Bay State Animal Cooperative Holding Grand Opening

The Bay State Animal Cooperative Adoption Center (BSAC), located within the Petco in Norwood, is holding its grand opening on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day will include free face painting, raffles, an 11 a.m. adoption seminar.

Potential cat owners are welcome to visit the grand opening to view many cats either currently or coming up for adoption, learn helpful facts in the adoption seminar on what you need to consider when adopting or discover and discuss volunteer opportunities within the non-profit organization.

Eight to 12 cats will reside at the adoption center at any given time, ranging from kittens to adults. All cats at the adoption center have received regularly veterinarian care and have been observed by BSAC staff as loving pets for just the right home.

"We are excited to have a site like the Norwood Petco to present our animals to potential owners" BSAC president Marcia Motta said. "Our cats would otherwise reside in our foster system which minimizes their exposure."

This center is unique as it is the only Petco in-store, permanent adoption center in Massachusetts. The center will be operated by BSAC volunteers who will feed, clean cages and socialize with the animals on a daily basis.

The mission of the BSAC is to practice a no-kill philosophy and provide humane resources and services aimed to reduce animal overpopulation and unnecessary suffering for companion, stray, relinquished and feral animals. It works cooperatively with other humane organizations, local municipalities and the community to develop and implement their programs.

For more information on the BSAC, visit www.baystateanimals.org. To view cats currently available for adoption, visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/MA412.html. There are numerous ways to support the BSAC. They accept tax-deductable monetary donations and are currently looking for volunteers at the Petco Adoption Center, for foster care and fundraising events. The organization is continually in need of supplies and is currently low on small paper plates, plastic spoons, small cat beds, hand and bath towels, sheets, small littler pans and cat litter.