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!

We've partnered with 4 incredible brands to offer you 1 HUGE prize:

I was only 7 years old and had never had any pets at home. One day during the summer, I went to a playground and met an older brother of one of my friends. He carried this kitten and asked me if I wanted it.

Apparently he was told to abandon her because they couldn't or didn't want to keep her. I knew he was feeling bad and I really wanted to have a pet, so I asked my mom and she said yes. We took her home and I was so happy. I loved her.

As I grew older, I had to learn that sometimes life gives you a lemon and sometimes it bombards you with them. A lot of people left us, but Lucy became one of my best friends. I started to realize how much more of a friend an animal can be. She was a beloved family member.

My mom often said that we were like siblings because we had so much in common. One of our "rituals" was that whenever I had to sneeze, she would meow at me in a way that could either mean "bless you" or "shut the hell up, human".

Long story short, she died on November 8 this year. Somewhere around October, she suddenly wouldn't eat anymore. We took her to the vet, but nothing would make her eat again. It turned out she had a tumor in her belly that was ruptured and bleeding. We had to put her to sleep. It was sad and it still is, but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to spend nearly 15 years of my young life with her. She was my friend and I miss her.

So what I want so say is that when you have the chance to adopt an animal, do it! You can have so much more than just a pet; you can have a friend who will be by your side for her/his entire life!

I miss you Lucy and I hope we meet again!

Story submitted by Michelle from Daun, Germany.

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