You're probably already familiar with the long-standing presidential tradition of "pardoning" a Thanksgiving turkey every year around this time, but have you ever met one of the lucky turkeys on the receiving end?
Technically, the hero in our Thanksgiving miracle story wasn't pardoned by the president, but we bet he feels pretty darn lucky all the same!
His name is Leon, and he made his way to the Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary in California early this month, just in the nick of time.
Now, he's showing the world a whole new side of turkeykind — Leon is practically a self-proclaimed ambassador for his species!
That's because Leon is no ordinary Tom Turkey. He's what you might call a "lap turkey," and it's just as adorable as it sounds.
Check out what Leon is doing to prove to the whole world that turkeys are cuddlier than you might imagine.
Scroll through to learn more about his story and see him in action!
Leon the turkey is a darn handsome specimen if you ask us!
This substantial turkey arrived at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary early in November 2016, and immediately impressed the staff with his confidence and regal bearing.
I mean, just look at that posture!
But Leon is more than just a stately gentleman; he's also a bona fide lovebug!
Turkeys might not be known for their snuggly tendencies, but Leon might just be the exception.
He loves affection, and was thrilled when the volunteer who dropped him off at the sanctuary gave him a sweet kiss goodbye.
In fact, according to ABC News, Leon is a testament to his species.
In an interview with the sanctuary's manager, Christine Morrissey, they quickly discovered that Leon is every bit as charming as you can imagine.
"He just took to people immediately," Morrissey explains.
"He wanted kisses on his head and hugs," she says.
"We were just really, really smitten with the fact that he likes to be pet and be this close to humans."
In fact, Leon even likes belly rubs, just like a dog!
He'll happily snuggle up to anyone who's willing to give him a little TLC.
Here, Leon is pictured at his vet appointment, where he promptly curled up in the closest lap and went straight to sleep.
"Leon is one of a kind," Morrissey notes.
He loves to be the center of attention, and can often be found mugging for the camera.
When sanctuary volunteers were putting together a fundraiser dinner, Leon came nosing on by the kitchen to see what was cooking!
And when they called out his name, he responded with a full-throated gobble.
He also like to show up and make the rounds when people are visiting the sanctuary.
Harvest Home is dedicated to showing that farm animals have a wide emotional range and need care and love.
They couldn't have a better representative than Leon, who shamelessly begs for attention just like a dog, and shows off his incredible capacity for affection.
In fact, Leon is so sweet and caring that Morrissey and her fellow staffers are hoping to train him as a therapy turkey!
With a little training, Leon might just prove to the whole world that turkeys are friends, not food!
Are you stunned by this incredible turkey and his beautiful capacity for love? Don't forget to SHARE Leon's amazing story!
