The few remaining cats at the animal shelter have few visitors these wintry days. They have to amuse each other. While sitting at the desk in the lobby, one can watch them fly through the air as they sail from one perch to the next. Two of them are about to leave for permanent placement with the goats of Goatscaping. Forrest and Bubba, three-year-old brothers, have found new employment as barn cats. They are quite adept playing with the toys here at the shelter so we are sure they will make excellent mousers. We hope those goats will appreciate their company.

A new resident has joined Big Baby in the cat room. He is also a young boy formally dressed in a tuxedo coat. Named Mickey, he has the longest, whitest whiskers to be seen on a cat. He came from an owner who had to leave him behind when he joined the military. They must have had fun together because Mickey loves to play. He is friendly to both humans and other cats, and he has low mileage at six years old. He will be a wonderful companion for someone. Big Baby, Mickey’s roommate, is also awaiting a home of his own, preferably one with children, whom he favors. He is also a handsome tuxedo with a white mustache.

It’s mid winter and only the hardiest of Island folk are still around. No dogs are at the shelter, but we do know of a border collie who needs re-housing. If interested call Lisa or Gordon at the shelter to get the low-down on this canine.

Many thanks to Offshore Ale for giving 20 per cent of the bill for the meals ordered on Feb. 19 to the shelter. Local support is always appreciated.

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 or visit animalshelterofmv.org.