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 most beloved friend and soulmate, Chini, lost her battle with lymphoma when she was only 9-years-old. She had been with me through so many important parts of my life: my first apartment, my wedding, my first child, and my first house. I thought I'd have plenty of more years with her. She was diagnosed with cancer two days before she died. It was the most devastating loss I've ever endured.

I was painfully empty for days. I still mourn her loss deeply. A few days after her passing, though, my husband told me to get out of the house. I went out for lunch with my brother, and across the street was a Petsmart. We ended up going in. I just wanted to look at the kitties over in the adoption area. (Petsmart works with local shelters.)

I wasn't ready to get any kitties, but I ended up finding a friend. I walked up to one of the cages and there was this pretty, 1-year-old male kitty who watched me walk in. I said, "Hi buddy!" and he rolled on his back and said, "Brrr-Meow", and for the first time in over a week, I smiled.

I looked at the tag on the cage to see his name, and it was Chili! How weird is that? So close to Chini. It was a sign. He was so sweet and I loved him right away. I thought about him for three days, and finally, I brought my husband and son to meet him. We ended up adopting him that day.

We've had our little Chili Pepper for about a month now, and he's fitting in quite nicely. Even our other kitty, Taco, has warmed up to him. My house is a little less empty now.

Story submitted by Sherry Florek from Oak Forest, Illinois.

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