AI Digital Money | September 30, 2026
A true story from my delivery route in Toledo, Ohio.
Most days, delivering packages follows a familiar routine: pull up, find the right package, walk it to the door, and head to the next stop.
But on Tuesday, September 29, something happened on my route that I won't soon forget.
Something black by the curb
I was delivering on Upton Road in Toledo. The house sat up on a hill, so I parked along the curb, got out, and went to my back seat for the package.
As I walked around the back of my vehicle, I spotted something black near the curb. At first, I thought it might be a dead animal. Then I realized it was breathing.
It was a black cat, and a small snack bag was stuck over its head.
I took the package up to the porch. When I came back down, the cat was still there, struggling with that bag. It was a warm day, and I worried about how much air it could get.
Getting close enough to help
I have a cat at home, and I couldn't bear the thought of leaving this one like that. But I also knew a frightened animal might scratch or bite, so I didn't rush straight at it.
I started talking gently to the cat and tried to get near enough to free it. The cat moved up onto the grass, still with the bag on its head. I kept my eye on it, approached carefully, and finally got close enough to snatch the bag off.
The cat took off running. Then it stopped, turned and looked back for a moment, and ran toward a vacant area nearby.
I couldn't help saying, “You got one of your nine lives today.”
The part of the day I will remember
I went out that morning thinking about packages, stops and finishing my delivery route. I wasn't expecting to find an animal in trouble.
I can't know exactly what would have happened if I hadn't noticed that cat. But seeing it run away with the bag off its head was a relief.
And I kept thinking about how easily I could have walked past. We can get so focused on our phones, routes and schedules that we miss what's happening right beside us.
Pay attention. Small actions matter.
A quick reminder about helping animals
Snack bags and other discarded packaging can trap curious animals. Dispose of empty bags securely, and when practical, cut open a bag before throwing it away so an animal is less likely to get trapped inside.
If you find a trapped animal, protect yourself too. A frightened animal can bite or scratch. If you can't safely help, contact local animal control or an animal rescue organization.
One question for you
Have you ever had an ordinary workday turn into an unexpected opportunity to help someone — or an animal? I'd love to hear your story.
Thanks for reading and being part of this community.
— Mark
AI Digital Money
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