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In my early twenties, newly independent, I really wanted a pet of my own. I kept visiting shelters, but never connected with any animals. One summer, I found this tiny, overcrowded cat shelter and they were literally throwing cats at me, desperate to get one adopted out.

After the 26th cute, yet not-for-me cat encounter, I was trying to politely leave. They handed me a small grey kitten and said, "Well, there's this one. We've had him a few weeks, but haven't gotten around to naming him yet."

KITTEN. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MEIKIA

As they tried to sell me on their nonprofit good deeds, I felt pointy claws digging into my chest. So I glanced down into my arms and saw the brightest, greenest, biggest eyes glaring up at me, eyes that looked like they were lined in eye liner. They said, "It's me. Let's go, already!" So I did.

It's been six years with my cat Johnny - who has become a 19-pound beast, with vet-diagnosed OC and eating disorder, whom I have to feed in mini portions at regular intervals to keep him from eating too fast and vomiting, whose unusually loud howl for food at 5 a.m. keeps me and my neighbors from ever sleeping in, with his compulsive need to lick my hands clean before I pet him - and I wouldn't have him any other way.

CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / EVELINE DE BRUIN

His strange and vibrant personality reminds me daily that I made the right choice bringing him home that day, not in spite of his obnoxious and overbearing traits, but because of them. I know no one else could take care of him with the patience and understanding that I do.

Perhaps this is because I see some of myself in him - though rest assured, not the obnoxious part!

PHOTO: BRYANNA FROM MURFREESBORO, TN

Story submitted by Bryanna from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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