Tommi, a 2-and-a-half-year-old female tabby, has been waiting in the shelter for two years. Would you like to give her a chance in life?

Patch Staff

HUNTINGTON, NY — Tommi, a 2-and-a-half-year-old female tabby, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Tommi is still waiting for her future family to come and take her home, and it has been "two very long years for her," said the shelter's president, Debbi Larkin.

Tommi was brought into the shelter in April 2023 with her two sisters from a "very unfortunate situation," according to Larkin. She was enclosed in a very tight space with more than 15 cats, which was "just too much for her."

"It took weeks for Tommi to feel safe," Larkin said. "Every time someone would go into the room she would hide. She does not do that now, but she is very selective about who she will bond with. She sits and watches and analyzes all who enter the room waiting to see if there is a 'connection,' and if there is one, you will be summoned to reach over and pet her until she has decided she has had enough."

She loves treats, but it is not always a guarantee that she will approach someone who has them.

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Tommi has white paws and a white belly, along with "beautiful gold eyes that sparkle when you stare into them," Larkin said. She loves to sit in one of the cubbies with any of the other cats in the room. She is the first to greet someone at the door, especially if she sees the food plate or the treat jar coming. She will sound the alarm to the others when she sees the food plate. She is the official taste tester for the room, and will sample from each corner of the plate.

Tommi loves to climb to the highest spot on the condo where she is constantly on bird and squirrel patrol, Larkin said.

"It is a good thing she is an indoor cat, because she would give the wildlife outside a good chase," Larkin said.

She is also very quick when playing with the balls and other assorted toys in the room, according to Larkin. One of Tommi's favorite toys is one of the springs, which she parades around the room as if she just completed a successful hunt.

"Tommi is very good with the other cats in the room so she would do well with another cat in a quiet house…preferably one her age or a bit older," Larkin said. "Young kittens are much too active for her. I guess she forgets she was a kitten at one time! Tommi needs a little extra TLC and patience to coax her out of her shell."

Tommi has been totally vetted, up to date on her vaccines, tested negative for FELV and FIV, checked for parasites, litter box trained and spayed.

If you are interested in meeting Tommi, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email [email protected], visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"Tommi has spent the last two years watching and waiting as the other kittens and cats her age get to go home and all she wants is that same chance. She can sometimes be found sitting in the room with her eyes squeezed shut, almost as if she is taking a line from 'The Wizard of Oz.' 'Close your eyes and click your heels three times, (in her case, her paws) and repeat there is no place like home.' Won’t you be the one to give her that chance?"

"This new community has endless possibilities to create new relationships, and we can't wait to see what they bring," the owner said.

Michael DeSantis, Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Apr 29, 2025 at 4:36 pm ET

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Terra, a store that sells speciality home accents and decor, furniture, women's apparel and accessories, and baby gifts and clothing, has opened in Huntington Station.

Terra closed its doors in Cold Spring Harbor before moving to the Huntington Shopping Center. The new store opened at 350 Walt Whitman Road Unit 7, on March 15.

The store's ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 8, and the grand opening festivities are slated for May 8 through May 10.

Terra is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Terra closed its doors in Cold Spring Harbor on Jan. 31.

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"Although we loved the all the charm and character of our Main Street home in Cold Spring Harbor, Terra has been growing and needed a bigger footprint for our expansion," Stephanie Rooney, owner, told Patch. "Our hearts and roots will always be in in the Harbor. The local community built us into the brand we are, and we wouldn't be able to pursue this dream without all of their support."

The new Huntington Shopping Center redevelopment was "ideal" for Terra's expansion, Rooney said.

"We didn't want to move too far from our original location, so that our customers could still easily reach us, and [Huntington Station] also provided the footprint we were looking for," she said. "We're surrounded by other great retailers, both large and small, which is an ideal blend for the shopping experience we like to provide."

Rooney said the staff makes Terra "exceptional" and stand apart from other home decor and apparel stores.

"Our team has experience in both industries, both professionally and personally. We genuinely and sincerely enjoy helping people when they come in looking for help with a special gift, refreshing their space, or with an outfit that makes them feel great."

