There are a few recognizable feline faces at the animal shelter this week. Skipper, Cricket, and Blossom are alumni, having been wonderful companion animals to people who had to re-surrender them through no fault of their own. Skipper, a handsome brown and white neutered male, left us as Max seven years ago. His loving owner unfortunately passed away and Skipper came back to the shelter. He appears to be grieving as he is uninterested in playing or interacting with anyone, cat or human. He even ignores cat treats. We hope that the perfect new owner will come to restore him to good humor once again. Cricket is still pretty at 15 years of age. She is a calico with an addiction to petting so she would be a lap cat in a new home. Aside from hearing loss, she wears her years well.

Blossom, a three-year-old tortoiseshell, started out as a stray. She was adopted but was returned to us because of the life circumstances of her owner. She has a retiring nature and is somewhat timid. The two tuxedo cats, Mickey and Tui, are still here awaiting a change in circumstance that would find them in a real home of their own. Now that the weather has warmed up we are hoping more visitors will come by to see these fabulous felines and possibly find the cat that fills a hole in their home and heart.

Is there anyone reading this column who would like to adopt a four-year-old neutered Jack Russell terrier? His current owner is trying to find him a new home and does not want to give him up until one is secured. Lisa, the shelter director, has met him and tested him for temperament. She has given him high marks. If interested call Lisa at the animal shelter during business hours.

The practice of the shelter is to take in any homeless animal, and not just once as illustrated by the cat stories above. There is not a no returns policy here. We sincerely hope that the pets we place have found their forever homes, but life is full of unexpected twists so that is not always the case. The lights are on for any creature who needs a roof, a warm bed, and a square meal.

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.