Sorry for not commenting sooner, Kristin. Congratulations! It's an excellent image and has many virtues including 'the eyes.' Nice work!

I was taught (and have come to appreciate more and more over time) that in animal photography if the eye(s) aren't right (in focus and bright, ideally with a visible catch-light) then it's not much of a photograph.

There were many fine entries. I enjoyed and learned something from each of them.