Our pets mean everything to us. So when something happens that puts them in danger, it can be a terrifying time for any pet owner. But in Philadelphia, one man is helping some pet owners return their cats home, one tree at a time.

David Fernandez-Moreno experienced every pet owner’s nightmare when his beloved cat, Shadow, went missing. Desperate to find his furry companion, Fernandez-Moreno scoured the neighborhood, fearing the worst. “We looked everywhere and called for him for a few days, but there was no trace of him,” he said.

I was scared I wouldn’t see him again.”

Then, a glimmer of hope emerged. While out for a run a few days later, Fernandez-Moreno spotted Shadow perched precariously atop a towering tree, too afraid to climb down. Realizing how dangerous the situation was, he rushed to try and find help to rescue Shadow.

Steven Murrow with one of the cats he fetched from a treetop. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Murrow

Enter Steven Murrow, a compassionate professional tree climber from Pitman, N.J., who is well-known in the area for his selfless acts of heroism in rescuing cats from high up in trees. Murrow, owner of Tesla Tree Service, said didn’t hesitate when called upon to save Shadow.

Murrow’s journey into cat rescue began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple request from friends who knew of his climbing abilities. “A couple of years ago, I had friends reach out because they knew I was a climber, and they said there was a cat that they saw online that was stuck in a tree and there was no one around to help it,” Murrow said. Without a second thought, he embarked on his first feline rescue mission, driven by his love for animals and a deep-seated desire to lend a helping hand.

Since that day, Murrow has dedicated himself to rescuing stranded cats. “I’ve always been an animal lover. I’ve always been an advocate for helping others when you can, so I jumped at the opportunity to help,” he said. With expertise and care, Murrow ascended the tree, coaxing Shadow from his lofty refuge with gentle words and a reassuring touch. In a video Murrow posted to Facebook, he can be heard reassuring the anxious kitty.  “Ah, hey, buddy — yeah, what are you doing up there? It’s snowing — I’ll get ya,” he tells the animal.

Steven Murrow puts Shadow into a container attached to his harness after rescuing the feline. Photo by Ryan Ward

Fernandez-Moreno’s relief was immense as Murrow safely lowered Shadow to the ground. “He’s a real stand-up guy to do something like that,” Fernandez-Moreno gushed, rushing to make sure he thanked Murrow for saving his cat.

When (Murrow) brought him down, I couldn’t believe this nice guy came out here and rescued him for free,” Fernando-Moreno said.

But for Murrow, this wasn’t just another rescue mission; it was a testament to his dedication to helping animals in need. After Murrow completes a rescue, he never asks for payment. “There’s no price I could put on saving an animal,” he said.

Shadow’s safe return home brought joy not only to Fernandez-Moreno but also to Murrow, who finds immense fulfillment in reuniting furry companions with their worried families. “I’m always thrilled to hear about happy reunions,” Murrow said.

As Murrow continues to rescue stranded cats, his actions give hope for pet owners facing similar predicaments. With each climb, he shows the power of kindness; proving that a helping hand — or in his case, a skilled climber — can make all the difference in the world, one cat at a time. Watch the tree climber below on his mission to rescue cats and help others bring their beloved pet home.

Sources: Washington Post | ABC 6