Editorial: Vet pet rescue a great story

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Too many people dogs and cats aren't just pets, they become part of the family.

It has been like that for me and my family. I don't think there has ever been a time when we didn't have any pets.

For as long as I can remember we've had dogs.About 10 years ago, we branched out into cats as well. Luckily for us the dogs and cats have always got along. It may have been a strained relationship at times, but I'm sure they became friends.

My current pets, a jack russell and a tabby cat are the most unusual pair - but they seem to adore each other and I will often find them snuggled up together.

Like other family members they drive me crazy sometimes, but I would hate to think what it would be like without either one of them.

In Saturday's paper we had an amazing story about a dog that spent 30 hours trapped down a cold, 4m-deep hole and was joined down there by her owner's cat.

Papamoa vet Brett Kirkland was taking his two dogs for a walk about 6am on Thursday when he noticed his 12-year-old Irish Setter, Saffron, had vanished.

Mr Kirkland searched the neighbourhood and handed out flyers with his friends, then went to bed worried about his much-loved pet.

Then on Friday morning he realised his cat Zippy hadn't been home last night either.

It wasn't until around 10am on Friday - 30 hours after Saffron disappeared - that he spotted the hole just 5m from his back fence.

He believes the cat had gone down the hole looking for the dog.

I know my dog always seems a bit lost if the cat isn't around and I'm pretty sure both of them would attempt to find the other.

Luckily Mr Kirkland had some help from firefighters and both pets were rescued.

I know there will be some people out there, who won't think the story is that important, but pets are part of people's families and strong bonds are made.

Essentially it was a family member stuck down that hole. Wouldn't you like some help in rescuing them?