Perhaps some patrons of the animal shelter will remember Diva, her name changed from O.B. because she disliked other cats and all humans. After months of living in the cat room she was finally adopted by someone with a lot of land containing his rare collection of trees and shrubs. It is fenced against deer, but vulnerable to the rodent population. Her new owner transformed an old chicken coop into new quarters for Diva, who was renamed Hattie. It has ramps and terraces from which she can survey her domain and a snug little house with her cat carrier inside so she can bed down out of sight. With the approach of colder weather, this is now equipped with a heating pad programmed to go on in the evening and off during the day. No wonder Hattie follows her new owner around all day like a dog! If he sits down she cuddles up on his lap. In return for all this generosity, Hattie has been dispensing of all wayward rodents who invade her property. She still gives the cold shoulder to any other human who dares to appear.

There are no dogs housed at the animal shelter at present. There are, however, dogs who need new homes who are still living with their current owners. A frisky greyhound/ lab mix is available. At two years old he is barely out of puppyhood. Named Major Minor by his present owner, he can be seen by calling the shelter and making an appointment to do so. An elderly Brussels Griffon is also looking for a home. This is a small dog in the toy group bred to be a companion. Even the youngsters in this breed have the faces of little old men. In this case, the dog deserves the resemblance as he is 13 years old. Call the shelter if you are interested in making room in your heart for this sweet old guy.

The animals that the shelter has housed this year are grateful for the TLC provided to them. The shelter thanks all those who gave these creatures forever homes and the faithful volunteers who tended to them until they left. The donors who enable the shelter to pay the bills for the care of these homeless pets are on the gratitude list as well. Special thanks to Habitat for Humanity this year for giving the shelter a new skin. Happy Thanksgiving to all Island animal lovers, and that means most of you!

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.