Hero Cat to Throw Out First Pitch at Baseball Game (VIDEO)
The cat being heralded as a hero for protecting a young boy from a dog attack has now received an extra special honor: being selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Bakersfield Blaze's baseball game. It's not known just how exactly the cat will be able to throw the ball, but her attendance is sure to delight fans.
Tara the cat ran into action and warded off what could have been a devastating attack from a neighbor's dog. Her owner's son, 4-year-old Jeremy, was riding his bike when the dog ran into his yard, grabbed the boy by the leg and started to drag him away. Tara came running out of nowhere and jumped on the dog, sending him running. She then followed the dog, making sure that he was gone, before coming back to her owners and going inside with Jeremy and his mother.
"Tara is my hero," Jeremy told ABC23.
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"I've never seen a cat do that," Roger Triantatilo, Jeremy's father, added. "Especially ours. It just shows how much she really has a family-oriented mindset."
What's amazing is that the entire scenario was captured on closed-circuit TV and has now gone viral. Tara is being praised as a hero and has been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the minor league team for the Bakersfield Blaze on May 20. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase one ticket and get another free when they donate animal food or a toy.
Tara has already made her debut on national TV, appearing on the "Today" show with her family. What's even amazing is that Tara was a rescue cat taken in by the family; she now has a specific place of honor. Mom Erica is grateful for Tara's quick response.
"I didn't even realize what had happened until after when my husband showed me the surveillance video," she told ABC.
The dog has been surrendered to police and will be euthanized.
Watch the amazing video here:
