The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has a few nice animals who need good homes.

An eggnog toast to all those hardy souls who put on their warmies and marched with the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard contingent in the Christmas parade last week. It was bitterly cold, but spirits were high. The Black Dog sponsored the shelter’s part of the parade. Two members of the Douglas family joined the marchers. Jamie came with his (what else?) black Lab and Bob brought his two Parson Russells. Brisk walking gets the blood flowing so no frostbite was observed in any of the participants. A big thank you to the Black Dog for its continuing support of the shelter.

A sweet black dog is sitting next to this correspondent as the column is being written. Jackie, the cocker/unknown variety cross, is overcoming his shyness. He will wander out to the lobby even though he retreats to his own bed if it gets too crowded. The staff and volunteers at the shelter know this dog will be a loyal companion to the right person. As a further incentive to adopt this mellow dog, he is free.

Another dog available to the right owner is Jackson, a cuddly Bichon Frisee. Jackson is a velcro dog, meaning he needs to be near a human at all times. He would be the perfect pet for someone who works from home. He is still living with his owner as the shelter cannot provide the constant companionship that he needs. Call the shelter if you would like to meet Jackson. He is free as well.

Our cats, the long-term residents Tux and Linda, have been joined by two older females — Penny, a tiger striped cat, and Laney, a calico stray from Edgartown. Fraser, a black neutered male, will be joining the group soon. Scout had been adopted, but, through no fault of his own, was returned to the shelter and needs re-housing. Gizmo the guinea pig has been living in the lobby for weeks now. He would be the ideal starter pet for a child or for any adult whose landlord will not allow a cat or a dog and who needs a quiet, low-maintenance companion.

The shelter is overwhelmed by the response to the Christmas appeal letter. Thanks to each and every one of you who donated to keep our unwanted pets safe, warm and fed. Without your generosity this shelter would not exist. We remind those who have pets to keep them away from the hazards of the decorations this time of year. Poinsettias are poison, pretty as they are. The Christmas tree must be secured so your feline friends cannot topple it when they give in to the compulsion to climb. The next Please Adopt Us column will not appear until Jan. 3, by which time we hope to have news of many more adoptions. Meanwhile, good wishes to all, human and animal, for a happy holiday season.

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.