Thomas, the 28-pound cat, is safely back at home thanks to the relentless rescue efforts of Waynesboro Animal Control Officer Dee Price.
Price labored in the oppressive heat Monday and Tuesday for nearly six hours to rescue the 13-year-old cat, which fell into a steep storm drain at the Hopeman West Apartments.
Thomas’ owner, Beverly Via, said the cat was chased by a dog into a four-foot deep storm drain Saturday morning.
Price was able to get to the scene Monday afternoon. Complicating the rescue was Thomas’ age and weight, and the fact he was declawed.
The Waynesboro City Public Works pulled the lid off the storm drain on Monday, “but the cat shot back down the pipe because it was scared,’’ Price said.
The rescue was not successful after several hours Monday. On Tuesday, Price used a mirror belonging to the Waynesboro Police Department SWAT team to better track the cat’s movements in the storm drain.
She also put a container of food between her boots before climbing into the storm drain Tuesday. Thomas smelled the food and Price was able to pull the cat up and eventually pass him on to another officer and animal control intern at the top.
Via said Thomas has been reluctant to eat or drink water since it came home. She praised Price’s efforts.
“She needs to be commended for this. She put forth every effort to get this cat out,’’ Via said.
Price, who has dealt with her share of snakes and other animals and reptiles, called the rescue “one of the longest and most detailed.”
In addition to the cramped quarters, she was concerned about Thomas weighing so much and not being able to climb out. She said that a heavy rain could have drowned Thomas and washing the cat away.
Of her adventure, Price said “it is kind of rewarding. My legs are sore from being in the hole so long.”
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