I got Lucky on the "LUCKY" rescue

Executive Summary

After returning home from the 'Josie' rescue, I received a mid-afternoon FB message from Kelli. Her friend, Crystal in Bay Springs, was in need of help for a kitty who had been stuck five nights up a pine tree. I eventually connected with Crystal, who said they were trying a couple of more rescue attempts that day. These were unsuccessful, so I arrived at noon the next day and was met by Curt (brother-in-law), who helped from the ground. Later during the rescue, we were joined by Damion ('Big Country'), who worked with Curt and who also offered to help. "Lucky", adopted as a stray two years earlier, was at 50 feet and silent, which is not a good sign as it indicates a distrustful kitty. I set a rope at 40 feet and went up. I reached the tie-in point, put a lanyard about 5 feet higher, and pulled myself up so that I could stand up in my tie-in point. Lucky watched this all carefully, occasionally looking up the tree for an escape route. She ignored my food bribes and looked ready to bolt at any moment. I decided to use my short grab pole. The nab went well, but I forgot to get my net ready so the transfer to the net was a struggle. She got scared and nipped me during this process but did not break the skin. She also almost escaped from the net when I was fussing with the grab pole, but I finally secured her. Whew, I felt 'Lucky' to have made a successful rescue. Crystal and Curt, many thanks for your generous donations to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society!