The lobby of the animal shelter is eerily quiet these days without the singing guinea pigs. All three of them were adopted this week. Rumor has it that a new one is coming next week. Anyone interested in acquiring one of these animals should call to be sure he/she is in residence.

The Parson Russell terrier who was found as a stray in West Tisbury and lived at the shelter for a couple of weeks is now ensconced in a happy new home. We hear he is even allowed to sleep on the couch and in his owner’s bed. Just what Jack needed, a little spoiling.

Once again we are without canines. Our cat population holds steady, however. Our gray male kitten has been renamed Matteo, and his sister is now called Sofia, two lovely Italian names bestowed on them by a visiting child who lives in that country. The same child has been gentling the two other kittens we have who are shy around humans. Her name is Avery and she seems to have a way with animals.

Senior citizens Lanie, a 12-year-old calico and Cody, a 10-year-old tabby, need loving homes so much that the shelter is waiving the adoption fee. They are both females who have found themselves homeless late in life. We are hoping some kind cat-lover will arrive at our door and take one or both of them.

A benefit for the shelter is being held at the jewelry store called Sequin on August 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. Cocktails will be served to anyone who comes to browse and, hopefully, buy some of their distinctive wares. Pencil it in on your calendars.

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.