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‘Today Show’ a no-go for ‘miracle cat’ Smoka

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Rick McCrabb/Sandy LaPierre, right, shows her 1-year-old cat, Smoka, to Norma Witte, who works for Stark Wrecking Co., near the debris at Fitzgerald Florist in Franklin. The flower shop burned down on Aug. 10, 2009, and Smoka had been missing since then. Smoka was found Friday, Sept. 4, by workers from Stark Wrecking Co.

Producer rescinds offer for flower shop owner, feline to appear on show, citing 9/11 anniversary.

By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer Updated 2:13 AM Thursday, September 10, 2009

FRANKLIN — Smoka, the ‘miracle cat,’ isn’t going to the Big Apple after all.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, a producer from the “Today Show” called Dennie Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzgerald Flowers and Gifts, at 410 S. Main St. in Franklin, and invited him and Smoka, who survived 26 days buried under rubble from a Franklin fire, to appear on the show.

But a few hours later, the producer rescinded the offer, citing Friday’s eighth anniversary of 9/11.

“We’re disappointed,” Fitzgerald said. “We really wanted to go.”

On Aug. 10, the third-floor apartment above the flower shop, caught fire. Everyone got out safely, except for Smoka, who was trapped in her owner’s second-floor apartment.

But Smoka, a 1-year-old female cat, was spotted — her tiny head was sticking out of the rubble — Friday, Sept. 4, by Stark Wrecking Co. employees Clarence Witte and Mary Bowerman.

Smoka had lost considerable weight, but appeared to be healthy, said Sandy LaPierre, who has owned the cat for six months.

“That cat,” Fitzgerald said, “is a miracle cat.”

Fitzgerald took Smoka to her veterinarian’s office, Drs. Krebs, Kohler and Minnix DVM Inc., who performed a complimentary examination. Fitzgerald said Smoka received a cortisone shot and was “fine.”

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MiddletownJournal.com

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