The Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard says goodbye with gratitude to all the summer visitors who visited our residents, walked the dogs, cuddled the cats, walked in the pet parade, came to the events and gave a donation. The shelter stays open all year round for the benefit of any and all animals who need care. Donations for that purpose are always welcome.

Callie, the lab/rottweiler puppy, has left with a new owner. Congratulations to the adopter and the adoptee. Callie’s youthful high spirits will benefit from attentive training. Greta, sadly, is still waiting for her significant person. Terrier lovers will not be able to resist her soulful face and loving demeanor. She appears forlorn when returned to her quarters at the shelter after being walked, especially now that Callie is not here to keep her company.

Just a reminder to those who feel a house is not a home without a feline. Michael, the big black tom, T.C., a dainty calico, Erik, masked like the hero in Phantom of the Opera, and young Viola are patiently playing with the volunteers with hope that a new home will soon materialize. They have been joined by Athena, a 10-year-old lap-sitter/purrer wearing all black — very chic. Coincidentally a tuxedo male named, what else, Tux, is also a new arrival. Then there is Blueberry, a stray from the Chilmark hills. She is a young female, tiger striped and endearing. Come see them all.

A hummingbird story. Having left the door to her screened porch open for just a moment, a West Tisbury resident was startled to find a tiny green hummingbird trapped there. Flitting from screen to screen, the little wanderer resisted all attempts to usher it out the door. Finally exhausted, it folded its iridescent wings and gave up, clinging to one of the screens. Gently removed and placed on a table under a bird feeder, the hummingbird’s little black eyes darted around, but its body remained motionless. Inspiration struck! The rescuer had just picked some red dahlias. Knowing that was this bird’s favorite color, she placed the little bird atop the cool petals. Almost immediately, the bird gathered strength and soared off into the trees. Later, that bird or a look-alike, was happily whirring around the cardinal flowers in the garden.

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.