Last Friday members of the Animal Shelter staff, along with animal control officers from both Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, conducted a dramatic rescue from a home on the Oak Bluffs/Vineyard Haven line. They entered the house to find that the owners had left the Island in June, leaving two dogs and two puppies at home in the care of a devoted pet sitter. Unfortunately the dogs were confined to a small area in the house and an even smaller dirt enclosure outdoors with no view of anything other than the sky. The good news is the female golden retriever and her two puppies have all been adopted, with mama already in her forever home. The pups will be leaving for their new home in a few days as well. Storm, the beautiful, well-trained seven-year-old husky, is currently at the shelter with an adoption pending.

Other dog news is that the lovely yellow Lab, Lily, had her surgery on Tuesday and is resting at the shelter before returning to her new adoptive family.

On the kitten front little imp Scottie has found his new family and will be joining them in couple of weeks. We’re sure he’ll keep them entertained with his antics for many years to come.

The competition is on in the cat room! Team Black, beautiful six-year-old brothers Forrest and Bubba, has challenged Team Orange to see who can be adopted first. Team Orange consists of affectionate, golden-eyed, orange and white Nike, who is four years old, and elder statesman Toby. Toby is a very handsome, creamsicle and white ragdoll with lovely pale blue eyes. Due to his age the adoption fee has been waived.

Just joining the cat room is Daenerys, an elderly dilute calico with a lovely disposition. The boys should be happy to have a little female company.

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.