What always restores my faith in humanity? When I see humans going out of their way—and sometimes even putting their own lives at risk—to help animals in need. Thanks to the heroic actions of these kindhearted individuals, the following creatures were saved from harm’s way in 2015. In case you missed these stories in the news last year, here are 12 of the most dramatic (and heartwarming) animal rescues from 2015:
1. Two dogs rescued from the rubble following a tornado
Two days after tornadoes devastated Texas right before Christmas, a family’s two dogs—a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Pinscher—were pulled from the rubble of their home, alive and miraculously without any broken bones.
2. Woman buys 100 dogs to save them from the dog meat festival
Every year in China, about 10,000 dogs are slaughtered for the annual dog meat festival, known as Yulin. This 65-year-old woman, an animal lover and shelter owner, was able to save $1,100 and drive 1,500 miles to buy 100 dogs, saving their lives and now giving them a second chance at life.
3. Dog rescued from icy waters
The U.S. Coast Guard saves lives—of both people and animals. Here’s the dramatic rescue of a dog that fell into icy waters in Michigan. The dog was later reported to be doing well while recovering at a local animal rescue.
4. Frozen kitten brought back to life
A family discovered a frozen kitten in the snow in their yard on Thanksgiving morning. They rushed into action—performing CPR and warming the kitten for over an hour.
5. 200-pound pig rescued from manhole
When the pig, named Rick Ross, fell into a 10-foot manhole, he was stuck for two days before firefighters were able to rescue him. Click here for dramatic video of the rescue.
6. Dramatic sheep rescue from a cliff in Wales
The rescuers from RSPCA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, had to rappel down dangerous cliffs to bring the ewe to safety.
7. Donkey stuck in deep floodwaters surprises rescuers
When the donkey got stranded in floodwaters in Ireland, rescuers led by Animal Haven Animal Rescue were able to pull him to safety—and were rewarded with a huge smile!
8. Firefighters rescue kitten from storm drain
When Maren Swanson saw the amazing footage of a kitten rescued from a storm drain in Miami, she knew in her heart she just had to adopt the baby cat. So she flew to Miami to bring little Storm home. Here’s a heartwarming video of Storm’s long journey—from a storm drain in Miami to her new home in Los Angeles:
9. Horse pulled from well
When Daisy the horse got stuck in a deep well, a team of local rescuers, including a vet, spent more than two hours extricating her from the large hole in the ground. Luckily for Daisy, she escaped with no injuries. Click here for unbelievable video of the rescue.
10. Whale trapped in rope rescued
When a humpback whale became entangled in a lobster trap off the coast of California, a team of rescuers from SeaWorld hurried to save the creature, who would have died without help.
11. Dog rescued from fast-moving LA river
After the little brown dog was swept a mile downriver, a firefighter lowered from a cable attached to a helicopter rescued the little guy, who escaped without injury.
12. Motorcyclist stops traffic to save a kitten
You’ll sit on the edge of your seats watching this dramatic rescue! When a tiny kitten is seen running across lanes in the middle of a busy highway, this heroic woman on a motorcycle stops traffic and waves down cars until she can scoop up the little ball of fluff (which she named Skidmark) and take him to safety. (All caught on her GoPro.)