Now that’s threading!

What does Public Works have to do with kitty cats? Well, nothing unless a road crew happens to hear some faint meowing. Then they are in the kitty cat rescue business!

Gaston Vidal and Glenn Millican from Public Works Station 14 don’t usually work a particular area of Jamul but several weeks ago they were out on Highway 94 at Peaceful Valley Road when they heard some plaintive meows. 

They tracked the sound to a storm drain and sure enough, there was a gray cat stuck inside about ten feet down. The crew called for reinforcements and Ashley Springfield of Animal Services responded to the scene. 

“This drain was a dangerous confined space with fumes, so I had to devise a plan to get the cat out of the drain safely,” said Springfield.          

Did I mention the sewer grate was on the 94 along with some busy traffic? No problem, Millican and Gaston set up some safety cones and removed the sewer grate. Now it was Springfield’s turn to work her magic.

She called the cat to her, but he was too scared to approach her. Maybe a little cat food might do the trick. Springfield dropped some down; the animal slowly came out of his hiding spot in the drain and began eating. Springfield continued talking to the cat softly and she managed to guide her catchpole down the hole, slip a cord around him and lift him to safety.

Amazingly enough, as she held him, he began to purr. And it didn’t stop even when the vet looked him over and found the cat was suffering from several fractures.

“During all of his vaccinations, all the poking and prodding, he still managed to be a love bug and purred the entire time,” said Springfield.

She also discovered he was microchipped. This little boy’s name was Zoom and he had disappeared five days earlier from his home 20 miles away. No one knows how he got to Jamul or what happened to him along the way.

Due to the high cost of his medical care, the owner decided to relinquish Zoom to Animal Services. The department used its Spirit Fund for animals with medical needs to pay for Zoom’s surgery.

Zoom is still recovering from his injuries but his future looks bright. His foster mom plans to adopt him as a Christmas gift for her two children.

Springfield couldn’t be happier.

“This is one of those calls that really touched me and reminded me yet again that I love what I do!" said Springfield. “This call from start to finish demonstrated a great cooperation between different departments in the County.”

A few faint meows, some good ears on the part of Public Works and soft words from an Animal Control Officer (OK, and a little kibble) and this little guy’s life was saved. Zoom is taking off again - well on his way to a happy home and warm lap land.     

Public Works employees and occasional cat rescuers Glenn Millican (left) and Gaston Vidal.