In a harrowing display of devotion to their pets, two separate incidents underscore the profound bond between humans and animals, resulting in life-altering consequences for those involved. In San Antonio, a man suffered extensive burns rescuing his dog from a house fire, leading to homelessness and a plea for public aid. Meanwhile, a tragic accident in New Hampshire claimed the life of a woman who died saving a dog from an oncoming train.
San Antonio Man Faces Uncertain Future After Fire and Heroic Dog Rescue
On May 22, 2025, Zain Cano, a San Antonio resident, endured life-threatening burns after a courageous dash into a burning duplex to rescue his beloved dog, Clarence. Nearly a month later, he’s appealing for public assistance, finding himself hospitalized for weeks, his family displaced, and their future uncertain.
Cano detailed his ordeal in a June 18 post on Reddit, sharing a photo of himself bandaged beside his fire-ravaged home. He explained the fire started while he was working on his motorcycle; a loose fuel line caused gasoline to leak onto the carpet, leading to ignition. Although he initially escaped, he bravely re-entered the burning duplex upon realizing Clarence was still inside. This heroic act resulted in burns covering 40 percent of his body, necessitating a month-long hospital stay.
Upon his release, Cano discovered his family was homeless and staying in a motel, a cost they could no longer afford. With no savings and an extended recovery period ahead, he’s unable to work for at least another month. He’s considering buying a camper as a temporary solution but expressed concerns about maintaining the sterile environment needed for his bandage changes to prevent infection. “I hate asking for help,” he wrote, “but if I can get any assistance I would be so grateful.”
The fire itself was reported around 10 p.m. on May 22 at a duplex on East Carson Street in San Antonio. Firefighters arriving on scene found flames already visible and Cano lying outside the building. He was immediately rushed to the hospital with confirmed burns affecting 30 to 40 percent of his body. Neighbors had reported hearing an explosion, though officials stated the cause of the fire was still under investigation at the time.
Zain’s girlfriend, Jenna Carter, who lives with him, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his recovery. She explained in the campaign description that she was at the store when the fire erupted in their living room, returning to find the duplex fully engulfed. Confirming Zain’s account of rescuing Clarence, she stated, “Fortunately, they both made it back out alive.” Carter highlighted Cano’s limited mobility, requiring a walker and unable to use his hands, emphasizing their urgent need for a temporary, handicap-friendly living space for his ongoing care. “We are asking for help so we can afford to relocate for a few months. Anything that’s able to be contributed will help immensely,” she wrote. As of the time of reporting, the fundraiser has raised $7,317 toward a $9,000 goal from 153 donations.
Cano’s deep affection for his dog, Clarence, is evident in his Facebook profile photos, which show them on beach trips, hikes, and more. He’s also shared posts about caring for other dogs, including puppies he found homes for. We wish Zain Cano a speedy and full recovery.
New Hampshire Woman Dies Saving Dog from Oncoming Train
Sadly, a similarly heroic act of animal rescue ended in tragedy in Plaistow, New Hampshire. The community is mourning the loss of Alicia Leonardi, 42, whose life was cut short on Monday, June 2, 2025, in a fatal train accident while saving a dog.
Leonardi’s family, including her mother, has spoken out, painting a picture of a kindhearted, happy individual who made the ultimate sacrifice. Reports indicate Leonardi was walking with her ex-boyfriend and his dog, Jackson, near the Newfields Road trestle when an Amtrak train unexpectedly barreled around a corner. Alarmed by the horn, Jackson darted onto the tracks. In a desperate attempt to save him, both Leonardi and her ex-boyfriend raced after the dog.
Tragically, both were struck by the train. While Jackson emerged unharmed, the attempt cost Leonardi her life; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her ex-boyfriend sustained only minor injuries.
“She loved that dog, that dog was everything to her,” shared Cathleen Collis, Leonardi’s mother, describing her daughter as “a very happy, smiling, bubbly girl” whose energy lit up every room. “I’m going to miss her very much,” she added, highlighting the suddenness of the incident that has left family and friends reeling.
Leonardi’s cousin, Joe Gatley, reflected on her resilience and recent progress. “She had some tough times,” he acknowledged, “We’ve been doing really well in life right now, and it’s just a tragedy.” Leonardi, who lived in Manchester, worked at a restaurant and aspired to study skincare. A close friend described her as a “one-of-a-kind person with a heart of gold” who will be deeply missed by everyone, especially her 24-year-old daughter, Faith Bishop. Bishop expressed that her mother “meant everything” to her, and the family has vowed to keep Leonardi’s spirit alive. “Live every day to the fullest,” Gatley urged, “Because, you know, tomorrow’s not — there’s no guarantee.”
Local civilians near the tracks voiced concerns about the recurring nature of such tragedies. “Oh, it’s just horrendous to hear about, especially in such a way. We live right next to the tracks, right? Obviously, you don’t think about the dangers here,” noted Exeter resident Al Spinale. In the wake of the accident, the Exeter Police Department issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming their investigation in collaboration with Amtrak and CSX Police. Their report noted the fatal incident occurred around 3:24 p.m., prompting a response from both police and fire/rescue personnel to the wooded section of the outbound train tracks.