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A treasured cat has been reunited with its owner, thanks to the efforts of East Gippsland Shire Council staff.

During his regular rounds in July, Mark Klijnsma, one of Council’s mower crew, noticed a cat stuck high in a tree at Nungurner Jetty. Mark notified his supervisor Mark Delaney who called in Senior Community Laws Officer Nicole Guns and carpenters Robin Backholer and Dale Stephenson, who used a ladder to rescue the cat.

Monaro, a 16-year-old family pet, had been missing from her Lakes Entrance home for six weeks. The family had given up all hope of finding her.

She was safely brought down from the tree and Nicole scanned the feline for identification and rushed it to a vet.

“It was a cold, frosty morning,” Mark Delaney said.

“Dale wrapped the rescued cat in a blanket. She was in poor condition and crying. We all were very concerned. We’re stunned that now she’s fully recovered. We’re absolutely elated.”

On arrival at Lakes Entrance Animal Hospital, Monaro was found to be in critical condition, suffering from hypothermia and malnutrition. She was so cold that the vet couldn’t even register her temperature, but thanks to the care provided by Council officers and the veterinary team, Monaro made a full recovery.

In sharing the story, Nicole highlighted the importance of registering pets.

“When I got the cat, I scanned her for a microchip and her details came up. I rang the owner, Jenny, who came to the vet hospital to pick up Monaro. This is a great example of why we should microchip and register our animals,” Nicole said.

Monaro’s owner, Jenny Rooks, said she had almost given up hope of finding her beloved pet.

“We think it’s an absolute miracle that Monaro was found. We’re so glad we registered her. Six weeks ago, she accidently got out as the door was left open. We had given up hope; we thought she was gone. From the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank Council for everything they did,” Jenny said.

To report a lost pet or to register your pet, please visit the East Gippsland Shire Council website.