This story is an entrant in the Fur-Ever Family Photo & Story Contest. Voting runs through December 31. Three grand prize winners will each receive $500 in cash and $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. See all the entrants and finalists here!

Stevie is the matriarch of our fur family. She taught our new GSD puppy the ropes and puts up with his antics.

PHOTO: THERESA PLATT

She was found as a tiny stray puppy (about 8-weeks-old) by Bossier City Animal Control. She was starving and trying her best to find food on her own. We adopted her from a rescue who pulled her from animal control. I have attached her animal control pictures and the one from the rescue that pulled her and got her adoption ready.

I remember being told by the rescue that she was so hungry, she would eat leaves and sticks (as evidenced by her poop) to survive. She is now almost 9-years-old and the sweetest girl. She is a treasured part of our family. And even though we don't know what breed(s) she is, she is beautiful to us. I can't imagine life without her.

PHOTO: THERESA PLATT

This story was submitted by Theresa Platt, in support of Bossier City Animal Control. To see other Fur-Ever Family Photo & Story Contest submissions, click here!