Award Honors Girl Who Died Trying To Save Her Dogs From A Fire

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Rilee Beisler was a sixth-grader at McIntosh Middle School when she lost her life trying to rescue her two 7-month-old puppies, Luna and Dobby, from a May 5 house fire at the Sun N Fun RV Resort.

Now, the Humane Society of Sarasota County is honoring the 11-year-old through a legacy award inspired by her heroic actions.

“HSSC's mission is to engage the hearts, hands, and minds of the community to help animals,” the Humane Society wrote on its website. “Rilee Beisler's huge heart for animals is an inspiration and a testament to the strength of the human-animal bond. May we remember and honor the life of this young lady and celebrate other animal-loving young people.”

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The Rilee Beisler Humane-i-tarian Award is open to children ages 6 to 16 who live in Sarasota County and exemplify compassion, love and respect for animals.

Nominations are due by Sept. 14 at 11:59 p.m. and can be submitted online here.

The winner will be notified by Sept. 16, and they’ll be honored at a special ceremony Sept. 18 at Sun N Fun.