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!

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!