That's Purrfect: Tommy Dials 911

Wednesday 9 August 2023

Tommy Dials 911

Tommy calls for help.

Cats are known for being independent and aloof, but sometimes they can also be loyal and heroic. That’s the case of Tommy, a four-year-old orange tabby who saved his owner’s life by dialing 911 (the US emergency number).

Tommy’s owner, Gary Rosheisen, suffers from osteoporosis and mini-strokes that can make him fall out of his wheelchair. He lives alone in his apartment in Columbus, Ohio, and he has trained Tommy to press a speed-dial button on his phone that calls 911 in case of an emergency1.

Rosheisen had a seizure and fell off his wheelchair. He couldn’t reach the phone or the medical alert necklace that he wears around his neck. He was lying on the floor, helpless and in pain, when he heard Tommy meowing and scratching the phone2.

Tommy managed to hit the right button and call 911. The operator heard nothing but a cat meowing, so he sent a police officer to check on the address. The officer arrived at Rosheisen’s apartment and found the door locked. He heard a man calling for help inside, so he kicked down the door and found Rosheisen on the floor with Tommy by his side.

Rosheisen was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. He said he was grateful to Tommy for saving his life and called him his “best friend”. He also said he was amazed by Tommy’s intelligence.

Tommy is not the first cat to dial 911. Another cat named Leona did the same thing for her owner, who had fallen out of her bed and couldn’t get up. These stories show that cats are not only cute and cuddly, but also smart and caring. They can be true heroes when their owners need them most.