A Good Samaritan spotted a kitten later named Fishie on the Mullan Avenue Bridge in Waterloo, IA. It was just before 8 a.m, and the woman stopped her car to try and get the kitten out of traffic.
Then, to the woman’s dismay, the kitten bit her and ran, falling into a drainage hole and into the Cedar River below. Then, the kitten started trying to swim, but she was weak and tiny and not much of a swimmer. As Fishie struggled to stay afloat, the weak current pulled her downstream.
If help didn’t arrive soon, the river would take the kitten toward the dangerous waters of the dam. For six minutes, she struggled to stay afloat, turning and bobbing in the water. Fortunately, rescuers were on the way.
Images credit: Jeff Reinitz via The Courier
Waterloo Fire Rescue Launches Rapid Response Boat
Now, this little Fishie is one lucky kitten because the Waterloo Fire Rescue soon came to her rescue.
As you can see in the video below, they launched an inflatable rapid deployment boat. Two men with paddles came quickly toward Fishie.
Soon, they were next to the kitten and pulled her from the water. Then, they put the soggy kitten in a mesh bag to keep her safe.
🐟 Fishie Drys Off at Shore 🐟
From there, they paddled to safety at the shoreline, where Animal Control officials were waiting.
“Poor little guy,” said the fireman, taking Fishie from the bag.
“Did you bite somebody?” asked a rescuer, drying off Fishie in a pink towel.
Photo by Daniel Winn, KWWL
Other than being very wet, Fishie was doing fine. The kind rescuer talked soothingly to the kitten.
Seeing what happened, this was an incredible kitten rescue operation.
Quite an impressive effort to save one tiny kitten from the river! Thanks to their quick action, the Cedar River would not be Fishie’s Waterloo.
Video by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier:
Cedar Bend Humane Society
Later, the Cedar Bend Humane Society took in Fishie to care for her. Thankfully, she would have the best of medical care and everything she would need. Although she had a harrowing experience in the river, her days of struggle were long over.
Now, she could find a forever home and put her days of swimming with the fishes behind her for good.
Image credit: Facebook/ Cedar Bend Human Society
Update on Fishie
The Cedar Bend Humane Society, Inc. shared an update on Fishie. As you can see, the kitten was safe and warm in a blanket. Surrounding him, a group of medical staff was doting on the little cutie.
“🐟Meet Fishie!🐟 This little lady went for a swim with the fishes this morning after falling into the Cedar River. Our medical staff is keeping her cozy and warm while monitoring her for pneumonia. Thank you to all involved in saving her life!”
Cedar Bend Humane Society with Fishie via Facebook
To help rescue kittens like Fishie, follow the Cedar Bend Human Society.
