Dogs and cats waiting to be adopted often end up staying in a shelter for longer than anticipated. Reasons vary on why some fur babies become long-time residents of rescue organizations and others quickly get their forever home. Sometimes it’s due to health issues, age, or temperament. Regardless, holding onto hope can be tough for some animals who seem to get passed over.
Tabitha, a beautiful black-and-gray striped cat, had been at the NAWS Humane Society of Illinois for over three years. Yet she recently got the news she’s been longing to hear.
@frangrzesikGUYS. I’m crying actual tears right now making this. This day was SO emotional for me and for all of our staff and volunteers. Tabitha truly is so beyond special and so beyond deserving of such a wonderful home, and that’s exactly what she received. This would NOT have been possible witho it all of you sharing Tabitha’s story. I appreciate each and every one of you and I am so happy that we have a positive space on social media to come and be together to advocate and rally for these animals. I know it’s tough to see them suffer and wait, especially for so long… But, it’s worth it. I’m sending you guys all of my love, Tabitha is doing great currently in her home. 😭🫂🤍 #adopt #adoptdontshop #cat #shelter #animalrescue #animalshelter #adoptionjourney #catsoftiktok #adoption #catadoption #adoptionstory #catadoption #animal #kitten
In the TikTok from @frangrzesik, Tabitha was lying in her kennel when one of the shelter volunteers came over and opened her door.
“Tabitha has been overlooked for 1,197 days at our animal rescue,” the onscreen text explained. “After waiting 1,197 days, Tabitha finally heard the words she’s been waiting for… Tabitha, you’re going home”
The volunteer wiped off the sign that said “Days without a forever family” and wrote down a zero. The animal advocate shared memories and video of her treasured time with the pretty kitty.
“From our first day together, years ago, to our last day, 3 years later, I have cherished every moment with Tabitha,” the story continued, while giving Tabitha’s new mom a shout out. “Thank you, Nicole, for being Tabitha’s hero. Thank you for truly being such a beautiful human being inside and out.”
Nicole waited for Tabitha to get into the cat carrier for the ride home alongside a chalkboard sign celebrating the special occasion.
The NAWS volunteer thanked followers for sharing Tabitha’s story and raising awareness for their animal shelter.
“I appreciate each and every one of you and I am so happy that we have a positive space on social media to come and be together to advocate and rally for these animals,” she wrote in the caption, as well as a wonderful update on their former resident.
“Tabitha truly is so beyond special and so beyond deserving of such a wonderful home, and that’s exactly what she received,” she reported. “Tabitha is doing great currently in her home.”
We love when these fur babies get a fairy tale ending!
