After 3 Years Waiting, Tommi Still Hopes To Be Chosen: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Tommi, a beautiful dark tabby with mesmerizing gold eyes and bright white feet, has spent nearly three years at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter waiting for a home.

At about 4½ years old, Tommi arrived at the shelter with her siblings, Marcy — who has since been adopted — and Lulu, who remains in the same room.

“Tommi remembers the sound of doors,” the shelter said.

“Not the loud ones — the clanging shelter doors that echo down the hallway — but the quiet ones. The soft click of a home.”

When she first arrived, everything about Tommi suggested her stay would be temporary.

“She pressed herself against the door whenever footsteps passed,” the shelter said. “She knew someone would see her.”

And at first, people did.

Visitors called her sweet and playful. During playtime, she would leap and spin after wand toys, “like she was born just for this moment.”

“For those minutes, she was radiant,” the shelter said.

But then the door would close again — and someone else would be chosen. Weeks turned into months. Months into years.

“She waited, and she waited, and she is still waiting,” the shelter said.

Over time, that waiting changed her.

“Tommi stopped waiting at the door all the time," said shelter president Debbi Larkin. "It’s tiring, hoping that hard.”

Now, she tends to sit back, watching and observing. When new cats arrive, she notices immediately — but doesn’t move forward like she once did.

“She already knows how this goes,” the shelter said.

Playtime still brings her out.

“The feathers flick, and she chases them with everything she has,” the shelter said. “She leaps high, paws outstretched, eyes bright with purpose.”

But even then, her confidence can fade.

“She backs away quietly,” the shelter said. “It’s okay, they can have it.”

Volunteers say moments like that reflect what she may be feeling after so long at the shelter.

“What am I doing wrong?” the shelter said, describing her experience.

Each time the door opens, there is still hope.

“Is it today?”

But most days, it isn’t.

“And slowly, a harder thought has taken shape,” the shelter said. “What if it’s never her?”

With kitten season approaching, the shelter said the room fills again — and Tommi becomes easier to overlook.

“She fades into the background, not because she isn’t worthy, but because she’s been waiting too long,” the shelter said.

Despite everything, Tommi is healthy and ready for a home. She has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, is parasite-free, vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and litter box trained.

“We would love to change the ending to Tommi’s story,” the shelter said.

They imagine a quiet moment — someone sitting patiently, giving her time.

“For the first time in a long time, Tommi doesn’t hesitate,” the shelter said. “Maybe this is her door.”

Those interested in meeting Tommi can call the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening hours from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.