Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has been voted “Maine's Best Pet Store” by a Downeast Dog News readers’ poll (October 2018 issue) for the sixth year in a row. Owners Don and Liana Kingsbury attribute the honor to their active role in the community and for appealing to dog owners like themselves. Examples of that community involvement include raising funds for a local shelter, adopting a hiking trail, and researching the viability of a dog park.

The most enduring event the shop has created is “The Mutt Scrub,” held on the last Saturday of July since 2013. Every dollar raised from the Mutt Scrub goes to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (LCAS). In addition to mutts being scrubbed and dozens of outstanding raffle prizes donated by local businesses, the event includes a “Doggie Talent Show” and “Musical Chairs” where the last dog sitting is “out.” The Mutt Scrub has sent over $15,000 to LCAS since 2013 and continues to grow.

They also created “Deb's Used Tennis Balls” in which tennis balls are left at the store by local tennis clubs, the YMCA, tennis players and other area organizations. The balls are then sold for $1 and all of the money raised goes to the LCAS. “Deb” refers to Liana's tennis-playing mom who gave her old tennis balls to Don and Liana's dogs. The program has been extremely popular and has sent over $2,000 to the shelter.

Finally, the store has adopted the pet-friendly Gregory Hiking Trail managed by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. “We believe in giving back to the community,” says Don. “We hope we've become a pet-friendly community hub and a resource for the Boothbay region. Eventually, with help from the community,” Don continues, “we hope to help open a much-needed dog park.”

Don and Liana Kingsbury stock their shop with high-quality dog and cat foods, locally made treats and toys, Maine-made collars and leashes. The Kingsburys are known as shop owners that always go the extra mile for their customers, including placing special orders for locals and visitors. “There are lots of great pet stores here in Maine,” Don says. “We have worked hard to establish a customer base of people like ourselves—people who consider their pets to be four-legged members of the family.”

Please join the Kingsburys, along with their dogs Max, Auggie, and Buddy on Thursday, Nov. 29, at Two Salty Dogs in Boothbay Harbor to celebrate their sixth annual win as Best Maine Pet Store and to celebrate Buddy's 13th birthday.

For questions or more information, visit www.twosaltydogs.net or call 633-PETS, 22 McKown St., Boothbay Harbor ME