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!

My husband and I had recently moved for work to a city many states away from home, friends, and family. As it was a lonely period in our lives, we decided to rescue a new family member to help fill the void.

Via a rescue search site, my husband found Sweet Pea and insisted we go check her out. Sweet Pea was an approximately 1 year old chihuahua-dachshund mix. We were told that she had been brought to the rescue as a puppy and had been there ever since, waiting for a forever home.

Sweet Pea was extremely shy/reserved, and I didn't feel an immediate connection but also knew that I could not leave her; I wanted to make this work.

We brought her home, where it took many months for her to acclimate to new surroundings. At first, she would often curl up in a ball as far away from human interaction as possible.

I recall calling my husband when he was at work, excited that she had finally worked up the nerve to sit beside me on the couch. It took months of patience and baby steps, but it was well worth the wait to earn her love.

Fast forward five years. Sweet Pea (aka Peanut) is my shadow, best friend, cuddler, and lively spirit in our home who greets us each day after work, excited and tail wagging. Frankly, those would have been a very lonely five years without my best friend who came in the form of a skittish and reserved rescue that I wasn't sure would ever warm up to me. Ultimately, it was true love.

To anyone in a similar rescue situation to the one we found ourselves in, I'd advise you to stay positive and patient! Your efforts may very likely result in one of the most rewarding relationships of your life.