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FARMINGTON — Firefighters used an airbag and a hose to save a kitten that was trapped under a large cargo container for at least three days.
Shari Monk, of Farmington, noticed the kitten earlier in the week under the container behind a Smith's Food and Drug store at 1316 N. U.S. 89.
Monk kept the kitten alive by sliding dishes of food and water to it through a small gap beneath the container.
"For days now we've been trying everything we could think of to get this little one rescued. We've enlisted the help of various people, even garbage truck drivers. A local gentleman with a backhoe even attempted it," Monk said.
The container weighed an estimated 10 tons, complicating the situation, Monk said. Officials with the company that owns the container said they believed the kitten would be crushed if they tried to move it.
On Thursday, Monk called Farmington firefighters, who made the risky rescue a reality.
"They used what's called an airbag, and it's a hydraulic system where they pump and lift," Monk said. "They were able to lift it maybe 12 inches off the ground, and then they were able to use a hose and put some water gently under there."
The water coaxed the kitten out from the container so firefighters could bring it to safety.
The kitten was taken to Bayview Animal Hospital. Monk said the kitten will be fine, and that she wouldn't be surprised if it became the newest addition to her family.
Contributing: Dave Cawley
