These animals are true life-saving heroes!
All animals are awesome, and they are truly our best friends.
But some creatures out there are… record-breaking and even life-saving!
Check out these pet heroes that have put their own lives on the line to save others.
Sharwood and his life-saving blood donations
Meet Sharwood, the Gordon Setter who has saved the lives of 100s of dogs!
With his supportive owner Sue Mitchell (UK) always by his side, Sharwood regularly donates some of his own blood to help other doggies in need, earning the world record for most times to give blood by a dog after donating for the 45th time.
So far, he has saved the lives of over 180 dogs – WOW!
And don’t worry about him – Sharwood is super healthy, and he seems to enjoy the process of donating his blood, as he’s always ultra-relaxed while doing it…
He even wags his tail and often falls asleep and starts snoring!
Jack, the dog with life-saving paws
Jack is a man’s best friend and a true hero, as he’s helped save many people’s lives!
In 2013, the Guinness World Records title for the fastest time for a dog to retrieve a person from water (25 m) was set by the black full-blooded Newfoundland.
Jack and his owner Hans achieved the record in 1 minute and 36.812 seconds.
This impressive pup is a fully trained and certified search and rescue dog who works for the German rescue organization DLRG!
Ronin the hero rat who detects landmines
It’s not just dogs that can be heroes, though…
This is Ronin, an African giant pouched rat who is an expert in detecting landmines and explosives – dangerous objects hidden underground – keeping everyone safe!
Working from August 2021 to February 2025, Ronin discovered 109 landmines in Cambodia, setting the world record for most landmines detected by a rat, and saving the lives of so many people!
Thank you, Ronin.
Cupcake the shortest service dog
Do you know what service dogs are?
They’re smart, helpful dogs trained to help people who need extra support in their daily lives.
Cupcake is one of them, and she also happens to be the world’s shortest service dog!
In 2012, Cupcake measured 15.87 cm (6.25 in) tall – so tiny and cute, but also a real life-saver.
These amazing animals remind us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes – even with paws, claws, or tails!