Action for Animals will hold its second fundraiser this year to raise money and awareness for a new program assisting Lincoln County pet owners in paying veterinarian bills. On Sept. 29, “A Blessing for the Animals” takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Brady’s restaurant, Union Street, Boothbay Harbor.

The nonprofit group began last spring after founder Giselle Armstrong took her 8.5-year-old Rotweiler-German shepherd mix for cancer treatments and surgery. The cost to save her dog Butterball’s life was $10,000. She estimated the surgery was $5,000. She paid the bill through a combination of pet health insurance and a co-payment. But other pet owners aren’t as prepared as she was for an unexpected health emergency. Armstrong learned that night, at the veterinarian’s office, approximately one-third of pet owners can’t afford medical expenses for their beloved animals.

Another pet owner owed a $2,000 bill that night and he didn’t have enough to pay for the service. According to Armstrong, he had two options: either pay for the care or euthanize his pet. 

“He became emotional and I asked him how much he had,” Armstrong said. The man responded $1,400, so she gave him $600 to cover the bill. “I knew I couldn’t help everyone, but I still wanted to do something,” she said. “There was a need for this, and this is how Action for Animals started.”

The organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The board’s members are Betsy Pitcher, James Shive, Clint Miller, Tammy Walsh and Sharon Goldhirsch.  

The first fundraiser was a “drag show” July 21 also at Brady’s. This month’s includes an animal blessing performed by the Rev. Maria Hoecker of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Boothbay Harbor. A dog pet adoption group, Underhound Railroad, in Damariscotta will also be there seeking adoptive families. Underhound Railroad was established in 2009 with a mission of rescuing innocent dogs from death row in Connecticut shelters. Now, it  tries to help wherever possible, focusing primarily in the southern parts of the country where shelters are overcrowded and the killing of adoptable dogs is prevalent.

So far, Action for Animals has had fewer than 10 requests for assistance. Armstrong indicated the group isn’t well-known, but she hopes fundraisers will create more interest. “We haven’t had many people apply. One reason is they don’t want to fill out an application. Plus, we are still trying to let the public know what we’re doing,” she said.

To seek assistance, an applicant must provide a Care Credit denial letter and proof of Lincoln County residency. The board of directors reviews applications and make decisions on funding.