Don’t miss the Garden Party on Monday, June 30th. There is still time to call the animal shelter and request to be put on the guest list. Lots of cool stuff will be auctioned off by Trip Barnes at this event. There is a chance to attend the Westminster Dog Show in person next winter. The lucky winner will be seated in a box with the VIPs of dogdom, consuming hors d’oeuvres and drinks with them while handicapping the finals. If a few days in New York doesn’t tempt you, how about a vacation in Cabo San Lucas during those blustery January days? All the amenities of the beautiful resort will be available to the one who walks away with this prize. There are many other goodies to be auctioned for the benefit of the shelter. Plus, it is a beautiful party on a spectacular estate overlooking the water.

Robert the guinea pig sits in solitary splendor in the lobby of the shelter. All the other members of his tribe have been adopted. Our shy cat Cody is slowly emerging from her cocoon as she learns to trust the volunteers who come to cuddle her. Many of those kind people are assisting in gentling the two kittens who were born in the wild and turned in to the shelter last week. They will be fine companion animals soon.

Another way to contribute to the animal shelter is to buy a brick to pave the path. It is a fine way to memorialize a pet, departed or still with us. Perhaps an animal-loving friend has died. His or her name will grace the entrance to the shelter in perpetuity. If this seems a fitting way to remember a friend or family member, stop by the shelter to fill out a form with all the pertinent information.

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.