Last Friday a mother and daughter arrived at the shelter with a black kitten they’d found in Menemsha who was in distress. Shelter manager Lisa gave her fluids and was able to get some food into her through a feeding tube. She rallied very quickly and has already become quite the purring machine. Due to her fighting spirit to live we’re calling her Laila Ali. Laila is too young for adoption but she’ll be ready to spend her life with her new forever family in a few weeks.

The good news is that all the orphaned kittens have left us for their permanent homes. We know there are a lot of happy folks out there now. Last Friday another litter of four came in with their mother. There are two males and two females, either black and white or tabby and white and they’re about six weeks old. The mother, Misty, is under three years old and is also tabby and white, but while Misty is short-haired her kittens are medium-haired. If you’re interested in adopting a kitten please contact the shelter to have your name added to our kitten list.

Wilma, the long-haired black cat with the unusual orange eyes, and her four kittens are all doing well. The kittens are now seven weeks old and will be ready to meet their new families in about another week. At that point Wilma will also be joining her new family. Congratulations to whoever their adopters may be – these are stunning, friendly kittens.

Our lobby is still overflowing with guinea pigs. We have two male calico guinea pigs: Lucky, with the white blaze on his face and a white ruff, and Maple, with the maple-colored face. Both are hand-raised and adore people and affection. We also have two exceptional two-year-old Abyssinian guinea pigs looking for homes. Both girls are super friendly and Emily especially loves being held. Emily is white with black markings on her head and her sister Charlotte is a pale caramel and white with a big black spot on her head. Both have those adorable Abyssinian rosettes in their coats.

These piggies were hand-raised as well and all are gems. Emily even comes to the side of the cage asking for attention. If interested, come by soon – we’re sure they’ll all be snapped up quickly. Guinea pigs love and need attention so even if you’re not in the market for a piggy, please stop in to provide some petting. They will most likely serenade you, then love might just blossom.

Our newest cat room resident, Lucy, is a five-year-old long-haired calico with a white blaze, white chest and feet. She’s somewhat shy but actually loves to snuggle and has a sweet purr. She’s also quite beautiful and has a lovely personality. Lucy would be a wonderful addition to any home. Come and meet her. See if she’s the girl for you.

We are still looking for tuxedo lovers. We have two wonderful tuxedos, a male and a female, to choose from. Mr. Kitty is only eight and is really more black and white than tuxedo. He looks a bit like a Holstein cow. This is a sweet and affectionate cat that enjoys playing. He will certainly shower his new family with love. Chloe is 10 and has a totally black face and cute white toes. She has become a very affectionate lap cat who adores spending time with people. Come in and see if one of these tuxedos is the right fit for you.

Holly, the five-year-old tabby, is more content in the kitty condo. Holly can be somewhat standoffish and likes to be in charge. She needs a very understanding owner who will let her set the boundaries and rules. There is an affectionate cat in there once in the right comfortable environment. Is there an angel out there for Holly – someone who can find it in their heart to give this girl a good home?

A reminder that the next nail clinic at the shelter will be held on July 21 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Suggested donation is $15.

On July 13, Lilly Pulitzer will be holding a shop and share from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. to benefit the Animal Shelter. It will be a fun afternoon of shopping and tasty treats all while supporting the shelter.

We still need adult volunteers to answer the phone and meet and greet people on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Can you help? If interested, give us a call or stop by for more information. And if anyone needs any crates or dog food, please stop in to pick some up. We have an abundance of both and are happy to share.

Now that summer is here the shelter would like to remind all pet owners how quickly temperatures rise in a closed vehicle. Please do not leave your pets in what can rapidly become a deadly situation. Additionally, please be mindful of how hot the asphalt and pavement can be on delicate paws in the summer heat. Dogs should be not walked on hot pavement between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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 Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard; the mailing address is P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539 or visit animalshelterofmv.org.