Theadora Paulucci & Cleo

 "Cleo came to me and my partner through my partner's best friend, who had been vacationing in Texas wine country with her friend from home and their moms. A small kitten approached them when they reached their vacation rental like she had been waiting for them. Our friend was certain she belonged to someone as she was so sweet, but after several days of her showing up and spending the night, she was finally convinced that the probable meth-head neighbors didn't own her. She was soaking in all the attention-sleeping with people, curling up on laps, being carried around. My partner's friend sent us pictures as we were looking to adopt. We fell in love with her immediately, and named her Cleopatra, after the Egyptian Pharaoh. Cleo was cleared to fly by a vet in Texas but shortly after landing we noticed she was not well. We took her to the vet and realized that she is FELV-positive. After a round of antibiotics, she became better. While we are working with our vet to potentially cure her through an FDA-approved drug, her disease has had no effect on her personality. She is very energetic, playful, and kind. Her favorite activities include eating, running across our long apartment, trying to keep us safe from Mr. Dot (the laser pointer), and catching her toy mice. She is also a great cuddler and lets us know when she needs attention. We love her so much, and even though she may not live long, we are hoping to give her the best quality life she could ever have.” Theadora Paulucci is a native Brooklynite who lives with her partner and Cleo in Crown Heights. She is a project manager at the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.