The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard has lost one of its own. The one-eyed black tom cat who prowled or, more accurately of late, limped around the lobby has died. Named for Cyrus, the king of Persia, he had a regal bearing and a distinct personality that demanded respect, especially from the dogs we would introduce to him to test their compatibility with cats. Cyrus would raise one kingly paw, warning those canines who got too close to keep their distance. He spent many happy hours on the lap of his biggest fan, Mary, who cuddled and brushed him releasing clouds of silky black hair into the air. He died peacefully after suffering a stroke with his caretakers close by ushering him into the land of copious kitty treats. He is sorely missed.

Homer, the beautiful gray cat with the distinctive white markings, has graduated from the isolation room to the main cat room. He has now been neutered, chipped and given all his shots. In other words, everything under the hood has been checked out. A cat with low mileage, he is ready to move to a new place.

Another big male is also about ready to leave. Sydney is a large tiger with a sweet disposition. Tux and Miss Kitty are also available for owners who are fond of a black and white color combination.

Yawn . . . the guinea pigs appear in every column. Sweet and cuddly, they fill the lobby with their enthusiastic singing. Won’t someone please give them a home?

Having begun this column with bad news, it should end with good news. Gus, the smart orange cat who found his way to our door weighing only five pounds, has filled out and has found a home. Everyone who met him fell for him. Now he has a forever home with a lovely family. Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life, Gus.

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.