Entrant's Name
Tristan

Animal Bio
On a chilly Valentine’s Day, we adopted Leona, a timid feral orange tabby, from the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS). She had spent months recovering from the harshness of street life, and her amber eyes were filled with fear and uncertainty as we brought her into our home. We knew it would take time, so we gave her space, letting her hide in the laundry room at first and slowly adjusting to her new surroundings. We never pressured her, offering food, a cozy bed, and soft words, just letting her know we were here for her whenever she was ready.

Over the weeks, Leona began to trust us little by little. At first, she would only accept treats from us, then, bit by bit, allowed us to pet her, eventually curling up beside us and joining us on the couch. It wasn’t always easy, but we were patient, knowing she needed time to feel safe. A year later, on Valentine’s Day, Leona lay contentedly in a patch of sunlight by the window, her once-timid demeanor replaced by a calm confidence. In the end, Leona had transformed from a frightened stray into a beloved member of our family.