AUBURN – The Greater Androscoggin Humane will host its annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the First Universalist Church on Pleasant Street.

Anyone who lives, works or studies in the Greater Androscoggin community, or anyone who cares about the communities’ homeless, abandoned and abused animals, should attend. Attendees will hear about the Humane Society’s funding and services, followed by their guest speaker, Elsa Larson, founder and president of My Wonderful Dog in South Portland.

My Wonderful Dog was founded in 2001 with the mission of providing specially trained companion assistance dogs to those living with disabilities in Maine and the northeast.

Assistance dogs increase the independence and functional capacity of persons challenged by disability. Last summer, the organization placed the first in-state trained service dog team.

Albert, a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever, was paired with Doug Hussey, 22, who was paralyzed in a car accident two years ago.

In addition, My Wonderful Dog has developed the Teen Trained Assistance Dog program to engage at-risk youth in the care and training of the highly skilled animals. Using the dog as a conduit for learning, the program teaches care-giving and training skills to youth, facilitating the development of self-esteem, self-discipline and positive leadership skills.

The Humane Society, located at 3312 Hotel Road, is in the middle of a capital campaign to build a new shelter. If interested in helping to build a better shelter, call 786-4713. Anyone interested in receiving more information about the shelter may visit the Web site at www.gahumane.