Rooney said her team is "excited to make a whole new circle of friends" in Huntington Station.

"Cold Spring Harbor created long standing friendships, and we've been so happy to see them again in the new store," she said. "This new community has endless possibilities to create new relationships, and we can't wait to see what they bring."

Hudson and Harley, 7-week-old kittens, "were the messiest and dirtiest kittens" the shelter had seen in a long time when they were found.

Patch Staff

HUNTINGTON, NY — Hudson and Harley, 7-week-old kittens, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

"These two little boys were the messiest and dirtiest kittens we have seen in a long time," said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

They arrived at the shelter when they were only 4 weeks old. The pair came from one of the shelter's favorite rescuers, according to Larkin. The rescuer was on another emergency call when someone reached out about "two tiny babies who had no place to go," Larkin said.

"Not sure if they belonged to the person who called or that person found them wandering the streets of Jamaica, Queens," Larkin said. "Our rescuer contacted us to see if we had any room. And of course, we said, 'Yes, bring them right over,'" Larkin said.

When Hudson and Harley arrived at the shelter, they were covered in dirt, urine and poop, Larkin said. Both boys had to have a bath before the shelter could even examine them.

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"They were not happy about that experience and screamed like they were being murdered, but as soon as the warm, dry towel was wrapped around them they settled down," Larkin said.

The shelter's in-house veterinarian tested them for FELV and FIV — "another screaming session" —and medicated them for parasites.

"They were too young at that time for vaccines, so we put them on the calendar for another day and got them ready to go into foster care," Larkin said. "And off they went, and by the time they arrived at the foster mom’s house, they were sleeping peacefully until they woke up and decided they needed a bedtime snack! Thankfully, even as tiny as they were, they both had good appetites and we knew they were in good hands."

Hudson is a tabby with lots of white on his chest and legs, Larkin noted. He has the "roundest" grey eyes and "looks like he is wearing eyeliner." He also has a dark spot on his nose that "makes him look like someone tried to color his nose with a magic marker."

"Hudson is so sweet," Larkin said. "He is very playful and loves to attack anything within his reach. You cannot sit on the floor without him climbing all over you and trying to bite anything that he can get his mouth on — pants, shirts, slippers, blankets! Hoping that this is his teething stage and nothing else. He is a very good eater and will sometimes push his brother out of the way. He will play with any toy you show him, but make sure he is getting your undivided attention, otherwise if he has to share your playtime with another (like his brother, Harley) he will lose interest. He is not much of a cuddler, but the foster family is working on that!"

Harley is all black with a small patch of white on his upper chest and on his groin, Larkin said. He has sparkling marble eyes that are a "beautiful soft shade of yellow," she added.

"He looks so serious when he is looking at you and when his ears are standing straight up, they look like they belong on a much larger kitten," she said. "Hoping he will grow into them. Harley is the shy boy, he is not the one who runs up to you first, but that will change with his foster family. He can be very vocal, especially when hungry or when his brother gets taken out of the room without him. He has the appetite of a full- grown cat, which is great, because he was barely a pound when he came to us."

Harley loves to play hide and seek and will come out for someone if they call him when he is hiding. He also loves the rope toy.

"He is also not a snuggler yet, but loves having his chin, cheeks and jaw scratched. Once you start that routine he will be putty in your hands."

Both Hudson and Harley have tested negative for FELV and FIV, had their ears and heart checked, have been wormed and received their first vaccinations. They are also litter box trained.

"They both have 5 more weeks in foster care and will receive all of the vaccines during that time,will both be neutered and microchipped before they will be available for adoption," Larkin said. "We estimate they will be joining the rest of the crew at the shelter at the beginning of June."

If you are interested in meeting Hudson and Harley, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email [email protected], visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"We do not have the whole 'old' story of their beginning, but we would love to give them a 'new' story, where they find their forever home and live happily ever after," Larkin said. "Every kitten deserves that chance. Don’t you agree?"

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More from Huntington

Other events include Jane Austen 101; a plant swap; a one-mile walk; movies; and more.

