The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that over 7 million dogs and cats end up in animal shelters in the United States each year.

Of those, about 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized.

In Maine, in addition to local humane society animal shelters, such as the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, there are numerous organizations and tireless volunteers that rescue, foster and place companion animals.

Some, like Underhound Railroad, target high kill shelters in the south, saving dogs from certain death.

On Saturday, the Boothbay Railway Village opened its field and buildings to dog rescue organizations and dog-related vendors for a chance to meet, greet and frolic. 

And perhaps be persuaded.

Rescue organizations at the Railway Village with their dogs and people on Saturday included: Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Almost Home Rescue of Maine, Underhound Railroad, Catahoula Rescue of Maine and New England Border Collie Rescue.

The event was sponsored by the The Coastal Dog and The Animal House.