May 14, 2008

JERSEY CITY, N.J. –- Despite winding up in a pit 40 feet deep filled with eight feet of water at the New Jersey Incinerator Authority, “Lucky,” a tuxedo kitten, was not about to allow his life to be thrown away.

"It was his determined cries, otherwise no one would have any idea that he was down there,” said Janet Russell of the Liberty Humane Society. “He was really quite loud and determined that he wanted to be rescued."

It is not known whether Lucky fell into the pit or was intentionally thrown there. Workers at the facility heard his cries and called firefighters. Firefighter Raul Vega volunteered to be lowered into the pit using ropes.

"When we got down there and I actually brought down a can of cat food, and he smelled it and came out, stretched his head out,” Vega said.

After the 6-week-old kitten was saved, the Liberty Humane Society took Lucky in for observation and eventually adoption. They found that Lucky was in good condition considering what he had gone through.

"He was just a little nervous because I guess he had been through a big ordeal,” said Kathi Blocklyn, cat coordinator for the Liberty Humane Society. “It is very hard on a little kitten, especially that small because they are just confused."

"He received a medical review and found to be in very good health,” Russell said after Lucky was brought in. “He was washed and cleaned, and now looking for the perfect home.”

Less than a week after being rescued, however, Lucky took a turn for the worse, and then died.

"Lucky seemed to be fine in the morning, and then our staff noticed that he was in a little bit of distress,” Russell said. “So they rushed him right away to the emergency veterinary services, where he just continued to crash."

Lucky's short life reminds animal lovers the importance of being responsible owners.

"These kittens are defenseless if we are proactive in making sure that these kittens are not continually being born and exposed to elements where they fall into dangerous situations, that these sort of sad stories could be prevented,” Russell said.

As for the heroic firefighter, Vega says it is important to save lives, no matter how small.

"That's our job, we go in there and we do what we have to do,” he said. “If he didn't make it the day after, or next week, next year. I would have still done it.”

For those were "lucky" enough to have met Lucky, they say his story will not be forgotten.

"I was so happy that Lucky's last couple of days were spent in loving care versus dying at the bottom of an incinerator,” Russell said. He was a very special cat, and I am sure we'll be talking about Lucky for years to come."

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