BAKERSFIELD, CA - It's a remarkable rescue caught on video that has been watched across the country.
A four-year-old boy's pet cat saved him from a dog attack in southwest Bakersfield.
The Today Show, TMZ, NBC National News, and CNN video all wanted copies because everyone wants to meet the cat called Tara, the fearless feline who took on a dog to save a little boy.
Lurking behind a car the video shows a neighbor's dog, caught on three home security cameras. You also see Jeremy Triantafilo riding his bike. The neighbor's dog, Scrappy, spots the boy, sneaks around an SUV and bites the four-year-old in the leg.
"I got off the bus and the doggy came and bite me," said Jeremy Triantafilo.
But, moments later the Triantafilo's pet cat, Tara, darts at the dog, chasing it away.
"She really did save him from further injury because who knows what could have happened in another couple seconds," said Roger Triantafilo, Jeremy's father.
But the dog had done damage, two large bite marks, and Jeremy had to have had ten stitches.
"My leg is feeling better," said Jeremy Triantafilo.
Tara was unharmed.
"We are so thankful it only was what it was," said Erica Triantafilo, Jeremy's mother.
And, the Triantafilo's say they have Tara to thank for that and luck to thank for the urge that compelled Tara to follow them home from the park six years ago.
"We've always loved her. She's been a great addition to our family," said Roger Triantafilo.
Now she's not just an addition, she's their hero.
"We're gonna keep her, you know, as a guard cat," said Triantafilo. "She's earned the queen spot in the house, just fish all of her life, grilled anyway she wants."
Bakersfield Police tell 17 News the owner of the dog voluntarily gave the dog to Animal Control. It's quarantined and police say it will euthanized in ten days. The owner told officers the eight-month-old Lab/Chow mix never liked bikes or kids.