The Garden Party to benefit the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is promising a very exciting live auction. Trip Barnes, the seasoned auctioneer, will have plenty of desirable items to sell. Anyone who wishes to abscond to warmer climes at the end of January (and who doesn’t?) can bid on a three-bedroom apartment with an ocean view in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This fabulous getaway spot at the Sheraton Hacienda de Mar Golf and Spa resort can accommodate 10 people. Get your friends together and split the cost. That way it would average out to a reasonably priced vacation. And you will be benefitting the shelter! Who could resist this offer? Of course, you have to be in it to win it. Call the animal shelter to get an invitation to this event on Monday, June 30, from 5 to 8 p.m.

It is a little less lively around the shelter these days since the four orange kittens have all been adopted. They kept us amused. Their beautiful mother has also gone to a loving home, grateful that she doesn’t have the kids underfoot all the time. Since she has been spayed she can look forward to relaxing for the rest of her days. Her new owners will attend to her every want and need from now on.

A cuddly gray kitten named Charley is now occupying the play perch. A handsome gray with four white paws, he will be seen by the vet this week and then given his walking papers. He will grow into a wonderful lap cat. We are not too sure about the other kittens who have recently been rescued from the wild. They are both female, one a tortoise shell with a distinguishing stripe down her nose, the other a gray with gray eyes. Our volunteers handle and play with them to teach them people manners. Eventually, they become accustomed to this loving treatment and can be adopted. We also have a 10-year-old shy female named Cody. A little coaxing will lure her out to anyone willing to provide a new home for her. All the usual fees will be waived for her adoption.

The only dog in residence is a sweet, people-loving black Lab named Lucy. She greets all visitors with a wagging tail. She was raised right. She is completely house broken, easy to walk on a leash and follows all commands. Although she is 8 years old, she shows no signs of wear and tear, is in good health, and has that incomparable Lab personality — loyal and eager to please.

We have had a run on guinea pigs. The only one left at the moment is red-eyed Robert. We are expecting a fresh supply any day now, so stop by to see the as yet unnamed new ones.

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.