Editor's Note

Lynx, the contented cat you see on our cover, arrived at the MSPCA's adoption center in Methuen in December as a stray. Since then, the 4-year-old has been adopted twice, and twice he's been returned 24 hours later. The first time, the cat didn't get along with the dogs already at his new home; the second time, the new owner decided Lynx was too fat. Brian Adams, an MSPCA spokesman, calls Lynx "adorable" and "laid-back" and hopes he can find a permanent home without dogs.

All the animals featured in our adoptable animals gallery are waiting to be adopted. If you'd like to take one in, you can find them at:

MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, 978-687-7453, extension 86101, mspca.org/nevins

Animal Rescue League of Boston in the South End, 617-426-9170, arlboston.org

Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury (also has cats), 978-443-6990, buddydoghs.com.

Of course, there are several other animal shelters in the area with needy animals. Whether you're looking for an animal companion or already have one, we hope you enjoy our first-ever pets issue.