05/26/2026
Yesterday was the kind of rescue that reminds us exactly why this organization exists.
From the very beginning, we built this rescue to take the cases others cannot, will not, or simply do not have the resources to handle. That is not criticism toward other rescues or agencies. Every organization has different limitations and priorities. But there is a gap when it comes to the truly urgent, dangerous, and heartbreaking situations, and we made a promise to step into that gap whenever we can.
Yesterday, that promise was tested.
We were dispatched to a Goodwill in Tempe after reports came in that a tiny five week old Tabby kitten had fallen nearly thirty feet down into a manhole style sewer system. Alone in the dark. Trapped underground. Crying nonstop for help that nobody could reach.
Multiple agencies and departments were contacted before we arrived. Unfortunately, no one was willing or able to respond. That meant this tiny baby was left underground in the Arizona heat with no way out and no one coming to save him.
So we did.
For five straight hours, we worked under the blazing sun listening to this terrified kitten scream from deep below the concrete. Every cry echoed through that sewer system while we desperately tried to find a way to reach him before exhaustion, dehydration, or injury took his life.
We exhausted every option we had.
And when there were no options left, we made one.
We purchased a jackhammer with money we did not have and began literally breaking through concrete to open the grate system above him. Piece by piece. Hour after hour. Sweat, dust, exhaustion, and determination. Because giving up was never an option while that baby was still crying for help beneath our feet.
Finally, after five long hours, we were able to gain access and lower down nearly thirty feet into the sewer system to pull this sweet kitten to safety.
Alive.
Terrified. Dirty. Exhausted. But alive.
There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that without intervention, this kitten would have suffered a slow and horrific death underground.
We want to give a huge thank you to the staff at the Goodwill on Baseline for allowing us access, supporting our efforts, and standing behind this rescue every step of the way. Without their cooperation and compassion, this story could have ended very differently.
Right now, this little survivor appears to be doing well, but after enduring something this traumatic, he absolutely needs veterinary care to ensure there are no hidden injuries, infections, or complications.
This rescue came at a massive cost to us financially. We are a donation based rescue and every emergency comes directly out of pocket and onto credit cards. The cost of equipment, supplies, fuel, and upcoming veterinary care adds up quickly, but when an innocent life is hanging in the balance, we will never choose money over mercy.
We say this constantly, and yesterday proved it once again:
We will always fight for the animals nobody else can get to.
We will always answer the calls that others walk away from.
And we will always protect the innocent, no matter how difficult, dangerous, exhausting, or expensive it may be.
Because every single life matters.
Thank you to everyone who supports us, believes in us, donates, shares our posts, and stands beside us. You are the reason rescues like this are possible. You are the reason this tiny kitten made it out alive.
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE:
https://kaisplacekittyrescue.com/donations/
