Sandy the orange and white feline was reunited with his family and is now recovering at home after having his vet bills covered by donations.
A good Samaritan saves a cat trapped in a Tennessee tornado
According to WKRN, one of the multiple tornadoes that ripped through Tennessee over December 9th and 10th – extreme weather that killed at least six individuals – destroyed the cat’s home in Madison while his family was away.
On December 10th, Erica Williams, a Good Samaritan “passionate about helping animals,” was scrolling through social media looking for areas affected by the tornado and ways she could assist. She noticed a video posted by her friend Ricky Sessum, who was aiding in relief and search and rescue efforts in Madison.
In the video, Williams spotted what looked like an animal curled up on a pillow amidst the debris. She immediately reached out to Sessum, who returned to the site and found the cat, named Sandy, half-buried in rubble. Sessum brought Sandy to his truck to keep the pet warm.
Missing cat reunited with family after tornado
Williams then rushed to get the cat and take him to Livewell Animal Urgent Care for treatment. Sandy received care for several health issues but is now back with his owner, Abi, thanks to the quick actions of Williams and Sessum.
Livewell Animal Urgent Care covered the cost of Sandy’s x-rays, and Williams helped raise money to pay for the rest of the cat’s medical expenses. She also gathered supply donations for Sandy’s family, who lost their home to the tornado.
“I couldn’t imagine one of my babies out in the rubble and cold, waiting for someone to find them,” said Williams, a pet parent herself. “It was the right thing to do.”
