Sunday, May 19, 2013

By Steve Myrick
Published: June 4, 2009

The Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard is up and running, funded by $32,700 in donations since the group was formed two months ago.

Tessa Dahl, new president of the reorganized animal rescue group Martha's Vineyard Helping Homeless Animals, holds a cat who lost a rear leg, found abandoned in Vineyard Haven. Photo by Steve Myrick

"It's really gratifying," said Greg Orcutt, a member of the newly formed organization's board of directors. The MSPCA withdrew from operating the shelter on May 1 because of financial constraints, but is leasing the building and equipment to the new group at no cost.

Dukes County manager Russell Smith said donors have been so generous that the shelter is operating without any public funds, to this point. The county is providing administrative support and has agreed to provide necessary funds from its reserve account, with the understanding that Island towns would reimburse the county later.

Inside the Edgartown facility, a fresh coat of paint is on the walls, volunteers are settling into routines, and shelter manager Lisa Hayes is getting records organized on a new computer system.

A playful, rambunctious, and enormous Great Dane tosses a fuzzy play toy. A blue-eyed cat appears puzzled that glass stands between him and the visitor's ankle he wants to rub. A sad-eyed Chihuahua stands up on his hind legs in a pose that says, "Take me home."

"Just like I taught you," said Ms. Hayes with a smile. "That's going to get you out of here."

The shelter is operating on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule, open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. It is closed to the public Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

The group is planning a day of pet appreciation on June 27 at Sunset Park in Oak Bluffs. Events such as a pet parade and agility demonstrations are in the works.

While cleaning and repairing the facility, volunteers found dozens of bricks stored away. The bricks, inscribed with messages in memory of favorite pets, were part of a fund raising campaign initiated by the MSPCA. The bricks have been installed in front of the front door, and Ms. Hayes said the "buy a brick" fundraising campaign would be revived shortly.

Help for the homeless

Another Island organization is gearing up a fundraising drive. Martha's Vineyard Helping Homeless Animals operates a rescue and home placement organization on June Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Tessa Dahl is the president of the newly reorganized group. "We never euthanize," said Ms. Dahl. "We never release a dog or cat without it being spayed or neutered."

Most of the approximately 40 adult cats waiting for homes were found on the Island. The group brings kittens and dogs to Martha's Vineyard from other shelters and rescue organizations.

Adult cats roam freely in an enclosure packed with catwalks, toys, and tunnels outside the home. In another structure, feral cats captured at various Island locations lounge in rooms equipped with cat bunk beds, an electronic aquarium, and artwork on the walls.

Helping Homeless Animals is cooperating with the new animal shelter to find homes for animals. "We want to be very good friends with them," said Ms. Dahl. "Our ethos is a little different, no cages, but we like them very much."

Mutual cooperation is also important to the folks at the shelter. "If I don't have what people are looking for here, I send them over there," said Ms. Hayes.