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“Three-legged cat needs home urgently!”

It was just before Christmas 2011, and the ad in my church newsletter caught my attention. I loved cats and longed for a fur baby of my own, but I wasn't sure I could take in a cat because I was struggling with clinical depression. When the ad appeared again a week later, I gave in.

Photo: Aimee Smith

The moment I saw those big green eyes and heard his deep purr, I fell in love. Stumpy moved into my home and my heart that day.

A vet check revealed that his front leg had been surgically removed. The fact that he screamed every time he was in the car made me think he had likely been hit by one.

He was playful and affectionate and earned the nicknames “Stumpilicious” and “Stumpedo” for his crazy antics. He was my sweet boy. He loved being cuddled like a baby and sleeping on my bed at night.

When I had bad days, and there were many, he would hop onto my lap and purr-talk to me until I felt better. He was my furry antidepressant.

Stumpy saved my life. His unconditional love helped me learn to love myself again and brought me back from the edge.

After three years, I was so stable that I was able to follow my dream of pursuing university studies. Unfortunately, because of Stumpy's extreme travel stress, he could not come with me on the three-hour trip.

As much as it broke my heart, I found him a forever home with a lovely couple who would love and care for him for the rest of his life.

When I looked into his eyes to say goodbye, all the things I wanted to say became stuck in my throat. As tears ran down my cheeks, all I could say was, “Thank you.”

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Story submitted by Aimee Smith from Auckland, .

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