Visitors to the animal shelter are greeted these days by two lively new tenants. The unfamiliar sound of cheerful barking emanating from our fenced-in back yard signals the presence of Teddy, a six-year-old male Chihuahua. Close on his heels but not so vocal is Bella, a miniature apricot poodle who does not look her official age of nine. They have been housemates for some time, but do not have to be adopted together. They will be happy lap dogs for some lucky new owner(s).

There seem to be a number of orange male cats about to take up residence briefly at the shelter. As fast as they come in they are claimed by new people. Last week we celebrated the adoptions of Gizmo and Morris; this week Rikki, an eleven-year-old orange guy, is house hunting. He is a top purrer. Good news for Winston, aka Clinger. He will finally be able to roam outside at his new digs. He is definitely not an indoor cat and is now happily free to come and go at will in his new placement. Wally, who found herself homeless after being much loved by her previous person, is still awaiting that special someone who will give her a comfortable lap to sit on.

During the tumultuous weather we have recently endured we were grateful for the ministrations of Habitat for Humanity to our old building which kept all of our residents warm and dry. Many thanks to them and all the volunteers who assisted them.

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.