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BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA // A cat who shot to fame after saving a California boy from a dog attack threw the first pitch on Tuesday night at a Bakersfield Blaze minor league baseball game – or at least she tried.
Tara took the internet by storm when she was captured on security camera on May 13 pouncing on a dog that attacked 4-year-old Jeremy Triantafilo.
The video, which has garnered 21 million views on YouTube, shows the neighbour’s dog biting and attempting to drag the boy. Within seconds, Tara leaps out and chases the canine away.
Jeremy needed 10 stitches in his left leg after the incident.
His father, Ryan Triantafilo, edited the video and posted it on YouTube for family and friends to see. He did not expect the video to garner so much attention.
Tara has been smothered with love since her heroic act.
“We’ve just given her a lot of love, kept her in the house and paid a lot of attention to her,” he said.
There was a failed attempt at the game, between the Blaze and the Lancaster JetHawks, to have Tara “throw” the pitch using a baseball attached to a fishing line.
Mr Triantafilo eventually helped the cat throw the pitch as he held her in his arms.
Meanwhile, Jeremy, ever grateful to his feline buddy, threw the game’s actual ceremonial first pitch.
*Associated Press