Pets start arriving at animal center

It may not have been raining cats and dogs on Saturday, the official opening day of the Maclean Animal Adoption Center, but it seemed to be a pretty good trickle.

Pets needing homes were waiting in cars before the doors opened at 10 a.m., said Robert James, a board member of the nonprofit operating the $5 million facility at 900 25th Ave. NE.

Among them was Rocky, a friendly terrier mix. He will be available for adoption on Aug. 28.

“Rocky won’t be here long,” James said.

The first feline was Frosty, a gray-and-white cat, who will also be available for adoption Aug. 28.

And some kittens and their mom were dropped off. Their eligibility for adoption had yet to be determined.

Officials say the center will strive for “sustainable” pet adoptions while also educating the public about pets, offering summer camps for youths, supply training for pets and offer the latest in animal care. The facility will have 10 full- and part-time employees.

Center officials said it and the city-run animal shelter, which is down the street, have differing philosophies. They say the city shelter focuses on animal control while they will be a center that focuses on education.

Efforts to build the facility began in 2002. The nonprofit Animal Foundation of Great Falls changed its name Aug. 2 to the Maclean Animal Adoption Center in honor of Margaret J. Maclean, whose estate donated $400,000 to launch the project. The foundation was established in 2002. According to the group’s website, the volunteers have raised nearly $5 million for the new facility, with more 3,156 individuals and businesses contributing. Officials said 49 percent of those donations were for $100 or less.

Also, the center has taken out nearly $1.8 million in loans.

The center is open 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call the center at 406-727-7387.