Hey lovely humans, and welcome 💛 Before anything else, you need to meet the true VIPs of this community: Midnight and Diamond — my two emotional support cats, professional biscuit-makers, and full-time supervisors of my healing journey. If you ever see me post at odd hours, just know one of them is probably sat on me, purring like a tiny furry therapist who accepts payment in treats. Five years of my life were spent surviving domestic violence. Not living. Surviving. Eventually, I did the bravest, hardest, most life-changing thing I’ve ever done: I left. I fled. I chose safety over fear. And step by step, day by day, I rebuilt a life where I could finally breathe again. These two little fluffballs were there through the aftermath — the panic, the tears, the sleepless nights, and the slow learning of what “safe” feels like. They’ve grounded me in moments when my mind wanted to spiral, and reminded me that comfort can be as simple as a warm purr and a soft headbutt. This community is a space for survivors, for people rebuilding, for those who know what it’s like to start over, and for anyone whose emotional support animal has quietly saved their life in ways words can’t explain. It’s a place for honesty, humour, healing, and hope. You are so welcome here — whether you’re here for the cats, the story, the solidarity, or because you’re walking a similar path. Pull up a chair. The cats will probably sit on you. And you’re safe here. 🐾💛