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Ironworker Scales Tree to Save Cat Stranded for Two Days in Rhode Island Blizzard

With police, fire and animal control unable to help during the record snowfall, neighbors organized a successful rescue.

Overview

  • Pixie, a white and gray cat, was stuck high in a backyard tree for nearly two days during Providence’s record 37.9-inch blizzard.
  • After neighbors’ attempts failed and officials declined due to unsafe conditions, Heather MacKinnon posted the situation on Nextdoor.
  • Matthew Lyons, an Ironworkers Local 37 member, and his sister saw the post and made their way through deep snow to the site in East Providence.
  • Using a chicken-wire fence to reach low branches, Lyons free-climbed an estimated 40 to 50 feet, then secured Pixie in his sweatshirt and later a backpack to descend.
  • Pixie was cold and shaken but was returned to her owner and is reported to be doing well.