In a breathtaking display of heroism caught on security cameras, a man saved a dog from a potentially fatal fall.
In Ribeirao Preto, a city in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Joao Augusto spotted a small dog perched precariously on a neighboring balcony.
The dog, a Shih Tzu named Mel, was dangerously close to falling off the railing, barking and climbing, signaling imminent danger.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115358/1-29.jpg)
Augusto’s quick thinking led him to act immediately.
He rushed towards the building, where Paulo Narciso, the building’s caretaker, noticed his urgency.
Narciso quickly let Augusto in, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“I didn’t really understand at the time, I opened the gate and went with the man. We got there and saw that the dog was curled over the railing and was going to fall. I went up to the flat but the owner wasn’t home,” Narciso recalled.
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With no time to lose, Augusto positioned himself below the balcony, arms outstretched, ready to catch Mel.
He shifted back and forth, trying to predict where the dog might land.
It was a tense moment; he knew he had only one shot at saving Mel’s life.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115423/3-31.jpg)
Suddenly, Mel slipped off the balcony, plummeting towards the ground from a height of 100 feet.
This heart-stopping moment could have ended in tragedy, but Augusto was there to catch her.
“I asked for a towel or a sheet to help in some way, but there wasn’t enough time. Then, she fell from the ninth floor. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to catch her but I was aware that I could cushion the fall,” Augusto explained.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115434/4-32.jpg)
Miraculously, Augusto’s quick reflexes paid off.
He caught Mel, barely holding onto her, but it was enough to save her life.
The relief was palpable as he lay on the ground, holding Mel, grateful for the successful rescue.
The little dog, Mel, quickly recovered from the ordeal and scampered away, unharmed thanks to Augusto’s bravery and quick thinking.
Augusto, too, was unharmed, remaining on the ground for a few moments longer, overwhelmed with relief and the realization that he had just saved a life.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115445/5-33.jpg)
Following this harrowing incident, the owner of the flat took preventive measures to ensure Mel’s safety.
A net was installed on the balcony to keep Mel secure and prevent any future accidents.
Augusto’s actions that day went beyond being in the right place at the right time.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115455/6-30.jpg)
He didn’t hesitate or wait for someone else to take charge.
Instead, he stepped up, ready to do whatever it took to save Mel.
His willingness to act, to be the barrier between life and death, is what truly defines his heroism.
Augusto’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and action.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115511/7-27.jpg)
He didn’t just call for help or watch from the sidelines.
He chose to make a difference, to be the change the world needs.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/23115523/8-26.jpg)
His courage and selflessness in that critical moment make him a true hero.
Watch this suspenseful moment in the video below!
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