Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters owners Don and Lianna Kingsbury have donated an animal microchip reader to Boothbay Harbor Police Department. Officer Larry Brown accepted the $375 handheld device, a Universal WorldScan HomeAgain Scanner for Pets by Merck.

Said Don Kingsbury, “Right now, animals (get scanned at) Midcoast (Humane) in Brunswick. (This device) gives (BHPD) a little more control rather than calling the sheriff down to come pick the dog up or driving the dog up to Brunswick. It's a good tool to have to make sure all the dogs get home to the rightful owners.”

He said officers will be able to scan pets and contact the owners without having to leave or to send animals away from Boothbay Harbor. Brown said the department appreciates the Kingsburys’ gift. He expects it will get the most use in summer when seasonal residents and visitors are in town.

Said Brown, “During this time of year, we know just about everybody and their dogs, but … it does happen in the summertime ... and having this is going to be huge. So, I really appreciate everything Don and his wife have done not only for this, but everything they do for the community.”