LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For weeks, a kitten was stuck on an overpass off 16th street and Great Basin Highway near downtown Las Vegas.
On Wednesday, the community came together for a rescue operation via a forklift. The cat was named ‘Helix’ after the heroes who rescued him.
The kitten was trapped on the overpass for at least 3 weeks.
The rescue group Amor Peludo saw a post on Facebook and immediately started coordinating the rescue.
They called Lizzie Fuchs, who called her father, Victor Fuchs — President and CEO of Helix Electric.
“As soon as they called me, I drove myself over there,” Lizzie said. “I dropped everything because I was like I’ve got to see this cat that’s on top of this overpass and maybe be prepared to catch him if he falls.”
Helix Electric rushed to the rescue, using a boom lift and two nets to trap the kitten, and lower him down to safety.
“It was amazing. Yeah, I’ve never been part of a cat rescue,” said Troy McTeer, Division Manager for Helix Electric. “Just dropped everything else going on and went and got me a kitty.”
“All the neighbors said they’ve been calling and trying to get people out there for 3 weeks, and nobody would show up, or firefighters tried, and the cat would run away,” said Lizzie. “So, all the neighbors came out, and the moms were crying because finally this kitten has been brought down.”
Dr. Morgan Spaulding at Boca Park Animal Hospital says when she got the call about helix, she was prepared for the worst.
“Especially on the side of the freeway, often you see pelvic fractures, respiratory difficulties. You kind of expects a hit by car situation, but he was one of the lucky ones for sure.”
Helix was taken to Boca Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Spaulding said despite his time on the streets, he’s in pretty good condition.
“He was dehydrated, he’s very thin, but overall, I think he’s a pretty tough guy,” she said.
“For us to succeed today, it feels so good, and now this cat can have a forever home,” said Lizzie.
Helix may have already found a forever home. Toby from Helix Electric, who helped with the rescue, said he may adopt the cat himself… He just has to convince his wife.
Victor Fuchs, President and CEO of Helix Electric, said: “I am proud that Helix Electric could play a role in saving a life today. I am especially proud of our employees who played a large part in this rescue. We wish Helix the Cat a speedy recovery.”
“Seeing the community and all these people rally behind it, all these big guys and big machines to get this tiny kitten. It’s a beautiful story,” said Dr. Spaulding.
“Since the kitten is only about 9 or 10 weeks old, that means that there are more kittens around that area, so we are going to go back and try to trap the rest of the family and also get them safe and potentially in forever homes also,” said Lizzie.
To learn more about Amor Amor Peludo Animal Rescue, click here.
They also partner with Barkmerica to cover medical bills for rescue animals, like Helix.
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