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I didn't see him the first time I went to the shelter to look for a companion. On that trip, I found an older orange cat named Wendell who liked me, but I didn't have the proper ID so I had to come back. When I did, Wendell had been adopted.

Seeing I was upset, the director of the shelter took me to his office to have me meet Ashford, a grey male cat who was also known as "Fang" due to his large teeth that stuck out of his mouth.

Ashford was considered a "Star Pet," as he had been there a long time and had been adopted and returned several times. He was allowed free rein of the office, as being caged up caused him severe anxiety.

As soon as I met him, I knew we were right for each other.

Ashford and I have been together now for over 10 years, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion. Why anyone would have returned him is beyond me. We have traveled through more than a dozen states together, logging over 2,000 miles on the road.

While we both still suffer from severe anxiety and abandonment issues, we've dealt with them together, and I know he has made my life much happier. I can only hope I've done at least as much for him.

Story submitted by Gregory T. Janetka from Downers Grove, Illinois.

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