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Huntington Public Library released its May events slate. The library is at 338 Main St., Huntington.

People can register for events by calling 631-427-5165 or online.

Event: Step Right UpLocation: Main LobbyDates: Mondays, May 5, 12, 19; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Time: 6:30 p.m.Description: Get your week started by joining us for a refreshing stroll as one of our Adult Reference Librarians leads the group on an approximate one-mile journey around town. You can join us and chat with a friend or stranger, or bring your headphones and listen to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook. The choice is yours! Please wear appropriate footwear, as we may experience uneven pavement or other obstacles along the way. Don't forget water! Registration is required, registrants will be notified of cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Participants who attend every session in this series will receive an award at our final walk in June. Registration required and open to all.

Event: Senior ScamsLocation: ZoomDate: Wednesday, May 14Time: 7 p.m.Description: Unfortunately, seniors often fall prey to scams. Because of their vulnerability, they are often faced with emotional and financial hardships that affect their everyday lives. In this informative session, we will look at various types of common senior scams so that you can understand what safeguards you should put in place so that you won't become the next victim. Registration required and open to all.

Event: Great Books Reading & Discussion GroupLocation: Main Auditorium & ZoomDate: Monday, May 19Time: 7 p.m.Description: "Masks" by George Santayana is a reflection on the postures and costumes we all adopt to get through the hurly-burly of our daily lives. Santayana employs an overarching metaphor of the world as a stage. As a conclusion to the piece, there’s a section titled "The Mask of the Philosopher,” and in this last section he writes, "Among tragic masks may be counted all systems of philosophy and religion." Registration required and open to all.

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Event: Kiss Me, Kill Me....Mystery Book Discussion hosted by DonnaLocation: Main Meeting Room & ZoomDate: Tuesday, May 20Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.Description: Join us in May for a discussion and Zoom interview with Seraphina Nova Glass, international best-selling author of "The Vacancy in Room 10," an Edgar Award nominated book. When her husband confesses to killing someone, and then shoots himself, Alicia moves into the run-down apartment he rented to find the truth. Meanwhile the superintendent, Cass, after blackmailing the wrong guy, must keep her secrets under wraps, especially with Alicia asking questions. Registration required and open to all.

Event: Drama Book ClubLocation: Main Small Meeting RoomDate: Thursday, May 22Time: 3 p.m. Description: Read a play, then meet to discuss and read selected scenes aloud to add a deeper understanding of the work. Participants are encouraged to read librettos as well as watch or listen to cast recordings of the shows. This month's selection is Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine. Registration required and open to all.

Event: Friday Evening Movies: Recent Hits You May Have MissedLocation: Main AuditoriumDate: Friday, May 23Time: 6:30 p.m.Description: "The Substance," (2024, R, 141 mins)A fading celebrity takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself. Registration suggested and open to all.

Event: Watch Party with Karin SlaughterLocation: Main Meeting RoomDate: Tuesday, May 27Times 2 or 7 p.m.Description: Celebrate author Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent series with a recorded video interview between Karin and Ramón Rodríguez, star of Will Trent. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Karin’s latest paperback, This is Why We Lied during the program while supplies last. Registration required and open to all.

Event: Plant SwapLocation: Main Meeting RoomDate: Wednesday, May 28Time: 7 p.m.Description: Master gardeners from the Western Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators (SAP) invite you to bring your extra houseplants, perennial plants, annuals, vegetables and herbs to swap with your neighbors. Emphasis is on native pollinator plants, but all non-invasive plants are welcome. Plants should be in a container and be healthy, pest-free, and labeled. Please include the name of the plant and preferred location. If you have a photo, that would be helpful as well. Please also bring your own bags and/or containers to carry your new plants home. You do not need to bring a plant to attend! Registration required and open to all.

Event: Jane Austen 101Location: Main Meeting RoomDate: Thursday, May 29Time: 7 p.m.Description: Have you always wanted to learn more about Jane Austen, but didn't know where to start? Join us for a lecture with Stephanie Reese to learn about the life of the author of Pride & Prejudice and see the legacy her writing has had on modern society. Registration required and open to all.