John DeBacker, known for his cat rescues, successfully saved a cat named Lola who had been trapped behind a wall in her family's Franklin Square home for about five days. Wearing a “Catman” T-shirt, DeBacker was called to assist when Lola, a frightened and exhausted cat, disappeared during her family's move from their second-floor apartment two weeks prior.
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Initially, DeBacker set up a trap with food and cameras to lure Lola out, but she consistently evaded capture, eventually stopping her nighttime appearances altogether. The situation worsened when it was discovered that she had fallen and became stuck behind a wall on the first floor.
Upon finding Lola, she was upside down, consuming insulation and in a weakened state. DeBacker feared for her survival as time passed, but progress was made last Friday. With the help of a contractor, they began cutting a hole in the wall and used an endoscopic camera to locate Lola. Concerned she might flee further, they opted for a quieter drill after initially alarming her.
In footage from the rescue, DeBacker is seen reaching through the narrow opening, making contact with Lola's hind legs. He carefully pulled her out, and a bystander exclaimed, "Safe!" as the dusty cat was placed into a towel-lined crate. DeBacker described the relief of seeing her safe as "the greatest feeling in the world."
He noted that it was miraculous Lola survived five days without food or water, especially in an upside-down position, which increases blood flow to the head. After her rescue, Lola was taken to an emergency veterinarian who discovered insulation in her system. Although she has returned home, she is struggling with her appetite. DeBacker, who also cares for four cats, advised pet owners to secure their cats before moving to prevent such incidents.