The animal shelter is currently stocked with baby animals that bring out the “aww” in any human who comes by. Four new kittens have arrived to add to the two already in residence. Those were found outside and have needed a lot of handling and cuddling to be approachable. They are now about 4 months old, one tortoise shell and one calico female. Transforming these two into house cats could be a project for someone willing and able to adopt them. They love to play together so it would be best for that special someone to take them both. Not needing anything but a good home are the newest arrivals, a male and a female tuxedo and two female light-colored tigers about 10 weeks old. One of the tiger girls has a heart shaped mark at the end of her nose. And you should hear them purr! These little ones will be cuddly house pets for their new owners.

Our recently arrived female guinea pigs, Thelma and Louise, have enjoyed a morning of lap-sitting with the little girls who have come by to see them. Lots of happy singing from the guinea pigs and big smiles from the children. Thelma is a big tri-color lady and Louise is cocoa brown with red eyes resembling her brother, Roberto, who is also up for adoption. Guinea pigs are low-maintenance, high happiness pets.

A little girl visitor to the guinea pigs named Elliot, came bearing an envelope with the money she earned selling her hand-made earrings at Sheila Allen, the shop on Main Street. She donated it all to the shelter for the benefit of the animals we house. She nearly went home with the guinea pig she was petting, but is thinking it over as it will be a long plane trip when she goes back to Colorado after vacation. All of us here at the shelter thank her from the bottom of our hearts, human and otherwise.

Our only dog, the stray we have named Buddy, is wearing unusual head gear today, having been neutered yesterday. He is “resting comfortably” as they say. He is going to be a good companion dog once adopted. We can envision him riding around in a truck with his new owner. Despite the recent operation, he is a boy’s boy in looks and personality.

August is nearly upon us. Alex and Ani, the jewelry store in Nevin Square in Edgartown, is having a one day only benefit for the animal shelter between 6 and 8 p.m. on Monday, August 11. Fifteen percent of their sales at that time will be donated to the shelter. If that is not enticement enough, they are serving refreshments as well. Their charm bracelets are coveted by the girls, big and small, to wear in multiples up their arms. And these baubles are reasonably priced so having a few won’t eat up the rent money.

There are so many animals to cuddle at the shelter right now. We welcome visitors during our “open” hours.

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.