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I knew I wanted to rescue and looked into rescuing an Italian Greyhound since I had owned one before. I wanted a young male, well-adjusted and not skittish, due to my very busy, hectic lifestyle.

DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / SIMONNE DRAPER

Instead I got a phone call asking if I could foster a young male that was tossed out of a moving car and found running along a highway. No other details were known about him... and none were needed.

He came home with me, jumped in my bed, and never left. They thought he might be 1- to 2-years-old, but he was more likely 3 to 4.

DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / JEEBY

I just said goodbye to him this past year. He was 19-years-old... 19! I rescued him, loved him, spoiled him, and said goodbye to him. He was a character, a championship napper and blanket cuddler, a refined and regal best buddy. I've never met a dog with a more loving temperament. I never heard him growl, not once. Everyone that encountered him fell in love with him. He made sure of that.

Rescuing him was the single best thing I've ever done. My life was better because of him, and I know that his life was better because of me. It's hard for some people to understand the amount of love and joy people feel for their pets. To me, it's simple. It's unconditional and pure, and that's the best thing anyone could hope for.

PHOTO: JOHNNA FROM CHICAGO, IL

Story submitted by Johnna from Chicago, Illinois.

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