Despite the oppressive heat, many invited guests came to the Animal Shelter’s annual Garden Party in the cool, green surroundings of a unique garden in West Tisbury. The shelter is grateful to the generous owners of that beautiful spot for allowing the use of it. The shelter also thanks the donors of the items we auctioned, all those who brought hors d’oeuvres and everyone who spent time and effort to make this event a success. The Garden Party raised more than $30,000 so far. Checks are still arriving so that is not the final tally. All the many homeless animals the shelter houses and those who care for them send their gratitude to all those who responded to their need.

The happiest news of the week is that our senior tortoise shell cat, Hazel, has been adopted by a kind person who wished to give an older animal a home. The shelter was willing to waive the adoption fee in her case, but the new owner made a donation nonetheless. Blessings on you and happy lap-sitting to Hazel.

The mother-of-the-year award went to Sadie who delivered her kittens under a house in Edgartown. All of them were brought to the shelter where Sadie did an extraordinary job of raising them. Now the young’uns are all settled in new homes. Sadie has been spayed and has found a forever home where she can relax and rest on her laurels.

The calico lady cat named T.C. is still awaiting an owner, as is Michael, the big black male who has spent most of his time hiding from humans. He finally emerged to interact with a person this week, but briefly. Having a home of his own will most likely bring out his social side.

Shelter hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday and Monday. The telephone number is 508-627-8662. Contributions are always gratefully accepted; the shelter is funded solely by donations. Please make checks out to The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard; the mailing address is P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown MA 02539.