So that’s how she got her name.
Duane Hook is no stranger to tricky rescues. As the operator of Getmeowtahere – Cat in a Tree Rescue in Columbus, Ohio, he’s helped countless cats stuck in precarious spots. But on one recent call, Hook met his match in a feisty feline named Spice.
Spice had climbed a tall tree outside her family’s home and was stuck for three nights. Despite her owner Alexandria’s attempts to coax her down, the determined kitty stayed put. Worried for Spice’s safety, Alexandria called Hook for help.
When Hook arrived, he assessed the situation and realized it wasn’t going to be a straightforward rescue. Spice had wedged herself into a cavity in the tree and was unlikely to cooperate. “It’s always my goal to not inflict harm on an animal,” Hook told The Dodo. He considered using gloves to pull her out but worried it would traumatize the cat.
That’s when Alexandria came up with an idea. “She said she wished she could climb up herself because Spice would trust her,” Hook said. Seeing the logic in her plan, Hook decided to assist Alexandria in the rescue effort.
With Hook’s guidance, Alexandria geared up and climbed the tree. Sure enough, Spice trusted her owner and allowed herself to be gently removed from the cavity. Hook was impressed by Alexandria’s bravery.
“Alexandria saved the day in true hero fashion!” Hook wrote. “It was a pleasure to assist and witness her courageous rescue effort. I would’ve been mince-meat if I’d tried to reach into that cavity.”
Safely back on the ground, Spice reunited with her family, hopefully wiser about the risks of climbing trees. As Hook remarked, “What goes up must come down — one way or another.”