AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Beloved Pet Goes Missing During Furniture Removal
A Saskatoon couple faced a heart-stopping incident when their four-year-old cat, Moze, disappeared after a furniture switch. In October, Ryan Nitschke and Alisha Vessir moved a couch and love seat out of their home to make room for new pieces. Moze, known for hiding from visitors, was nowhere to be found shortly after the furniture was removed.
Realization and Rapid Response
Nitschke and Vessir, realizing Moze's favorite spot was inside the now-removed couch, quickly suspected what had happened. Nitschke rushed to the Saskatoon landfill, hoping he wasn't too late. "Like an hour later, my girlfriend and I were lying in bed and we were saying, 'I wonder when Moze is going to reappear,'" Nitschke recalled. The couple often noticed how much Moze disliked company and would find safe spaces to hide.
Landfill Workers Join the Search
Upon arrival at the landfill, Nitschke explained the urgent situation. The staff, including Matt Cuthbertson from the material recovery centre, sprang into action. Cuthbertson explained how timing played a critical role: "Normally I take a late lunch, which means I probably would have grabbed the full bins and taken them up top. But I took an early lunch and when I was coming back, I heard over the radio, Johnny my manager, he's like 'don't grab any bins. I'll be right there.'"
A Careful Rescue Operation
Cuthbertson, a self-described cat lover, expressed both anxiety and determination as the team searched for Moze. The crew found Nitschke’s furniture among the dropped-off items and began carefully cutting into the couches, searching every nook and cranny for any sign of the missing cat. After a tense period, Johnny, one of the workers, spotted Moze curled up safely inside the armrest, showing only her belly, fur, and eyes.
Relief and Gratitude
The successful rescue brought immense relief to all involved. "Perfect happy ending. The fact that we didn’t give up after, and Johnny’s eagle eyes, he saved us. I just felt this joy," said Cuthbertson. Nitschke shared his relief, noting how many things could have gone wrong. “There were so many opportunities for the worst to happen. But she is completely unharmed, unscathed and no injuries.” Though Moze was initially scared upon returning home, she quickly returned to her usual self by the end of the night.
Community Thanks for a Safe Rescue
A thank you note, submitted by the City of Saskatoon, was given to the landfill crew in recognition of their quick action and compassionate effort in helping reunite the pet with her family.
Source: cbc.ca.
