At the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard we are contemplating changing the name of one of the cats to Polar Vortex, P.V. for short. No white cats are in residence at the moment, but we do have a lovely, large gray one who could be a candidate. Her current handle is Daisy, the cat who was returned to us after bouncing around from one home to another. As the shelter makes every effort to match adopter and adoptee to ensure a permanent home for each animal, once they leave our protection, sometimes things go awry. Daisy has no health or temperament problems and would love to make her next home her last.

So would Tortellini, whose distinctive markings and friendly personality are endearing assets. She has been languishing of late, perhaps despairing of ever finding the proper home. Finally, Bubba got a forever home. His new owners specialize in agility training for cats so they must be putting Bubba through some new paces. Now, if anyone is interested in caring for a little old cat, Penny fills the bill. She loves observing the action from her favorite spot, the rocking chair. O.B., also known as Diva, needs to be the one and only feline in a prospective owner’s place. She prefers her solitude.

There is a new entrant on the shelter’s list of available adoptees. He is a five-month-old black and white guinea pig named Steve. According to the person who surrendered him, he has a “very playful personality and loves being cuddled and loved.” He is vocal when sitting on a human lap, expressing his pleasure with a series of soft squeaks.” An added bonus is that he comes along with his well-equipped cage, including a translucent blue box to sleep in.

The Island seems to have lost half the population with school vacation week. We hope everyone had a nice time. Come visit us when you get back.

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.