Giselle Armstrong and Clint Miller of Action For Animals Maine (AFAM) received a check for $2,577.05 from Hannaford in Boothbay Harbor Jan. 24. The supermarket held a three-week fundraiser in December on behalf of the nonprofit that helps pet owners in financial hardship cover veterinary bills.

The fundraiser included an employee bake sale and potluck meal. For $3, customers enjoyed a hot dog associates cooked, a bag of chips and a beverage. The third component was dog bones made of colored paper and placed in a dog dish below a sign describing AFAM’s mission. Customers wishing to make a donation put a bone in their cart or basket and at checkout told the cashier how much they wished to donate.

Store Manager Nikki Emerson believes the dog bones brought in more than the parts of the fundraiser. Emerson was so excited about the total raised for AFAM, she had to show Armstrong the jumbo photo opp as soon as she arrived. Armstrong was blown away.

“I didn’t expect that much,” said Armstrong, AFAM’s founder. “It was overwhelming! It will help five more animals and that’s a big thing.”

AFAM will help Lincoln County pet owners with up to $500 of unexpected health expenses per pet each year. These expenses include procedures, hospitalization, medication, veterinary follow-ups, and emergency animal services to realize the pet’s full recovery. To apply for financial assistance, pet owners must provide a Care Credit denial letter and proof they reside in Lincoln County. All applications are reviewed by the board of directors – Miller, Betsy Pitcher, Sharon Goldhirsch, Tammy Walsh and Jaymes Shive.

More information and downloadable applications are at www.actionforanimalsmaine.com. Pet owners without the ability to print the application at home may ask for one at Boothbay Animal Hospital on Route 27 in Boothbay.

Armstrong was inspired to create AFAM last year when her beloved Butterball was diagnosed with cancer that required surgery as part of the treatment. Armstrong had pet health insurance and managed to swing the balance, but while she was at the Portland veterinary office, another pet owner was distraught. The man owed a couple thousand dollars for his dog’s necessary treatment, and was short – leaving him with two choices: Come up with the balance of the money or face euthanizing his canine family member at some point down the road. Armstrong was able to cover what the man was short.

“The staff at the vet’s office told me one third of the people seen there couldn’t afford the expense,” said Armstrong. “It’s sad to think of people having to choose between life or death of a pet. It’s so emotional … These are the pet owners, the families, that I started this for. So far AFAM has helped seven animals.”

The Hannaford event was the fourth for AFAM  since last July. The first two were at Brady’s in Boothbay Harbor: That unforgettable Queens For A Cause drag show in July and the Blessing for the Animals in September; and Animal House of Damariscotta held an event that raised $1,800 donated to AFAM  as food, treats, vitamins and toys – the necessities and extras that enrich animals’ lives. And Boothbay Animal Hospital’s Giving Tree over the holidays brought more food and other pet supplies AFAM’s way. In turn, AFAM donated all of these items to the Wiscasset and Boothbay food pantries.

Miller said fundraisers planned so far for 2020 include the return of Queens For A Cause at Brady’s in July; on Sept. 12, a music cruise out of Boothay Harbor aboard Cap’n Fish’s Pink Lady with Papa Tim & the Desperate Man’s Blues; and a second Blessing For the Animals.

In addition to fundraisers, Armstrong said the board is looking into grants and searching for someone to sponsor the nonprofit. In May, the organization will have an ad running on cable through Spectrum for one month to raise awareness – and hopefully more precious donations.