Fort Smith Fire Department saves kitten trapped in ATM; he is now known as Cash
It all started when a customer walked past the Regions Bank ATM. The customer could hear a noise coming from the machine and alerted the bank officials.
The noise turned out to be a tiny desperate meow. A tabby kitten was trapped in the ATM. That is when the Fort Smith Fire Department showed up and saved the day, freeing the kitten from the ATM.
The kitten, who is now known as Cash, drew attention to Fort Smith's animal shelter, which is dubbed Animal Haven.
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The story inspired Regions Bank to donate $1,500 much-needed dollars to the shelter.
"We don't believe that Cash set out to be a cat burglar, said Troy Dryzga, the consumer banking manager for the region. "We can only speculate how he found himself in that unusual situation."
The story also brought much-needed positive attention to Animal Haven, which has endured a string of accusations of neglect. The matter was even brought to the Fort Smith Police Department after reports were made. The officers did not find any evidence supporting the claim.
"The good part about it though is that I think Cash has found his forever family and has helped us to shine a light on an incredible organization that's doing amazing things in our community," Dryzga said.
Animal Haven cares for 391 animals, including 160 dogs and 67 cats who are in the shelter and 100 dogs and 63 cats who are in foster homes, said Brenda Altman, who is on the board of directors for the shelter. She shared these numbers with the Fort Smith Board of Directors at the July 26 meeting.
Cash is one of the animals in foster care through Animal Haven. Altman is fostering him until he is old enough to get his shots and be neutered. Cash will then go to his adoptive family.
Altman, who said she is not usually a cat person, described Cash as having a great personality. He is a playful and loving cat.
While a family has already adopted Cash, there are still plenty of cats and dogs who need homes too.
Animal Haven will have events Friday and Saturday where people will be able to adopt animals for $20, said Rick Bennett, the director of operations at the shelter. People can normally adopt dogs for $150 and cats for $50.
Alex Gladden is a University of Arkansas graduate. She previously reported for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining the Times Record. She can be contacted at agladden@swtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: What happened to the kitten who was stuck in an ATM?
