Firefighters pull 'scared and hungry' kitten from drainage pipe
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PORTLAND, Ore. - Firefighters used shovels, a plumbing company's tiny camera and other equipment in a delicate rescue that saved a furry victim from an uncertain fate Sunday evening.
Portland Fire and Rescue crews were called to a home near NE 118th and NE Sandy Boulevard at about 7:30 p.m. after a homeowner reported hearing a kitten calling for help in the walls of a basement.
Firefighters said Apollo Drain and Rooter Service workers joined in the rescue effort after firefighters determined the stranded feline was in one of four deep drainage pipes.
Using the plumbers "snake camera," firefighters determined which pipe the cat was in and said they started digging but still could not reach the tiny animal.
Crews then began pumping air into the pipe from the opposite end and said the cat slowly worked it's way back to the opening.
Six hours after the rescue effort began and with the enticement of a bit of sausage, firefighter Scott Pearson was able to get the kitten out of the pipe. Firefighters named it "Champ."
"It was scared and hungry," Pearson said, "but I'm sure that it was glad to be out of that dark, damp hole."
The Oregon Humane Society is now caring for Champ. Employees there estimate he's about three weeks old.
He will be available for adoption in about a month.
Portland Fire and Rescue crews were called to a home near NE 118th and NE Sandy Boulevard at about 7:30 p.m. after a homeowner reported hearing a kitten calling for help in the walls of a basement.
Firefighters said Apollo Drain and Rooter Service workers joined in the rescue effort after firefighters determined the stranded feline was in one of four deep drainage pipes.
Using the plumbers "snake camera," firefighters determined which pipe the cat was in and said they started digging but still could not reach the tiny animal.
Crews then began pumping air into the pipe from the opposite end and said the cat slowly worked it's way back to the opening.
Six hours after the rescue effort began and with the enticement of a bit of sausage, firefighter Scott Pearson was able to get the kitten out of the pipe. Firefighters named it "Champ."
"It was scared and hungry," Pearson said, "but I'm sure that it was glad to be out of that dark, damp hole."
The Oregon Humane Society is now caring for Champ. Employees there estimate he's about three weeks old.
He will be available for adoption in about a month.
They should have used cheese, but good job.!!!!!
Way to go guys!!!!! what would our world be like without you... thank you for all the love you give to us when we are in need even the littlest of us....<3 what you do
With all that these folks do and for all the sad things they must deal with I think it is wonderful that they can save such a tiny life and how can it not bring joy into their hearts. Bless the hearts of all the firefighters all over our country for all that they do for all of us.
Man, I thought my cats were small enough to get into everything after climbing inside the recliners! LOL! Don't compare to this. Glad they were able to save this adorable lil cutie!
After all the bad they see, it's nice to be able to read about them doing something that ends in a happy story.
Gotta' love the smiles on the rescuers' faces.
Aww! This one made me choke up. Great job, guys!