Chopper Helped Rescue a Kitten from a Drain

Last Tuesday, Chopper, my seven-year-old Maltese, started whining at the drainage grate outside our Ekkamai soi. At first I assumed it was a rat, but then I heard a faint mew. A kitten, maybe six weeks old, had slipped into the open drain under the metal grate.

Here is what I did, in case it happens to you. I didn't reach in with my hand, because the water was dirty and the edge was sharp. I called a neighbor who had a long, flexible drain hook and a bag of cat food. Slowly, we coaxed the kitten toward the opening with the food. Chopper, who usually ignores strays, sat perfectly still beside me the whole time, watching.

Once the kitten was out, we wrapped her in a dry towel, gave her a little water, and took her to a vet clinic nearby for a check. The vet said she was dehydrated but otherwise lucky. I now keep a flashlight by the door and check the drains before dark. Chopper has appointed himself her unofficial babysitter, which we're still getting used to.