They say we rescue animals, but sometimes, it’s the other way around. That couldn’t be more true when it comes to Cici—my bouncy, goofy, endlessly energetic pup who came into my life when I didn’t even know how much I needed her.
When I first met Cici at the shelter, she was a whirlwind of fur, zooming in circles, tongue lolling out, tail wagging so hard it knocked over her water bowl. Most people walked right past her—“Too much energy,” they’d say. But something in her eyes caught me. She was wild, yes, but full of life, full of love. I decided to take a chance. Or maybe, she chose me.
At the time, I was struggling. Stress, loneliness, and that quiet emptiness that creeps in when life becomes too heavy were my daily companions. But Cici? She had no time for sadness. Every day became an adventure. Whether she was chasing her tail, trying to bark at her own reflection, or zooming laps around the living room for no reason at all, she made me laugh. Genuinely laugh. That kind of laugh that starts in your chest and reminds you you’re alive.
Cici’s joy is contagious. Even on my worst days, she nudges me with her nose, drops a toy at my feet, or simply plops her goofy self across my lap as if to say, “Hey, we’ve got this.” Her silly antics and boundless energy pull me out of my head and into the moment.
I may have signed the adoption papers, but it’s Cici who rescued me. She reminds me daily that joy can be found in the simplest things—a belly rub, a game of fetch, or a goofy face that makes you forget your worries for just a while.
So, who saved who? Honestly, I think the answer is pretty clear.
