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I was just 18 years old when my best friend, Karen, and I moved into our first apartment. We had both grown up with parents who loved cats and dogs, and we shared their love for animals of all kinds. On Saturdays, we would walk to Petco just to play with the rescued animals because we could not afford to adopt one ourselves.

Photo: Brittany Nicole McGee

A few months after we moved into the apartment, my friend Amanda called and asked me to come over. When I arrived, she showed me a sad little kitten who was very sick and injured. We did not think he would survive.

Amanda told me his name was Alexander, although I changed it to Zeek two weeks later. He was struggling to breathe and appeared to have been intentionally hurt. Amanda cared for him until he was six weeks old. A few weeks later, she called and asked if I wanted a kitten.

I told her I had always wanted one, but my lease did not allow pets. She then asked whether I would watch him overnight, just so I could make up my mind.

Zeek arrived in his carrier and walked straight toward me as soon as the door opened. He had to be mine!

Zeek was such a funny cat. He loved affection and playtime, and despite his painful past, he never treated anyone like a stranger. I bought him toys with every paycheck, got him vaccinated and had him neutered. He soon became the most spoiled cat I knew.

He follows me everywhere. He even comes into the bathroom and sits on the edge of the tub while I bathe.

Now, years later, I cannot imagine living without him. Zeek is my everything. He saved me.

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Story submitted by Brittany Nicole McGee from Cookeville, TN.

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