The Great Rupert (aka A Christmas Wish)

This delightful family favorite is the story of two struggling families who end up getting some unexpected charity from Rupert, their resident (animated) squirrel! After discovering a pile of cash in the house, the police suspect Louie (Jimmy Durante) of theft, but it turns out the friendly squirrel has been gradually shifting a stash of bills that their miserly neighbor was hiding in his wall! The stop-motion animation of Rupert was so convincing at the time that it's creator was asked where he found a squirrel so well-trained!