In a heartwarming display of community collaboration, a 20-year-old blind cat named Tiki was rescued from a frigid Massachusetts pond this week. The remarkable rescue unfolded on Monday when Tiki, known for his outdoor explorations, was spotted on a piece of ice that drifted onto Nabnasset Lake in Westford. A passerby, Dawn Felicani, witnessed the precarious situation as the ice gave way, plunging Tiki into the icy water.
Felicani's quick thinking led her to contact emergency services and animal control. Meanwhile, two construction workers, Kris and Nate, who were working nearby, sprang into action. Using a rowboat, Nate, aided by Kris from the shore, navigated the icy waters, breaking through the thin ice with a shovel. Just as Tiki's strength began to fail, Nate scooped him from the freezing water.
Wrapped in blankets, Tiki, clearly in shock, was rushed to receive veterinary care. His body temperature was so low it couldn't be registered. Tiki's owner, John Arden, believes Tiki might have escaped during the previous night and was possibly chased onto the ice by a predator, leading to his overnight ordeal.
Thankfully, after receiving necessary medical attention, Tiki has been reunited with Arden and is reportedly doing well. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the incredible impact of swift action in saving a life, even a small, furry one.
