“Dear PoPville,
Good news happened in Petworth on Tuesday 11/7.
Original Message
A poor cat has been stuck in a tree for at least 24 hours (most likely longer).
I heard his cries last night when exiting my car and realized he was in the tree. He was still there this morning and still there tonight. I’ve called the animal rescue hotline many times since last night and the police department to see if the fire department can be dispatched.
Animal rescue told me tonight that the animal officer has the details and will coordinate with the fire department when they can.
If anyone has any connections, climbs trees, or can call animal rescue (again), I just want to help this poor kitty get out of the tree.
___
After my post many people chimed in to offer advice, concern and help. Ryan offered to climb the tree if someone had a ladder.
Courtney and her husband, Nick, offered to bring an 8 foot ladder. The three of them showed up to meet my husband and me on Webster Street, NW. Before arriving, Ryan stopped by the fire department on Georgia and Gallatin Sts, NW (DC Fire & EMS Station 24) and persuaded the firefighters to rescue the cat. After communicating with Animal Rescue, the firefighters agreed to rescue the cat and showed up immediately with Ryan leading the way. The cat was safely rescued from the tree.
While outside watching the firefighters climb the tree, a neighbor, Deborah exited her home and said that is her cat, Cash, who is an indoor cat and who mistakenly ran out the house and has been in the tree since Saturday.
Follow-up Message
This is why I love Petworth! At 8pm at night, community members showed their concern on Facebook and 3 community neighbors ventured out to help bring the cat down from the tree. Ryan, Courtney and Nick, you are awesome!! Courtney and Nick came with a ladder 🪜 and tried to reach the cat. Ryan stopped at the fire department and pleaded with the firefighters to come get the cat down. The fire department connected with animal rescue and agreed to come. The cat belonged to a neighbor who came outside and said the cat had been in the tree since Saturday and she had been calling animal rescue for days to help get him down.
I am so extremely pleased and thankful to everyone involved!! Thank you!!”