A homeless man in Atlanta, Georgia, has been hailed a hero after saving 16 animals from an animal shelter that caught on fire.
On the 18th of December 2020, Keith Walker was walking by the animal shelter when he noticed flames and smoke escaping from the building. He immediately jumped into action and risked his own safety to save 10 cats and 6 dogs from the facility.
It is believed that an appliance in the kitchen of the W-Underdogs animal shelter was what started the blaze.
Walker's own dog, a pit-bull named Bravo, stays in the shelter at night due to Walker's homelessness and he was one of the dogs that Walker managed to rescue. Thankfully, no animals were killed or injured in the fire and all are now being kept at a new facility.
"I was nervous as hell, I'm not going to lie. I was really scared to go in there with all that smoke. But God put me there to save those animals. If you love a dog, you can love anyone in the world. My dog is my best friend, and I wouldn't be here without him, so I knew I had to save all those other dogs."
Walker has been experiencing homelessness on and off for 40 years, since he was 13, and met Gracie Hamlin, founder of W-Underdogs' several years ago. It was then that she agreed that she would allow Bravo to come into the shelter at night in order to be fed and kept safe. Her kind deeds have now most certainly been paid back by Walker.
"He is my guardian angel. Even the firefighters didn't want to handle the dogs. They called animal control, but Keith was already in the building pulling out the cats and dogs until they were all safe."
She added:
"I can't thank him enough for saving my animals. I'm still in disbelief, because I've been around a fire and I know how fast they flare up. He is my hero."
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Walker in order to thank him for his bravery and to help him improve his life's circumstances. Thus far, it has raised over $82,000. One individual posting on the GoFundMe page said:
"I am sitting here crying because of the extreme bravery and love this man has shared with the animals. It would be unjust to NOT help this angel out."
While another person commented:
"Mr. Walker, you are a true hero. If everyone had at least a fraction of the kindness, compassion, and courage you possess, this world would be a much better place. I truly hope your life becomes whatever you dream it to be. May God provide comfort to you and your beloved dog, Bravo, for all of your days. Thank you for being you."
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