The diminishing population of the cat room is a sign that the animal shelter is accomplishing its mission of re-homing abandoned or surrendered animals. The two remaining cats, Cody, the very shy female, and Clinger, the big gray bobtail, have the place to themselves right now. They will be joined by Brownie who, contrary to his name, is a coal black nine-year-old male. He was the casualty of a domestic break-up. He is a nice, friendly guy who would get along beautifully with some new owners.

Lisa Hayes, the director of the animal shelter, spoke with Patricia Cabral at the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture this week on the subject of the shelter’s restriction on taking in dogs from other areas, i.e. out of state. The consequence of this policy has been the absence of adoptable dogs on the premises. Ms. Cabral explained that the state tries to limit the importation of diseases that could affect the resident canine population. Just one dog infected with the parvo virus, for example, could infect a significant number of other animals, in one case spreading to the entire population of one off-Island shelter. In order for the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard to keep a license in Massachusetts, it must comply with the rules of the state. However, Lisa can frequently match dogs living on-Island who need to be surrendered for one reason or another to a new owner. If, for example, a prospective adopter comes to the shelter looking for a dog to fill the spot vacated by the loss of a previous pet, that person can fill out an application stating the size, sex and even breed of animal desired. Some wait time is involved for the prospective owner, but frequently the perfect dog appears. Then everyone is happy, especially the shelter workers. Think of it as “match.com” for pets. Lisa is also in touch with other shelters who are not under the same restriction. Maybe the dog of your dreams is in one of them.

The tiny kittens whose lives were spared thanks to the tender loving care of Merri Walkenstein are gaining weight and beginning to dine on solid food. They are now over a month old. They are all tigers, four are light orange and two are grey, five males and one female. Anyone interested in acquiring one or two of these adorable babies when they are big enough to be adopted can come to the shelter and sign up on the “kitten list” kept at the front desk. All of them should make lovely house pets.

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.