Mall Mayhem and Mitten Paws: A Team Effort Saves a Life

You never know what a trip to the mall might bring—but we’re pretty sure no one expected this.

On Thursday, July 24, a routine visit to the Marion Mall turned into a high-stakes rescue mission when a sharp-eared shopper heard something unusual coming from under the hood of her vehicle: the frantic cries of a kitten trapped in her car engine.

Within moments, what could’ve ended in tragedy became a powerful reminder of what this community is capable of when we work together.

Thanks to the quick thinking of the woman who made the call, the Marion County Sheriff's Office was soon on the scene. But the kitten, terrified and covered in grease, wasn’t done running. He darted from one car engine into another, causing a bit of chaos in the parking lot.

That’s when teamwork took center stage.

A kind stranger in the lot jumped in to help. The staff at Lane Automotive didn’t hesitate either—they popped hoods, offered tools, and got hands-on in the rescue. Our wonderful Homeless to Home volunteers were there with the guys, ready to do whatever it took to bring the little one to safety.

Finally, with patience, persistence, and a whole lot of love, the kitten was freed.

He’s now safe inside the rescue, where he was cleaned up, vaccinated, and introduced to a few new feline friends. Oh—and one more thing? He’s mitten-pawed on all four feet! That’s right: extra toes on every paw. A little boy with a big story and some seriously adorable feet to match.

We can’t thank everyone involved enough. From a stranger making the right call, to officers and community members who didn’t turn away, to our incredible Homeless to Home rescue team—this was a moment of shared compassion that gave one small life a second chance.