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!

After a traumatic year of losing three family members and a number of other difficult situations, I had basically started my life over and moved into a new apartment. Having always had furry friends share my home, I wanted to find a feline buddy to keep me company.

I started scanning the photos at the local shelter, looking at the cats who were available. There were so many looking for homes! I visited the shelter. The first thing I asked the staff there was, "Who needs a home the most?"

Everyone said, "Katie!"

One of the volunteers took me into the room where Katie was staying and introduced me to her. She was very shy with me and not very friendly. I was undecided, because I longed for the affection of a warm, furry feline.

I visited some of the other adoptees, and there were some wonderful cats waiting for homes - cats who nuzzled me and purred and were happy to be held - but that little Katie would not leave my mind. I went back to her room and sat with her some more. Finally, I decided I would take her home with me.

She was terrified as I opened the carrier and tried to let her out. It became obvious over the course of the next few weeks that this little girl had been through something traumatic and was scared to the depths of her little soul.

I could so relate to her. My life had also been filled with trauma, and I had not come through it unscathed myself. I gathered my love and patience and prepared to prove to Katie that I was one human she could trust.

It is now five years later. Katie and I have made progress - not gigantic progress - but each day we work on it. Every little positive step is a milestone for both of us, and the days that she snuggles with me and lets me know she does indeed trust me fill me with such love and hope that it is plain to see we are healing each other.

Story submitted by Susan L Axtell from Gwinn, Michigan.

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