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Though a lot of news this year was bad and ugly rather than good, 2014 had its share of heartwarming moments.

These six stories from across the United States tugged at our heartstrings — we hope they touch you too.

In Bakersfield, California on May 13, 2014, 4-year-old Jeremy Triantafilo was riding his bicycle when a neighborhood dog viciously attacked him. As the dog was attacking Jeremy, Tara the cat came to the rescue, hurling herself at the dog before returning to the toddler. Jeremy needed stitches following the attack, but swiftly recovered.

In many ways, 2014 was a year like any other. Some people were nice and some were naughty-- but not everyone got caught on camera. The videos and stories below are from communities across the country and involve a variety of situations, from cats protecting humans to cops behaving badly. They all have one thing in common: They’ll make you do a double-take.