This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

It was a routine checkup for my tabby, Otto. I was chatting with the vet and asking questions about how to introduce Otto to a new kitten. The doctor stopped and looked at me.

"Are you thinking of adopting? Because we found a feral kitten outside our clinic, and she needs a home."

So that day, a frightened scrawny black kitten came home with us. Within days, little Kikka and big Otto were best friends. They played, snuggled and groomed each other. Otto taught her the household cat rules. She adored him.

However, Kikka was terrified of me. She kept her distance. If I moved toward her, she ran and hid under the couch! It was a bummer, but her feral roots ran deep and she just didn't trust humans.

I worked hard to win her over. I bribed her to come close with snacks and toys. I spoke to her a lot. Soon we started having "meow" conversations. Eventually, I could pet her, just minimally at first, then more. But she was never cuddly with me, only with Otto.

Then Otto passed away. Kikka and I were both heartbroken. Surprisingly, my feral kitty turned to me for solace. She started sleeping near me at night. For the first time ever, she purred when I petted her. One evening as I watched TV, she crawled into my lap and curled up there! We were finally bonding.

A few years later, a man came into our lives who loved cats and insisted on befriending my shy girl. When Kikka hid under the bed, he got down on the floor and talked to her. He gave her treats and petted her often. Eventually his persistence charmed both of us, and now we all live together as a family.

I often find my husband and my cat snuggled up together on the couch. Kikka's transformation since those early days has been heartwarming. That frightened feral kitten is now 12 and sweet as can be. Love has overcome fear. Kikka has found her safe place – not under the couch, but in our hearts.

Story submitted by Paige Wallace from Portland, Oregon. 

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