SAYREVILLE — A couple of years ago, Hallie Meister, then 12, saw a TV commercial showing images of abandoned and mistreated animals, and she was compelled to do something.

She decided to organize a dog show to benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). She contacted Petco and Nylabone, both of which donated treats and toys. With her mother, Patti Caine, she created doggie baskets for raffles and prizes. A family friend built a booth with a sign that promised dog kisses for a donation. Hallie sent out fliers and advertisements, and encouraged friends to help out and also serve as judges during the event.

The first dog show was held at the Julian L. Capik Nature Preserve. It saw 25 canines take part and brought in $300 for the ASPCA. A year later, Hallie did it all over again — in the rain — this time with more dogs and $400 in donations.

“The people entering love the prizes and raffles because we get such great donations from L’Oréal, Nylabone and Petco,” said Hallie, now finishing eighth grade at Sayreville Middle School.

The youngster is now planning her third annual dog show for this Saturday, again at the borough’s dog park in the nature preserve. She promises more “fantastic prizes and raffles,” with all proceeds going to the New Jersey chapter of the ASPCA.

“There’s a lot I love about doing this … most of all, it’s raising and donating the money for the dogs,” Hallie said. “But I also really enjoy working with the people at L’Oréal and Nylabone — they have been so good to me.”

Caine noted how proud she is of her daughter, recalling how Hallie took charge the moment she saw that ASPCA commercial set to a song by Sarah McLachlan. Hallie has even trained her cocker spaniel, Chip, to be a therapy dog. Working with the nonprofit organization Bright & Beautiful, Hallie takes Chip to children’s reading groups and nursing homes.

“I am always impressed at her ability to accomplish what she sets out to do and to set those goals for herself,” Caine said.

The Julian L. Capik Nature Preserve is located on Bordentown Avenue, east of Jernee Mill Road. The charge to enter a dog is $5. The dog show begins at 11 a.m.

— Brian Donahue