One of the joys of working at the animal shelter is watching a homeless animal leave with a new owner. Some mysterious chemistry draws them to choose each other, perhaps recognizing a need in the other. Whatever it is, both animal and human leave the shelter visibly happy. The shelter personnel have enjoyed many such moments lately. No pet seems to wait long for a forever home. One of our rescues, a Wheaten terrier/poodle cross, only 14 weeks old, never spent a night at the shelter. Lisa Hayes, our director, knew of a family whose “wheatie” had died. One phone call brought them to meet Ben, the puppy, and he left with his new owners. To say Ben’s new family is delighted to have him is an understatement. Lisa can usually match a dog with the perfect owner due to her many contacts on the Island.

A new tenant arrived this week in the lobby of the animal shelter, a tricolor female guinea pig named Opal. She sits in her own cage atop the pen of Harrison Ford, the large black male guinea pig. Neither of them is as vocal as former residents of their species.

The cat room has plenty of space for its few occupants. Wally, the tiger cat with the big green eyes, is still acclimating to her new surroundings after being surrendered by her previous owner who went to Windemere. She has made friends with a few of our volunteers so she does show promise of socialization. Winston is still here, still desperate to get to the outdoors. He needs a home with a cat door so he can come and go as he pleases. Gizmo, the large young orange male, is best friends with Winston, but he would be happy to leave and make new friends. His previous housemate, Nala, a cream colored female, is also looking for new quarters.

Caught in the Vineyard housing shuffle, a Chihuahua and a poodle are coming to the shelter this week. They are six and nine years old. Since the dogs that are surrendered to us are generally adopted quickly, we hope that they will quickly get a new home.

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.