The following story is a finalist in the Rescue to Royalty Challenge. Three grand prize winners will receive a $250 shopping spree, while a shelter of their choosing will be awarded $2,000 in cash and needed supplies! You can vote for your favorite story here through May 8!

Henry was known as “Grimm” when he came to White Oak Animal Safe Haven with his brother in a box full of dirt and cat poop. The shelter told us he was biting and scratching like crazy when they tried to get him out of the box and had clearly been neglected.

PHOTO: KATHLEEN FENNELL

He was only about six-months-old and probably so scared. When I met him, I immediately knew he was meant to be ours. He was being housed at our local pet store, and I stopped by and saw him out in the meet and greet pen with a child with a mental disability. He was exhibiting the calmest, sweetest temperament and didn’t have a care in the world being held roughly or tugged at.

I waited and asked if I could meet him next, and it was the perfect match. I brought my boyfriend back later that day, and we put in our application to adopt him from WOASH.

PHOTO: KATHLEEN FENNELL

Now, he has come so far from the “poop box” we always joke he started in. He has a bed and cat tree in practically every room and is never without his signature bow tie. He has one for every season and holiday!

He has the best personality and is the most social cat I have ever met. Nothing like the biting and scratching reported when he first arrived at the shelter! He has only ever hissed at the vet in the three years he has been with us. He rides around our neighborhood with us in a stroller and gets so much attention from our neighbors.

PHOTO: KATHLEEN FENNELL

This story was submitted by Kathleen Fennell in support of White Oak Animal Safe Haven, Inc. You can read more Rescue to Royalty Challenge stories and vote for your favorite here!