This circumstance in which the life of a terrified cat was at great risk hits very close to the heart for me. I found myself in a similar situation when my 3-4 month old kitten, Bear, was treed in a gigantic fir by the neighbor's dog. I listened helplessly throughout the night as his meow grew weaker. This was several years ago in Vernon and all the SPCA could say when I called them in the morning was "The cat will come down, they always come down." That may be true but do they climb down, fall down from weakness and dehydration, end up being killed by the same dog that treed it, waiting patiently at the bottom of the tree or die and rot in the tree until their tiny bones are shaken loose by the wind? The response of the SPCA was cruel and cold. I also called BC Hydro, the Fire Station non-emergency line and last but by far not the least two radio stations. Both broadcast my plight immediately and within 5-10 minutes I received a call from an employee of a professional tree topping\removal company. He arrived promptly, geared up and ready to go. He asked for a zippered back pack for safe transport of Bear and protection for himself from bites or scratches. Complete with a hard hat, safety belt and climbing boots he went up this enormous tree. Bear saw his rescuer coming and terrified climbed higher. He continued on and was able to reach little Bear and zip him into the back pack. My young son was also watching and when Bear was placed in my arms tears of relief and joy ran down my face. I was not charged any fee, my tears and words of gratitude made this man's effort and kindness worthwhile. Sometimes, a person who cares, not only about animals but about people as well, helps an obviously distressed animal and owner just because they want to.

In my opinion, Dee, her son, friends, neighbors and Buddy were subjected to emotional and in Buddy's situation, physical abuse. The SPCA worker who arrived in the truck used threats and abusive language to intimidate everyone. This behaviour disgusts me and is absolutely inappropriate, unprofessional and uncalled for. I expect the highest level of disciplinary action to be taken against the abuser by the SPCA immediately.

Dream on eh??? The reality is that in regard to the SPCA, no change brings no change. The only hope lies with the media, the same media that would not let the story of Cheech be ignored and go away. Buddy, the cat deserves justice as well as rescue. Buddy and those who cared for him felt immobilizing fear. While it is clear that the media causes, in your words, the SPCA to "shrivel up" like a wicked witch, shriveling and shame are not fear or justice. I feel certain that justice will prevail when the animals have their in court. Until then, we must all do our very best to ensure that no more animals suffer fear and abuse by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.