Chungus is Caught

Executive Summary

Keely called on a Saturday morning -- their 4-month old kitty "Chungus", loved by her two daughters, had been stuck in a tree since yesterday morning in Bailey MS, could I help? I told her that I would leave immediately. I was met on arrival by Jamie, Keely's husband, who led me to the tree (Keely had to take her daughters to a birthday party). Chungus was crying loudly from a perch at about 50 feet in a large hardwood. Jamie had free climbed about 40 feet earlier in a rescue attempt, but was unable to reach Chungus. During rope setup, Chungus became spooked, descended about 10 feet, jumped to a neighboring vertical stem, then went far out on a branch. I started climbing, prepared to do a grab pole rescue. When I drew even with Chungus, she settled down and even tried to come to me, but was too scared. I swung over to her stem, but she was still too far out. I pulled up my rescue pole, but then decided to try a limb walk out to her. During my walk, Chungus came a little closer, and by stretching, I was just able to reach her for the grab. She hissed and yowled in the bag, but she was safe. Back on the ground, Jamie took Chungus inside for food and water. Hopefully, Chungus stays on the ground from now on! Jamie and Keely, many thanks for your generous donation to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society!