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I was never really a cat person and always considered myself more of a dog person until the feral neighborhood cat decided to adopt me.

I had a dog growing up and figured when my wife’s cat passed, we would get a dog. My neighbor used to feed a number of strays who would run if you came within 50 feet of them. That all changed when, one evening, I was in front of my office and had called the supposedly feral kitten who was about six-months-old.

To my surprise, not only did she come over, she jumped on my lap and started to give me very hard but welcome head bumps. From that point on, I started spending more time in front of my house with the feral kitten instead of inside my own home. My wife kept telling me we should take her, but I needed to mull it over since I knew it would be a lifelong commitment.

Thankfully, my wife made my mind up for me. One evening before I got home from work, she brought the carry case out, put it down, and the cat walked right in. At the vet’s office, it turned out Daisy, which we had named her, was actually a boy. His name was then changed to Teddy due to his very affectionate nature, like a teddy bear. That was over 13 years ago.

Thankfully, my boy is still with us. He is slowing down as expected for being almost 14-years-old and is having some health challenges, but we are working through them. I do dread the day when it's his time to cross over to the Rainbow Bridge but do seek solace in knowing he's had a great home and the great memories I have of him.

Some of the memories include him greeting me when I come home, insisting I get on the floor to rub him properly, and watching TV together. His love and companionship are something I will always be grateful for.

Story submitted by James Sabatelli.

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