Surviving by a whisker: Kitten found under hood

NORWALK — A kitten that survived a 60-mile journey has a new home and job as a car dealership's newest team member. Avis, a gray and white kitten, was discovered unharmed after traveling from Cleveland to Norwalk in late June inside the rental car she was found in. After the rental car was dropped off to be serviced on June 23, Firelands Collision Center body shop technician Garrett Frey heard something crying underneath the hood. Once he looked inside, Frey found the source. "She was curled up near the shock mount under the hood," said Toni Garbo, Firelands Auto Group's marketing director. "The people who dropped off the car were surprised she was there." After a brief chase, she was caught and given food and water. Firelands Collision Center employees named her Avis after the rental car company's vehicle she was found in. "The guys love her," Garbo said. "She has them wrapped around her paws and is so loved and spoiled already." Avis was believed to be two months old when she was brought to Norwalk. She'll live at the shop where there's plenty of room to roam, Garbo said. Today, Avis can be seen warming up to anyone who stops by. "She loves to greet customers," Garbo said. "When they come to get their cars serviced, she's very friendly. Avis is going to have a good life and be part of the Firelands family." Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood