If a dog is man’s best friend, then certainly Michael Frey is one of the best friends of dogs, cats and other animals. He’s advocated for them so much that, on Saturday, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter was named and dedicated in his honor.

After serving 37 years in county government — including six, four-year terms as Sully District supervisor — Frey retired at the end of 2015. And on March 4, family, friends, shelter staff and supporters, former Board of Supervisors colleagues and staff members from his tenure as supervisor attended the ceremony in his honor.

There were speeches, laughs and heartfelt sentiments, plus the unveiling of the sign declaring the building the Michael R. Frey Animal Shelter. Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova led things off.

Quoting Charles Darwin, she said, “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” She then said, “The compassionate and humane treatment of animals cannot be separated from the quality of life for people. The two go hand-in-hand.”

Saying this county has come a long way since the days of the dog catcher and the dog pound, Bulova called Frey a leader and an inspiration in the community for bringing about many positive changes for animals here. “Almost 40 years ago, when Michael first joined county government – first as staff and then as the first elected supervisor of the Sully District – he noted that there was little thought about the humane treatment of animals,” she said. “This bothered Michael a great deal.”

Bulova said Frey always stresses that it took many hardworking and dedicated people to make progress at the shelter and in the community, fighting for better conditions for the animals. “And that is true,” she said. “Before these improvements were made, we had cats in cages in the hallways — and that was not OK”

But Frey, too, campaigned for the animals and, said Bulova, “Today we recognize the importance of Michael’s contributions to these monumental changes. Whether it was for dog parks in the community, dog runs for the shelter, recognition of other people’s work for animals – like [veterinarian and shelter volunteer] Susan Hall, support for improvements in our animal facility or changes to animal ordinances and laws, Michael was always at the forefront on our board to champion these important causes.”

At long last, citizens approved a bond issue and the shelter was renovated. “Just three years ago, we came together for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of this beautiful, state-of-the-art animal shelter,” said Bulova. “Today, we celebrate one of our community leaders whose vision, dedication and advocacy helped to make these changes a reality.”

Addressing Frey directly, she said, “I am so proud to be here today for the dedication of this wonderful building in your honor, Michael. We are grateful for all your years of service to the community and the Board of Supervisors. We are happy to celebrate and to honor you with this fitting tribute to your passion and advocacy for animals with this building dedication.”

Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) said, “It’s great to see so many people here to honor Michael because of his commitment to animals. This is a perfect honor for him and for his serving the Sully community for 24 years, as well.”

Noting that Frey had a hand in planning nearly everything in modern-day Sully District and did so much for the county, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) called naming the animal shelter in his honor a “no-brainer.” He also told the crowd that Frey began his career as chief of staff to his father, Jack Herrity, when he was board chairman, and later for his predecessor, Elaine McConnell.

Listing some of Frey’s achievements, Pat Herrity said that, as state chairman of the Stadium Authority, Frey helped bring professional baseball back to Virginia. And, he added, “Michael helped preserve the Centreville Historic District and brought the World Police and Fire Games to Fairfax County and the Udvar-Hazy air and space museum to the Sully District.”

“He also served as a great mentor to me, and I’m proud to call him a friend,” continued Herrity. “Mike dedicated his life to shaping Fairfax County into the greatest place to live, work and play, especially for our animal friends. He’s also been the proud owner of many rescue German Shepherds, Mosby and Marley in the past, and now Boomer. And Mike was largely responsible for making sure the recent renovation of the animal shelter happened.

Gina Lynch, of the Animal Services Advisory Commission, said Frey established that commission and “taught the Board of Supervisors the importance of the humane treatment of animals.” She also praised him for pushing the county to adopt a no-tethering law.

Deputy County Executive Dave Rohrer spoke, as well, of the shelter’s transition into a better place for animals, and commented on how Pennsylvania-native Frey had helped. However, he teased, “How can a Phillies fan be the person we name something after?”

On a more serious note, Rohrer – the county’s former police chief – said, “A community’s core values are reflected in how we act – including how we treat animals. Michael’s been a leader in that and has earned our respect. He’s supported the community in many ways, and we have a bond, unfortunately, with the May 8, 2006 fatal shootings of Det. Vicky Armel and MPO Mike Garbarino. Michael was a huge part of helping lead us through that tragedy, and he still checks on their families. From the Police Department and me, thank you for what you’ve done, and congratulations.”

Current Police Chief Ed Roessler knows Frey also as a friend and neighbor and told him, “Your vision for this community created a legacy we’re trying to replicate in south county. And what an honor to have a building named after you. You’ve created something for other leaders to follow, and we’re blessed to have had your service.”