An air of satisfaction prevails at the animal shelter these days due to the outstanding success of the garden party last Monday. Over 300 people came to bid on the many donated items being offered both in the silent auction and the one presided over by Trip Barnes. Food and drink were consumed by the guests while enjoying the beautiful water view from the home of Anne and Sal Giordano on Pease’s Point Way in Edgartown. Mother Nature cooperated by gracing the Island with a perfect Vineyard summer day. All the inhabitants of the shelter and those who work with and for them express their gratitude to the Giordanos, the donors of food and items to be auctioned, and the volunteers who parked cars, bartended, served the food and did all the numerous tasks that made this evening so delightful.

While we are on the subject of gratitude, special thanks go to the volunteers who have come to interact with the feral kittens rescued and now under the care of the shelter, especially Missy and her daughter, Tayla, who have consistently shown up to cuddle these foundlings. Their expertise at gentling these cats has resulted in the first two kittens being ready for adoption. Both are females, a calico and a tortoise shell with amber eyes. About 12 weeks old, they have been spayed, inoculated and microchipped and are ready to leave the shelter for new homes. Missy and Tayla are still working with a two tiny black kittens that we guess to be about four weeks old, a male and a female. There are probably three more of their litter mates out there who have successfully evaded capture so far. We expect them to be corralled and surrendered soon.

Lucy, the sweet black Lab cross, is lying at my feet as I write this. She would be a perfect companion animal to anyone. She is house trained and leash trained. She comes when she is called. Although she is nine years old and despite a smattering of gray hair on her muzzle, she is healthy and active. Lucy loves her long walks. She is compatible with cats and other dogs and greets everyone entering the shelter with a wagging tail. Add to that, she is not a barker. Who could not love this dog? Everyone who works at the shelter is very fond of her. We wish for an extra-special home for our dear Lucy.

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.