Snowstorm Acts Of Kindness: 9 Lives, 1 Lucky Cat Rescued

DEER PARK, NY — As snow lingers across Long Island, the winter weather is taking a toll not only on residents, but on animals, too. A neighborhood stray cat used one of its nine lives on Monday when it was saved by community members.

Bellmore resident and local animal rescue activist John Debacker said the cat was seen going down into a storm drain on Monday morning, which was filled with snow.

He, along with a few other Long Islanders, attempted to lift the grate to reach the cat, but it was unfortunately too heavy, even with multiple people's support.

As chance would have it, a plow was headed down the street. Debacker and the others flagged the plow truck, signaling they needed help.

Debacker is an avid animal rescuer and said it was inspiring to see so many others aid in the rescue.

"It was amazing seeing so many people coming together, and having a plow pass by at that exact moment couldn't have been better," Debacker said.

The plow truck lifted the grate, but the cat hadn’t yet returned to the surface. He was still somewhere in the pipes, Debacker said.

Food was left to lure him out, and by Tuesday morning, the community’s perseverance saved the cat from an ill fate.

Rebecca DiFebo, a Deer Park resident, was part of the rescue and said it was beautiful to witness.

"It warmed my heart to see the community come together to rescue this cat. Neighbors, the plow driver, and animal rescuer John," she said.

It was truly a community effort, DiFebo said.