A fearful feline was marooned on a utility pole in Phoenix, Arizona, for several days, as people tried in vain to rescue it.
A local TV station livestreamed the plight of Gypsy the cat, USA Today reported, and the emergency system in the area was flooded with calls, threatening to disrupt the work of emergency responders.
“We love animals,” Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said, explaning that Phoenix fire officials often rescue pets from all manner of danger.
“But while (callers) feel that there might be very justified in their emotional response, we have human lives we have to save at the same time,” McDade told the paper.
Dispatchers fielded at least 100 calls requesting the cat’s rescue, McDade said. And because 911 operators are required to answer every call, people with medical emergencies were forced to wait, he said.
Finally, just before 11 a.m. local time on March 26, the desperate critter was rescued and reunited with its owners.
Watch the video to see the moment Gypsy the cat was brought safety back down to earth.