The Animal Shelter’s cat room is emptying out as the residents are claimed by new owners. The big gentle tomcat, Joe Frazier, left with a young boy of 12, just the age he is. There was an instant connection when they met each other. And Lacey, the small black kitten, has her own private cat box now. Since she is only a teenager in cat years, she will easily adapt to new surroundings. Peanut, a large marmalade male, is in turnaround. Within days of arriving he was adopted. All the staff and volunteers at the shelter are purring in satisfaction for jobs well done. Finding forever homes for these surrendered pets is the shelter’s reason for existence.

Meanwhile, Penny, an old lady, continues to occupy the rocking chair. She will be free to anyone willing to provide a rocker of her own. O.B., renamed Diva because of her superior attitude, will be a fine “only” cat for someone. She has private quarters at the shelter as she does not play well with others, as they say. Anyone who is a fan of tortoise shell cats should come by to see Tortellini. She is not only beautiful, she is sociable. She gives back all the affection she receives with a contented purr. Bubba, a handsome young male, is also available.

Jackson, the recently adopted bichon frisee, is getting all the loving he deserves with his new owners. We hear he has become a bed buddy to his new best friend. What a lucky dog!

The Animal Shelter sends Valentine’s Day love to all the volunteers, vets, adoptive owners and donors who give to the homeless pets in the shelter’s care every month of the year. Happy Heart Day to all!

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.