The weather outside is frightful. However, at the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard warm hearts prevail. All the animals and their keepers are grateful for the generosity that inspired the Martha’s Vineyard Museum to donate the proceeds of the collection boxes they posted at their recent exhibit featuring animals that have lived on the Island. Entering or exiting the exhibition room there were collection tubes marked dogs, cats, and both. Needless to say, the tube marked “both” yielded the largest amount. Lots of animal lovers on this Island.

Many thanks to Maisie Sherman who just had a significant birthday, entering the double digits for the first time. For her 10th birthday she asked those invited to her birthday party to donate to the shelter in lieu of buying her presents. What a great way to celebrate!

Among the generous children here are the students at the charter school. They made a basketful of cat and dog toys for our residents. Those will be thoroughly enjoyed by the animals in this boring season.

The shelter staff and volunteers send condolences to Anna Lowell Tomlinson, the author and illustrator of several books about Lucius, her beloved boy cat. In the manner of all pet owners the large hole left by the death of a pet cannot remain unfilled for long. So our old guy, Oliver, is now living with Anna. She adopted him last week, assuring him a cozy lap and warm bed until the end of his days. Anna’s charming books are for sale at the shelter. All proceeds are donated to the care of our animals.

The beautiful soft gray lady cat, Cora, is safe in the arms of a little girl who fell in love with her last week. Now if only another youngster would come for Big Baby. He is a handsome tuxedo cat who happens to be deaf. That handicap does not diminish his affection for children. He will make a playful companion for some young boy or girl. The brothers with the black coats and citrine eyes also await a permanent place in someone’s home and heart. They are only three years old and can be adopted together or separately.

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 or visit animalshelterofmv.org.