The following story was submitted in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here!

Nine months ago, Beowulf (Wolfie) came to live with us. He was scared, confused and very sad.

PHOTO: DIANA MARSH

He had no idea why he was taken from his home. He had no idea his person had passed away. He arrived in a crate after making the 6.5-hour ride from North Carolina.

As soon as I opened the crate, he ran and hid. For weeks, he would run and hide every time we went near him. If we tried to touch him, he would claw and bite. I can only imagine what he was thinking, "Who are these strange people? Where is my mommy?!"

PHOTO: DIANA MARSH

I would take food to him and he would hide until I left the room. If we walked in while he was eating, he would run and hide again. I was afraid he would never come around. Every day, I would talk to him and sit in the room with him, and little by little, he let me get closer. But he would still fight if I tried to touch him.

I left the door to the room he was in open, so he could come out any time he wanted. One day, he did! Then about a week later, he jumped up on the couch with us. Now he has made himself right at home. He sits with us, we play, we pet him and he even lets me brush him. He's also starting to tolerate our other cat, Willow. As I have always believed, love conquers all!

PHOTO: DIANA MARSH

This story was submitted by Diana Marsh in support of Butler County Humane Society. To read other stories from the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest, click here!