coming from the roof of the shelter! In there, poor kitties were trapped in stainless steel cages, desperately waiting for someone to save them.

“I proceeded to open the door and saw a bunch of cats there, so I started releasing the cats before they got burned,” he shared with LMT.

Aranda also contacted the local fire department, but by the time they arrived, he had already saved all felines out of the burning building. 

However, his heroic deed was not without consequences. After rescuing all the cats and transporting them to a different location, Aranda was hospitalized due to exposure to excessive heat and smoke which made him dizzy. 

Thankfully, he remained in the hospital for several hours only and was free to go home at around 3 a.m. 

During his hospital stay, he FaceTimed his 6-year-old son who was very worried but also thrilled when he heard about the cats his daddy saved. Aranda told LMT:

“He was very happy that I saved the cats. He loves cats, we have two at home.” 

If it had been someone else, those cats might not have been saved at all. But this brave man simply couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. He said:

“I love my job. I think that if I was another person, I probably wouldn’t have gone in to save these animals. I could’ve easily waited outside until they (fire department) came, and God would have known what could have happened to those cats.”

Aranda remained unwavering in his dedication to those felines. After everything that happened, he started encouraging his community to rescue them for good and offer them their well-deserved forever home. He said:

“Whoever is looking to adopt a cat or a dog, we have plenty of options to choose from. It’s open to the public, and it’s free adoption, and they’ll get spayed and neutered. So, I think it’s a win-win for everybody. I encourage everyone to come out here and see if they’ll adopt one.”

Aranda clearly proved himself to be a real hero and animal lover, for which he was suitably honored. 

On January 18, 2022, Mayor Pete Saenz and the rest of the City Council gathered at the City Hall to present Aranda with the Certificate of Recognition for saving 45 cats from a fire at the Laredo Animal Care Service facility. 

KGNS also declared him a “Hometown Hero” because he went above and beyond his duties – a title he indeed deserved!

So, what are your thoughts on this story? Please, feel free to share your opinion with us below. 

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