The population of the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has increased by four. Our mama cat finally delivered her kittens sometime Thursday night or early Friday morning. They are all orange and double pawed like their mother. One can hear her purring loudly while she feeds her little bundles of fur. When not eating she wraps her paws around them protectively gathering them to her. There is a long list of potential owners for these babies when they are ready to leave us in 8 to 10 weeks. Mama has been spoken for as well.

Talk about a fast turnaround. We had barely made Furguson’s (not a typo, his real name) acquaintance when he was out the door to a new forever home. He arrived April 17, was vetted out the next day and was claimed on April 23 by a nice couple whose 19-plus year old cat had recently died. Furgy is indeed furry like all Maine coon cats and like the departed one he will replace.

If you and your dog are wondering what to do tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, why not socialize with other canines and their humans at a dog birthday party being given at the Trade Winds dog park in Oak Bluffs beginning at 10 a.m. Bonnie and Clyde, Barnum and Katie are among the honorees. Coffee and cake will be served to the humans, water and biscuits to the dogs. If that sun don’t shine the party will be held on Sunday, the 27th.

Saturday, May 10 promises to be a fun filled one. From noon until 2 p.m. the annual Pink and Green party will be held in Edgartown. Bring you and your dog appropriately dressed in those colors to the dog fashion show in the little park on Main street. Ribbons will be awarded to all the pets regardless of their outfits. The Black Dog from the Black Dog will hand out goodies. Later that night the Seafood Shanty will sponsor a dancing party featuring the Chandler Blues Band and a guest appearance by the shelter’s own Gordon Healy. A portion of the profits will benefit the Animal Shelter.

Buy some bling at Alex and Ani in Edgartown from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Fifteen per cent of the profits will be given to the shelter.