"Mel" is Really High

Executive Summary

Cully contacted me via FB messenger about their kitty, who had been stuck for three days in Louisville MS. I went out the same day and was met by Vicky, his wife, and their young son August. My heart sank when Vicky showed me the tree. "Melinite" (Mel) was 55 feet up a sweet gum, far up a small leader from the main stem, and swaying in a strong breeze. After some thought, I decided to use a hi-line (a rope strung between two adjacent trees) for extra safety. This stretched the rescue out to three hours because of the complicated set-up/teardown, and many thanks to Vicky for helping with this. When I finally climbed up near Mel, I realized that I probably could have done without the hi-line, but it made me feel safer. My first attempt to snag Mel failed, as she was stuck in a narrow crotch. I climbed a bit higher, and was finally able to lift her up and out of crotch and into the bag. Back on the ground, Vicky took Mel inside for food and water. Vicky and Cully, many thanks for your generous donation to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society! As per the times that we live in, all maintained proper social distancing during the rescue!