It never fails. By the time this column is published on Friday, the animals mentioned as adoptable at the animal shelter are no longer here. The two dogs mentioned last week, the apricot poodle and the Chihuahua were taken before the weekend. In the past few weeks there have been photographs of homeless animals in the paper from the Animal Shelter and other sources. All of them are enjoying life in their forever homes. At the moment, the shelter is devoid of dogs and is only housing one cat. Her name is Nala. She is a young beauty, a pale orange tabby, and was much loved in her former home.

While I was writing this the animal control officer from Aquinnah walked in with a cat of dubious origin. She is a large white tabby wearing an expensive flea collar. Unfortunately, she is not microchipped. She must come from a good home as she is well-nourished and is sporting that costly collar. She has white paws and seems to be an older lady. We hope her owner reads this and reclaims her. In the meantime, she is in good hands at the shelter.

While the shelter is empty of canine residents, Lisa Hayes, the director, knows of dogs still living with their owners but who need to find new places to live. By contacting her you can learn about them. As of this writing, Lisa can tell you of a Brussels Griffon who is looking for new digs. She also has information on a Shih Tzu Yorkie cross. Sometimes the original owners are reluctant to turn over their animals until a new home is found for their pet. If there is a particular size or breed that takes your fancy, call Lisa or, better yet, come to the shelter and fill out a request form for the shelter to keep on file. Maybe your wish will be fulfilled sooner than you think.

Christmas is coming and the list making has begun. Looking for the perfect present for the animal lover in your life? For only $100, buy a brick inscribed with his/her name or that of their pet to be used to line our walkway. It makes a lasting gift. The Christmas Parade will be held on Main street in Edgartown on December 13. More details will follow in the coming weeks. All marchers, human and canine, are welcome to join the animal shelter’s contingent.

Two beautiful healthy guinea pigs are still awaiting an adoption. They squeal hopefully when anyone walks in the door. They are guaranteed vegetarians. Cheap to feed, cuddly and friendly. See paragraph above about gift giving. One of these cute furry friends and a bale of hay would make anyone smile on Christmas morning.

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.