Happy New Year to all from the board members, staff, volunteers and residents at the animal shelter. Our wish for the new year is for all our transient residents to find their forever homes sooner rather than later.

This week our featured pet is the seven-year-old tuxedo boy named Miles. You may remember Miles as one of the jazzy cats? He’s been here the longest and really needs a home where he can roam freely. He’s a sweet, affectionate cat who needs a stable environment where he can expend some energy. He is indoor/outdoor and up-to-date on all vaccines so he’s ready to move right in with you. Miles may, however, prefer to be an only cat so he can bask in all the attention. Come meet this cool cat, maybe you can make beautiful music together?

We have a few other cats who would love to become your long-time companion(s). Charlie and Willie are seven-year-old brothers who are really nice boys. Charlie is the more outgoing of the two. He’s tabby and white, is curious and not at all shy. His brother Wille, orange and white, and is not so outgoing. Instead, he’s on the shy side but is also a great guy once he warms up. These boys do not need to stay together and can go to separate homes.

We also have our two elderly ladies, Maxine and Faith. Adoptions fees will be waived for the angels who give these two cats homes for their final days.

And there are four female Guinea pigs waiting for someone to love. They have been hand-raised and are very friendly. Humpty and Dumpty have been here for a while, and the two other girls are only about eight months old.

The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard is here for our community. We’re always available and our door is always open should your adoption not be a perfect fit. Also, if anyone is in need of cat food, dog food, or a crate, we have plenty and are happy to share. The Island Food Pantry also has pet food for those in need. Just give us a call during regular shelter hours.

The shelter phone number is 508-627-8662.

Hours are: Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 to 5 p.m.