This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

One day when I went to a shelter, I saw an older dog who was barking in the cage. The staff member had said she was 9-years-old and she had been sent back twice due to landlord issues. I took her outside and found out her name was Roxy.

PHOTO: STEPHI FROM NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE

I didn't feel the connection. I sat down and I said to her, "I don't know about you Roxy, but I am not feeling anything." She looked at me and gave me kisses, and that is when I knew I had to take her home. I took her home on Valentine's Day, one of the best gifts to myself. Roxy was amazing and she showed me so much love and I returned the same. She was wonderful around my children, people and other animals.

A year later, I noticed Roxy was losing weight. She started to sleep more. I noticed she was having accidents more often. I took her to the vet and discovered she had cancer in the bladder. My world shattered that day, and I knew she was too old to have surgery because there was a good chance she may die on the table. I decided not to put her through it. I felt it was her time and that I would be with her every step of the way.

DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY/DOZ777

The day came and it was the worse day of my life. It was the first time I saw Roxy so weak and nervous. I laid down next to her and I told her it was okay. She calmed down right away, when it was time to let her sleep. I lost it right there and I told her I was so sorry. Roxy looked up at me and gave me a kiss, then she went to sleep.

I went back to my car crying with her collar, I was looking at the pictures that I had took before she passed on. I found one picture that was breathtaking. (Which is posted to this story.) My heart still hurts even after 5 years, I miss her!

Story submitted by Stephi from Nashua, New Hampshire. Roxy’s story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!