In the children's novel, Charlotte's Web, the main character, Wilbur is a pig who's life is about to draw to an ending. The farmer has planned to butcher him to feed the family. Wilbur learns of his fate (thanks to the other farm animals). During this time his troubles have been overheard by Charlotte, a spider who has been living in the corner of the barn near Wilbur's crib. They become friends and Charlotte spins a word into her web telling how great Wilbur is, and how special. This and a series of other webs change the farmer's mind about butchering Wilbur. Charlotte saved Wilbur's life. And, since spiders don't live very long, she gave up much of her precious time to help someone else.
