Promoting skepticism and reason without boundaries or sacred cows.
Published on January 2, 2006 By Ionolast In Cats
A lot of people say things about cats such as, "They can't help sick, handicapped people the way dogs can." Well, maybe this goes beyond even what dogs can do.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Apparently, the cat was paying attention when his owner tried to show him how to dial 911.

A Columbus, Ohio, man was unable to call for help when he fell out of his wheelchair Thursday, but he says his cat did it for him. Officers said the cat, named Tommy, was lying by a telephone on the living room floor when they arrived at the man's home Thursday. They had received a 911 call from the apartment, but no one was on the phone.

The cat's owner, Gary Rosheisen, says Tommy must have hit the right buttons to alert authorities. He said he had tried to teach Tommy to dial 911, using a speed-dial button, but he wasn't sure if the cat ever picked up the training.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press . All Rights Reserved.

Comments
on Jan 02, 2006
Cats rule, dogs drool!
on Jan 02, 2006
Yea!!!! Horray for my favorite animals!!!!!
on Jan 02, 2006
Now if mine could prove he was that smart!

Good for Tommy!
on Jan 02, 2006

Bravo!  I saw the story!  We have 3 mary Cats!  They are not useless!  Now to train them!

Thanks icon!  That is a great story!

on Jan 02, 2006
Cats are smart, which is why they mostly choose not to do what we want them to do. They are the most frustratingly contrary animals on the planet and I adore them.

Thanks for posting this wonderful story.
on Jan 05, 2006

Cats are so misunderstood, and labelled. I can relate to Gary's story!
I have the most praise and respect when it comes to Cats! I had a cat save me from a house fire when I was 15 years old.
I was asleep in my bedroom, with my sister across from me. I was in a deep sleep, and unable to hear or smell anything during the fire.
My bedroom door was closed, but my cat "Puddy", knew something was wrong.

She jumped on my chest and started to 'Kneed" me awake. I woke up to find the bedroom very warm, looked out the window and the backyard lit up like a christmas tree. I reached over and started to wake my sister, as the cat ran into the closet under a dresser, the smoke was pouring into the bedroom. I tried to get to the cat and save her, but she was lodged far in the back of the closet, suffocating. What a horrible sound!

The heat and smoke was thick and my sister and I had to escape immediately from the second story window.
As we were jumping to safety, I cried as the firemen brought out my cats remains. If it wasn't for her, we would have perished in the fire.
Today I have a beloved cat, and her name is Nylah. She is a great comfort and joy to me.No matter how bad your day maybe, there is one thing that is certain: When you arrive in the door after a hard night at work, there is someone who is always happy to see you no matter what, and that is your cat!
on Jan 05, 2006

Reply By: cmorton            Posted: Thursday, January 05, 2006

That is both a very inspirational story, and a very sad one.  Puddy will always be near your heart!