In a heartwarming development attributed to “the power of social media,” a cat who spent over 1,000 days in an animal shelter has finally found her forever home.
The FIV+ cat was adopted after more than 3 years at the shelter
Lucy Lou’s plight first gained attention when Frances Grzesik, Volunteer Program and Club Services Director at NAWS Humane Society in Mokena, Illinois, shared a video on TikTok introducing followers to the facility’s long-serving black cat resident. By that point, Lucy Lou had already spent 1,141 days in their care.
As a no-kill shelter, NAWS gave Lucy Lou time on her side, but extended stays in such facilities can be emotionally taxing for felines. A 2012 study found that shelter animals experience significant stress, with increased risk of illness.
Lucy Lou’s situation was made even more heartbreaking by the circumstances that led to her arrival at the shelter. Grzesik explained in a video that the cat had been surrendered “through no fault of her own.” Despite the passing years, Grzesik stressed that Lucy Lou never gave up hope of finding a forever home, though she was “tired” of being “overlooked” due to being FIV positive.
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Grzesik’s TikTok video went viral, amassing over 10 million views and an outpouring of support from animal lovers. “I can’t stop crying,” wrote one emotional viewer, while another declared: “How has she not been adopted? She’s perfect!”
Ultimately, this reaction led to an incredible outcome – Lucy Lou was adopted. In a follow-up clip, Grzesik shared footage of the moment the cat’s new owner, Laura Kost, arrived to take her home.
“The power of social media is incredible. After waiting SO long, Lucy Lou finally found her forever home,” Grzesik wrote, also praising the NAWS volunteers and staff who cared for Lucy Lou throughout her 1,145 days at the shelter.
Grzesik’s hope now is that Lucy Lou’s story will inspire more people to consider adopting or fostering animals through their local rescues. “If you have never adopted or fostered an animal through your local animal rescue, THIS IS YOUR SIGN!” she wrote.
