The shelter has a couple of new residents. Otis is an orange male cat, approximately 12 years old, with a white-tipped tail. He has the softest fur, is double pawed, and very friendly with a big purr. He was picked up as a stray on Tea Lane in Chilmark. Please contact the shelter if you think he may be your pet, or if you might be interested in adopting him.

Our newest arrival is a beautiful calico cat two years of age. Her name is Gypsy. She is friendly, playful, and would love to meet you and find a new forever home. She is also dog friendly.

For the dog lovers out there we’ve just gotten two English springer spaniels. The female is 10 and the male 11 years old, but both still have plenty of life in them. Please call the shelter if you are interested in meeting these lovely dogs.

Still hanging out in the cat room are our black and silver long-haired female Beauty, 11-year-old white and black boy Chaps, and orange elder statesman Milo. Please come by if you are looking for a new feline companion or even just to visit. They love and need the attention.

And remember to join us for the Edgartown Christmas parade, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. The shelter is welcoming dogs and their people to walk along with our Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard float. If you’d like to participate, meet at the Edgartown school parking lot at 10 a.m., and your dog can be decked out with jingle bells. Holiday attire is encouraged for both you and your dog. We hope to see you for this fun annual holiday event.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank Constance Messmer for her fascinating talk about communicating with animals. We are planning on presenting more educational programs in the future, and want to thank all who attended as well.

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.