A kind man, Keith Walker, who was 53 years old, kept his own pitbull called Bravo at the W-Underdogs center (an animal shelter) overnight and was on his way to pick him up when he saw the flames on December 18.
He didn't just rescue his own pet, but he made sure that all the animals were safe. He said, “I was nervous at first and really scared to go in there with all that smoke. I am not going to lie.” However, Keith suddenly remembered that his father once said humans had a duty to protect animals. So he said, " 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."
Shelter founder Gracie Hamlin said that the shelter was left uninhabitable by the fire, which was electrical. But luckily, they were about to move into a new place, so there was still somewhere for the animals to live.
She said, "Keith is my guardian angel. Even the firefighters didn't know how to handle the animals. They called Animal Control, but Keith was already in the building pulling out the cats and dogs until they were all safe."
Keith, who has been homeless since he was 13, has now been regarded as a hero after saving the six dogs and ten cats. Well-wishers have raised almost $40,000 for him on GoFundMe, a fundraising platform.
In a separate fundraiser for the shelter itself to rebuild after the fire, Gracie said, “Keith worked tirelessly to bring our animals to safety. Although he refused all offers of help, we are determined to contact him again. He is a vital part of our community and he should be appropriately rewarded for his selfless efforts.”
4. What did Keith do at the first sight of the fire?
A.He waited for help. | B.He turned to his father. |
C.He protected his own pets. | D.He hesitated for a moment. |
5. What damage did the fire bring about?
A.Some firefighters were badly injured. | B.The animals lost their shelter. |
C.Some cats disappeared. | D.Keith lost his pitbull. |
6. Why is Gracie going to contact Keith again?
A.To reward him for what he did. | B.To raise money for him. |
C.offer him a good job. | D.To rebuild a home for him. |
7. Which of the following can best describe Keith?
A.Ambitious and helpful. | B.Determined and modest. |
C.Honest and brave. | D.Generous and calm. |