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Penticton  

Crane plucks cat from tree

An arborist and local crane truck service joined forces this afternoon to pluck a cat from the top of a Summerland tree, ending a three-day ordeal for the feline and its owner.

Marcia Kozak said her cat, Baby Doll, ran up a tall conifer on Cartwright Avenue — potentially spooked by wildlife — three days ago.

After a public plea for help Thursday, Bartlett Tree Experts visited the site, but determined they would need help reaching the cat.

“They suggested the crane company but its like $500 an hour,” Kozak said, explaining she used to attend school with the local manager of Bartlett, Thorsten Clausen.

Clausen called in a favour, and convinced the crane company to donate its time. Big Lift Crane Services, a Summerland firm, agreed.

Both companies met up for the rescue operation Friday afternoon, and by 1 p.m., Baby Doll was out of the tree.

“I was ecstatic,” Kozak said. “When she came down I was crying.”

The cat was hungry and thirsty but otherwise in good condition.

“I just wanted to thank everyone. I got so many phone calls and so much encouragement,” Kozak said. “I got calls from as far away as Vernon.”



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