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Though I have had abandoned cats all my life, I never fought for one as hard as I fought for Neko.

Photo: E. B. S.

Neko was only 4 weeks old when I got him. He was sick and had been rejected by his mother, and my husband and I were asked to take him in.

After battling his illnesses and getting him on the mend, I nearly lost him again when he was 4 months old. Due to an inverted bowel, he lost 8 inches of his bowel and spent many months on bottle food.

But he was my little angel.

He helped me through my depression and my many health issues. He even found me when I had heat stroke and got me up. He saved my life when I had a heart attack by getting my phone so I could dial the hospital.

He watched over me because I have sleep apnea, and he would wake me when I stopped breathing.

So while he was my service animal in part, he was my friend in whole.

We found out he had FIV, and with no immune system to speak of, he was fighting a losing battle. He was often sick, but even then, he filled my life with a joy that only he could give.

At the young age of 4, Neko passed away. He was having strokes, and we could not let him suffer. He told us it was time.

So we let him go.

But I will never forget him, and he has inspired me to reach out and help others more. I miss my Neko, but he will always be in my heart.

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Story submitted by E. B. S. from Oakes, ND.

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