First responders in Portaria showed their tender side on Tuesday when officers raced to rescue a tiny kitten trapped in a storm drain amid torrential rainfall. The heart – stopping mission, caught on body – cam footage, has since gone viral, warming the hearts of locals and animal lovers alike.
Dramatic Rescue: Teamwork Saves Soaked Stray
Shortly after 3 p.m., Portaria PD received a 911 call about faint meowing emanating from a flooded drain on Elm Street. Officers Lisa Chen and Mark Rodriguez arrived to find a soaking – wet tabby kitten, estimated to be 4 – 6 weeks old, clinging to a grate 10 feet below street level. The drain was filling rapidly due to heavy rains, threatening to sweep the terrified animal away.
Using a combination of a telescopic rescue pole and a specially designed animal harness, the officers worked with a fire department crew to lower a rescuer into the drain. “The kitten was shivering and barely moving,” Chen recalled. “We had to act fast before the current got stronger.” After a tense 20 minutes, the tiny feline was safely lifted to the surface and wrapped in a warm towel.
Community Steps Up: From Drain to Loving Home
The kitten, nicknamed “Drainy” by rescuers, was checked by a veterinarian and found to be in stable condition despite hypothermia and minor cuts. Portaria Animal Shelter immediately took her in, where she was bottle – fed and nursed back to health. Within hours, the shelter received over 50 adoption applications, including one from Officer Rodriguez, who formed a bond with the kitten during the rescue.
“Seeing her go from a cold, dark drain to purring in my arms was incredible,” Rodriguez said. “My family and I are honored to give her a forever home.” The shelter confirmed Drainy will be adopted by the officer’s family once she completes her medical checks.
Viral Video Highlights Human-Animal Bond
Footage of the rescue, shared by the Portaria PD on social media, has garnered over 1.2 million views. Commenters praised the officers’ compassion, with one user writing, “This is what community policing is all about—protecting all residents, furry ones included!” The department’s chief, Michael Torres, echoed the sentiment: “Our job is to serve and protect, and that extends to the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The incident also prompted reminders from animal welfare groups about pet safety during storms. “Keep an eye on outdoor pets during bad weather, and report any stranded animals immediately,” advised Portaria Humane Society director Jenna Kim. “Drainy’s story has a happy ending, but many animals aren’t as lucky.”
As Drainy settles into her new home, the rescue serves as a heartwarming reminder that even in the midst of chaos, kindness can always find a way—even in the depths of a storm drain
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