It was early and the smell of pumpkin pancakes filled the air as the Lincoln County Animal Shelter fundraiser got under way at the Boothbay Common Saturday, Sept. 15. Vendors were getting settled in anticipation of arriving LCAS supporters to buy crafts, place bids on silent auction items, sort through yard sale items and enjoy hot food fresh off the grill.

Most vendors had numerous shelter pets at home, and spoke fondly about these extended family members. Heidi Leighton, flying a "hot dogs" banner above her table, said, "Gosh, yes!" when asked if she supported the shelter. Her family has five rescue dogs "that range from this size,” gesturing the size of a Yorkshire terrier, “to this size,” gesturing the size of a German Shepherd. She said she also had two cats – a shelter cat and the other from a house with a “free kittens” sign she had stopped at while collecting donations for the Ambulance Service with her young son. “You know how that goes...we couldn't leave without one!”

Along with the food and yard sale purchases, plus profits from the silent auction, the fundraiser was generating money by renting vendor spaces and collecting donations. Some vendors were also contributing a percentage of their sales to LCAS.

A trailer was in the middle of the Common for donations of pet food in lieu of money and even though the fundraiser was just gearing up, it was already about one quarter full.

Donna Gregory, the volunteer in charge of the event for the third year, said for her it was a family affair since her sister, brother, niece and mother represented almost the entire volunteer team.  "We chose to support this organization because (the LCAS) helps us locally."

According to Community Relations Coordinator Tammy Walsh, the shelter could not care for the 1,500 animals per year without the help it gets daily from volunteers on every aspect of the operation. The mission of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter and Coastal Humane Society is “to protect and save animals' lives; to educate and advocate for their welfare; to provide exemplary shelter and veterinary care; to place adoptable companion animals in loving homes; and to enhance the bond between humans and animals.”

LCAS has been serving animals of rural Midcoast Maine since 1959.

Back at the shelter, hopeful four-legged residents such as Boo (long hair adult female) or Rooney and Ranger (short hair tiger female and male kittens) are standing by. Thankful for the cozy, caring accommodations and good food at LCAS for now, they each are looking for their “forever” home. 

The shelter is at 27 Atlantic Hwy, Edgecomb. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.