I think the detailing and cropping added more punch to the source. I like the vignetting on the bottom but not on the top where it obscures ears, especially his. Could those portions of the vignetting be masked out?

Is that better?
Since I could only use filters I increased the size of the canvas, applied the vignette and then cropped again.

duplicating the layer, apply the filter then erase the top half would work....or a layer mask.....nice chop by the way GL!

Great work author...love the fluffy feel...well done