Please Adopt Us With summer in full swing and events like Illumination Night and fireworks occurring in Oak Bluffs, this is your friendly reminder that bringing dogs to these occasions is a very bad idea. Please leave your furry friends at home, safe and sound.

Over the past couple of weeks, you might have noticed a young lady playing her violin in front of the Vineyard Square Hotel. For years now, young Emilie Newsome (who begins the eighth grade this September) has performed on Vineyard sidewalks, raising donations for the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard. This year, including a generous donation from the Vineyard Square Hotel, Emilie raised more than $1,700, bringing her five-year total to more than $4,400. Emilie’s effort deserves high praise and our deepest gratitude.

Sammy, one of two ragdoll cats remaining at the shelter, has been adopted and is moving to Hyannis! His brother Toby remains, waiting for his forever home. If you’re interested in adopting a big, fluffy, friendly cat, please come visit us. The donation fee has been waived for this nine-year-old gentleman.

The six-year-old Gump brothers, Bubba and Forrest, continue to greet all visitors with purrs and stretches. These two are happy, healthy black cats with lots of love to give.

Our four-year-old cat Nike has generated some interest with his playful antics! He is ginger and white, and his personality is contagious. Nike would be a great companion for someone looking to make a new best friend.

Our two-year-old, double-pawed momma cat is only a couple of weeks from delivering her kittens! Polly has started to exhibit nesting tendencies in preparation for the blessed event. This polydactyl beauty is also ginger and white.

Milo has been making himself very comfortable, napping, nibbling kibble and occasionally enjoying sun and fresh air, strolling outside in our backyard garden. This elderly traveler found his way to our shelter and it is our honor and pleasure to host him as long as he would like.

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 or visit animalshelterofmv.org.