The following story is a finalist in the Rescue to Royalty Challenge. Three grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree, while a shelter of their choosing will be awarded $2,000 in cash and needed supplies! You can read more stories here!

This is Q-Tip, doing his best impression of a happy bunny just chilling on the couch. It's the only impression he does, but he does it quite well, don't you think?

PHOTO: DAVID FISHER

I found Q-Tip at a local shelter where he had been for over three years, in the back room in a small cage staring out at nothing. He had no toys and very little room to move around, his nails were almost four inches long, and he looked like he had lost all hope.

When I looked into his eyes, I could hear him say, “You won't want me, no one wants me,” so of course, I had to take him home. And I made him a promise – one that lasts for life.

RABBIT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / TUTANCHAMUN

I had never had a rabbit before, so I had a lot of learning to do, but as soon as we got home and I let him out of the pet carrier, he made himself right at home (and within 15 minutes, he was getting into trouble). On his first night home, I couldn't escape the feeling that I had been reunited with a long-lost friend I didn't even realize was missing, and it was as if he should have been here all along. I was instantly a rabbit person, and have been ever since.

Q-Tip was a bit of a practical joker, and the best joke he ever played on me was hiding my car keys in his water bowl (a dark ceramic crock). That day, I looked for them for two hours while he watched before giving up, and then as I was changing his water, my keys landed in the sink. When I showed him that I finally found them, he smiled (a slow blink and a look of total contentment).

RABBIT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / XAYA

I had Q-Tip for over five years before he passed in his sleep, and a month later, my vet called about a stray rabbit that had been rescued. She started to ask if I might want him, and I immediately said yes – and I've had rabbits ever since (almost 30 years) and each of them enjoys Q-Tip's legacy.

While I was sorry he had to wait so long for me to find him (or him to find me), it was my pleasure and honor to give him a great life, and to keep my promise to him.

This story was submitted by David Fisher in support of Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. You can read more Rescue to Royalty Challenge stories here!