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Four years ago, I was given an adorable black kitten named Murphy. Although I've had many cats before, Murphy was truly my soulmate, and I was heartbroken when I had to put him to sleep. I got rid of everything "cat" in my house and swore I would never, ever do that to myself again.

A week after I lost Murphy, I went to pick up his ashes. Driving home, I asked out loud, "What can I do to remember Murphy?"

I heard his small voice in my head: "Rescue another cat." I drove directly to the shelter.

There were lots of cats available, and I knew I wanted an older black cat (to remind me of Murphy). I played with several cats, but only one seemed comfortable in my arms. I put her down on the bench where I was sitting, said I'd be right back, and continued my search.

When I came back, there she was: a beautiful calico cat, sitting on the bench waiting for my return. I figured maybe this was the cat for me. The shelter personnel told me that she had been there eight months and hadn't warmed up to anyone, and no one wanted an older cat like her.

Bella isn't anything like Murphy; she doesn't look like him and she doesn't act like him, and she's the most perfect cat in the world! I can't imagine my life without her now.

Story submitted by Barbara from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

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