The Daytona Beach Fire Department shared what they called a “rescue as old as time.” They came to the rescue of a kitten stranded for three days in a tree near a home. As a result, the kitten, which looks like a tortie, found a home too!
It all started when neighbors living in the area heard meowing sounds, according to Fire Department spokeswoman Jessica Wolfelschneider.
Kittens are experts at climbing trees but not so much at coming back down. They may do it on their own given time, but sometimes, they just can’t. It looks like the tree, in this case, was an exceptionally tall one.
Eventually, a Good Samaritan called 911, and the Fire Department arrived around 6 pm on Saturday, February 4th. In the pictures, you can see it was dark outside.
Images via Facebook/ Daytona Beach Fire Department
The firefighters had a ladder truck, helmet, and gloves. In short order, a fireman safely rescued the kitten and put it in a bucket. The fireman gently held the kitten, who must have been so relieved to finally get back on solid ground again.
Once safe on the ground, the same person who called 911 agreed to care for the kitten. According to the Miami Herald, they temporarily kept the tortie in an enclosed porch. After nobody claimed the kitten by Wednesday, the kitten found a forever home with its rescuers!
Daytona Beach Fire Department and Furry Nation Salvation
Florida nonprofit animal rescue, Furry Nation Salvation, created a calendar for 2023 featuring Daytona First Responders. The calendars featured firefighter EMTs Tonja Heer and Matthew Roos. Long-time firefighter and EMT Tonja Heer is also the founder of Furry Nation Salvation, which started in 2010.
Roos posed with rescued bottle-babies called the ‘Newbies’ and even helped feed them. He also got sprayed with water during the shoot!
“These bottle babies had to be fed around the clock and even Roos got to feed a few of them during the shoot,” the rescue shared.
Firefighter Matthew Roos poses with bottle baby kittens. Images via Facebook/Furry Nation Salvation
Furry Nation shared that Roos later adopted a cute kitten named Houi, who has Swimmer Syndrome.
Kitten name Houi
For another shot, Heer, who is also a photographer, held her rescued black cat named Solo beside her rescued dog Bahami. Solo was only six days old when found in a tree stump just before hurricane Dorian made landfall. Bahami and Solo love each other.
“ADOPT DON’T SHOP- please! I mean- look at these gorgeous pets right here!”
Firefighter Tonja Heer poses with her rescued dog Bahami and cat Solo via Facebook/Furry Nation Salvation
Heroes and Rescued Pets
The 2023 Heroes and Rescued Pets Calendar will help the rescue’s mission to help animals in Volusia County. Withe proceeds, the rescuers hope to one day build a small facility in New Smyrna Beach to help animals in need as well as continue fostering, practicing TNR (trap, neuter, return), finding homes for animals, and educating about animals in need.
The Daytona firefighters talk about the project below on WESH2 News below. Roos brought bottle-baby foster kittens Chimichanga, Burrito, and Taco. Heer appeared with her rescued dog, Bahami. She rescued Bahami from the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian destroyed parts of the island.
Heer posed with the only female firefighters from the Fire Department, who all have rescued dogs, in the calendar. You can find out more or purchase a calendar on Furry Nation’s website. You can follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Video via Furry Nation Salvation:
