A rescuer went to heroic lengths to rescue a tiny kitten from a drain pipe as rain fell and water was rising.
Lexi Browning/Gazette-MailDorella Tuckwiller, the founder of Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue group in Charleston, West Virginia, crawled head-first into a storm drain pipe, immersing herself in the water to save the weeks-old kitten from drowning.
Residents heard three kittens crying in the pipe. One was taken to safety by its mother, and one unfortunately drowned. Volunteers tried to coax the last kitten out but she continued evading rescuers and headed towards the other end of the pipe, which was covered by a gate.
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Lexi Browning/Gazette-MailFirefighters helped pump water out of the ditch during the rescue.
As the water slowly receded, Tuckwiller dived into the drain pipe to retrieve the barely breathing kitten once there was enough of an air bubble.
Lexi Browning/Gazette-MailAs a small group of people tried to pull her out of the drain, she handed the drenched furry kitten over to the crowd while half her torso was still inside the drain.
Watch this amazing rescue (RAW footage):
"My biggest fear was I was going to lose (her)," Tuckwiller said via Gazette Mail. "If I had dropped (her)… that was my biggest fear was not being able to hold (her) above the water and dropping (her)."
"I had about this much space between my head and the water," Tuckwiller said, showing about six inches of space between her hands.
the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue group"Everybody who came together has been amazing, if the fire department hadn’t been pumping the water out, I don't think there would have been enough space in there to get to (her). Every single person standing right here who shared what I posted, who responded, everyone is a hero. It takes a little army to save one little life."
They named the little kitten Stormy. She is a very beautiful little girl who is estimated to be around 5 weeks old.
"Although we are extremely thankful for the life we were able to save, we are heavy hearted for the lives that were lost before we arrived. This is the part of rescue that is the toughest," Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue wrote. (Facebook)
the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue group"On our way to the doctors office with her a huge rainbow crossed the interstate. We took it as a sign from those precious cats who crossed the rainbow bridge too soon, but also reminded us about beauty after a storm. Thank you to all of the volunteers who came to our aid."
the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue group"Stormy is doing great! She is eating well and is full of energy."
the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue group"Stormy is currently residing with a wonderful foster family and is in the best of hands."
the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee rescue groupShare this story, and help Storm find a loving home.