Johnson City TN police, firefighters, veterinarians, and the local shelter came together to save Alice, a severely distressed cat at an apartment complex.
Somehow the small cat managed to get her head stuck in the drain of a dumpster. Possibly, she was chasing a rodent, but only she knows for sure.
Alice from inside the dumpster, Images via Facebook/Washington County, TN Animal Shelter
On Facebook, the Washington County TN Animal Shelter shared the story:
“Today, multiple organizations came together to save a kitten’s life. ❤️ We have never been more proud of the first responders in our city!” the shelter posted.
First, residents tried to free the cat, applying lubrication around her head. However, Alice only became more distressed and stuck. So, they called 911, and the police arrived. However, the police couldn’t get the cat loose, and they reached out to an off-duty police officer who loves animals for help.
“She quickly made her way to the apartment complex and told the police to call the fire department because they would need to cut her from the drain,” they wrote.
Alice Freed Following Sedation
As the cat was meowing loudly in distress, it was clear sedation was needed. So, the officer called a friend who works for a veterinarian’s office.
“With sedation onboard, our hapless kitty was slid right out of the hole. The cat, fur-ever now referred to as ‘Dumpster,’ is happy and healthy with a much better appreciation of holes that may or may not let one go once inside,” wrote the Johnson City Firefighters Association on Facebook.
Later, Dumpster received her name of Alice. Reminds us of another Alice prone to getting stuck.
Alice looking a bit like the Cheshire Cat
Alice’s Not-So-Nice Adventure Ends Happily
Following the group-effort rescue, the kitten traveled to the vet for an examination. According to the Johnson City Police Facebook page, “Once freed, Miss Alice received a thorough examination and was found to be in great health!”
“All in all, 3 on-duty officers, 2 off-duty officers, 2 fire trucks, an animal control officer, and a vet tech worked together to save this kitten’s life ❤️❤️❤️” the post states.
After the successful effort, everyone was proud the community came together for Alice. Best of all, we have a wonderful ending to the story.
“We have said it before, and we will say it again. Our police officers and firemen/women are the best of the best. They truly care about our community- all of it – including the animals. 💗💗 The best part ….. one of the police officers is adopting the kitten!”
“One of our responding officers knew Alice needed a loving home and insisted he adopted her,” the JC Police page states.
What a wonderful community effort to save a kitten in distress!
Video by WJHL:
