"We were all up after midnight. I got an official notification from ASPCA saying 'Congratulations, you did it'," said Bell. "It's just very gratifying knowing the community is behind you. It's not that they're helping the people who work here, they're helping the pets who are here. That's why I know we can do this challenge and be successful."

Bell said that the hard work begins now. As part of the contest, the Bangor Humane Society has to try and save the lives of 300 or more animals from August through October 2012 than it did during those same months last year. If it is successful, the shelter could win $10, $20, $25 or even $100,000.

"The potential of winning $25,000, $100,000 or any of the different levels of grant money isn't what it is really about. For me, it's about saving more lives. Frankly, if we don't get any money I'm OK with that as long as we save more lives," explained Bell.

And the way to do that is through adoptions. The Bangor Humane Society successfully placed dozens of animals in new homes during its mega match-a-thon last month and is hoping for a repeat performance in August.

"There are good homes out there and people are going to get pets whether the economy is good, bad or indifferent, and we want them to come here," said Bell.

For more information on the Bangor Humane Society, log on to www.bangorhumane.org.