In a dramatic and heartwarming rescue, a cat named Blue found himself trapped in a precarious situation in Washington. On May 27, firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a home where Blue had his head stuck in the center of a spare wheel. The owner’s suspicion that the cat was chasing a mouse when he got trapped added a touch of whimsy to the situation.
The rescue operation was no small feat. The firefighters had to carefully use a hydraulic car extrication cutting tool, a Sawzall, and a Dremel tool to free Blue. Before starting the rescue, a neighbor who is also a veterinarian administered anti-anxiety and calming medications to ensure Blue remained as calm and stress-free as possible.
A video of the rescue shows the intense precision required as the firefighters worked to cut Blue out of the tire and then removed a ring of metal that had encircled his neck. The entire operation took about 45 minutes, but it ended successfully with Blue being safely returned to his owner, much to the relief of everyone involved. Blue is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident drew numerous comments on social media, with one person humorously remarking, “There went one of his nine lives right there! So glad he was able to be rescued and he’s okay.” Another commenter aptly described the situation by referring to the wheel as “the ultimate cone of shame.” This rescue highlights not only the bravery and skill of firefighters but also the strong community support in ensuring the well-being of our furry friends.
