This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

When I first saw Ellie (then Skittles), it was on the website of the shelter where I had adopted my other cat. When the shelter needed extra fosters because they were doing renovations, I immediately signed up.

When we first took Ellie home, we vowed not to keep her, as she was only going to be our foster. Plus she was an older cat and we weren't sure how she would adapt to our apartment.

The first few weeks were really rough. It had been a while since Ellie had lived in a home (over four years at the shelter), and every time she walked, she dug her nails into the carpet because she was so afraid. She also hid under our couch and always ran away from us.

Then one day, she just stopped hiding. At first, she only came out at night, curious about the bird toy spinning around the apartment. Then slowly but surely she found the confidence she needed to become a member of our family. After four weeks, I asked my husband if we could keep her, and that is how she became our first foster fail!

Now that she's been with us, I couldn't imagine my life without her! She plays with her sisters (two of them), toys, loves treats and will even sit in your lap just for a moment.

Ellie has really grown out of her shell, and I am so thankful I am her cat mom. I had been so hesitant to adopt an older cat, but I realized when I met Ellie that they are the ones who need the most love. We are so happy that she gets to spend the rest of her days with us. We love our Ellie girl.

Story submitted by Sasha G. from Chicago, Illinois.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!