The animal shelter has a pile of entry forms for the 2014 Walk for the Animals on the desk in the lobby. This event has been popular in years past but seems to elicit little interest this year. It could be the rainy weather has put a damper on it (pun intended). If inspired to do so, sign up and get some sponsors for your walk. It only costs the sponsor a $10 contribution to the shelter. The walk starts at the dog park behind the Oak Bluffs School at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18. A postponement in case of rain means the walk will be rescheduled for Oct. 19, same time, same place.

Brownie, the misnamed black cat. — Alison L. Mead

The cat cages are filling up again. Those special kittens saved from death by Merri Walkenstein are eight weeks old now and can be adopted. These kittens are delightful! They are all males, one gray tiger and three pale orange and white. One caveat: because these kittens are so special, the adopter must own his/her own home. The shelter does not want them to be surrendered again because of a landlord’s displeasure.

The shelter has a black and white male cat named Sammy whose owner had to surrender him for health reasons--the health of the owner, not the cat. Although he is 11 years old, Sammy has been pronounced very fit by the vet. Joining him in the cat room are Brownie, who despite his name is a big black male, and India, a feral cat on her way to a rodent control career in a barn.

Celebrities abound in the current pet population. There is Harrison Ford, a large black guinea pig and Johnny Cash, a very young tuxedo who will be ready to be adopted once he has been neutered. He came to us with two other males, David, also a tuxedo, and Mickey, who has a new home awaiting him. These dear little guys will make handsome, friendly house pets.

Winter approaches and with it the heating season. For a $20 donation to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard (MVAS on your check) you can enter a raffle for 100 gallons of oil or an equal amount of propane. The lucky winner will be able to skip a delivery or two of this precious commodity during the cold months to come.

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.