This story is an entrant in the Fur-Ever Family Photo & Story Contest. Voting runs through December 31. Three grand prize winners will each receive $500 in cash and $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. See all the entrants and finalists here!

Mysti is a family member that came to us from a shelter, but that doesn't make her any less lovable. She is a pit bull mix, a puppy mill mama. All of her puppies were adopted, but she wasn't. She was so kind, the shelter staff had named her the Ambassador of the Shelter and took her to all of their adoption events trying to help get her to her furever home.

PHOTO: DENISE PRICE

When I saw her online, I knew I had to meet her and drove over an hour to the shelter. She was very timid and seemed to have bonded with the veterinarian there, and did not want to stay near anyone but a familiar face. But I did ask to bring her home, hoping she could learn to love again, and we couldn't be happier.

She is an ornery, energetic, carefree girl that has a lot of love, spirit and kindness about her. And although previous adopters shied away from her because she was a pit bull mix, she definitely does not have a mean bone in her body.

PHOTO: DENISE PRICE

Unfortunately, she has been diagnosed with cancer, so we are now doing everything we can to make her life enjoyable while she is blessing us with her kindness, energy and love.

This story was submitted by Denise Price, in support of 2nd Chance Animal Rescue of Richmond, Inc. To see other Fur-Ever Family Photo & Story Contest submissions, click here!