The Animal Shelter has been fulfilling its mission to place needy animals in good homes relentlessly of late. Our canine supply is now depleted with the departure of the little Maltese to a new family.

The kittens have all gone to new homes except for one tuxedo female who is still at the shelter. She is adorable and might even be gone by the time you read this. It is high season for kittens. The shelter is expecting some more this week. The volunteers who come by to play with and cuddle these babies give them a good start on becoming loving house cats. The shelter appreciates the time and effort they put into this grueling task.

Meanwhile, the older cats need that same attention from a human owner. Hazel needs a home. The usual adoption fee will be waived for whoever provides a place for this pretty tortoise shell lady with the golden eyes. The big black male, Michael, has never adapted to the shelter. Consequently, he spends his days hiding. He needs a safe environment where he can blossom.

All the tickets for the Animal Shelter’s Garden Party have been sold. If you wish to attend this annual, and elegant, event, call the shelter and ask if, by chance, an invitee has returned a ticket or two. You may be fortunate.

The shelter thanks all those who marched with them in the Fourth of July parade. The Black Dog provided those great T-shirts to the lucky first 50 people who gave a $10 donation. Thank you, Black Dog, for those and for your continued support throughout the year.

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.