Good news on the dog front this week. Lady, the black cocker spaniel who lived outdoors her entire life, has been provided a roof over her head and a warm bed forever by an empathetic new owner. She has been residing at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard along with her son, Jackie, since being surrendered a few weeks ago. Jackie is currently in foster care off the premises. The Shelter is hoping he will be hanging his Christmas stocking in a permanent home soon.

Anyone desiring a small dog should contact the shelter. There is a 10-year-old Bichon Frisee looking for a new place to live due to changed circumstances in his present owner’s home. His name is Jackson. He would be an ideal companion for a homebody. His owner is keeping him until a placement is found. If interested in meeting this adorable guy, call the shelter and it will be arranged.

A warning for all dog owners: this is hunting season on the Island. Since most of the dogs who love running in the woods are indistinguishable from deer when viewed through a rifle sight, please find alternate exercise sites for your pets. Either that or dress them in blaze orange; a collar of that color is not enough.

Very friendly tabby male with a chirp-like meow was found in Katama. — Alison L. Mead

The cat room is filling up. We are hoping the actual owners of the strays will see this and reclaim their animals. One is a white male tabby found in Katama. He is microchipped, but scanning him did not yield his owner’s name. If you chip your pet, be sure to register it online so the shelter can reconnect you. At a job site at Katama near the Field Club, a tiny black kitten was found. She is about two months old with long hair and a short tail. She is friendly, so probably not feral. Another stray has arrived. This one is a tortoiseshell with a distinctive orange face found near the police barracks in Oak Bluffs. If any of these sound familiar, contact the animal shelter.

Wouldn’t any child love to find a guinea pig under his or her Christmas tree? Gizmo, the brown and white male, has now grown into a handsome lad and still singing with delight when he is cuddled. He is the perfect pet for a child — no need for walks or house training. He only requires a clean cage and fresh veggies. Come see him.

This is such a busy time of year for us humans. Our pets remain serene and unruffled. Try to adopt some of that attitude, and maybe adopt a new household member at the Animal Shelter as well.

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.