Bill Wood, Market Manager of the Partners Bank branches in Buxton, Limerick, and Waterboro personally delivered the $1,800 donation checks to New England Lab Rescue, Saco River Wildlife Center, and No Bowl Empty 2 Pet Food Pantry, as part of the National Pet Month donations. Not
pictured are the donations to The Green Ark and New England Animal Sanctuary, who also received $1,800 each.

 

Sanford, ME – In honor of National Pet Month in May, Partners Bank is donating $30,000 to local animal rescues in each community they serve:

• Sanford, South Sanford, Springvale, ME
• York, Wells, ME
• Buxton, Limerick, and Waterboro, ME
• Kingston, Portsmouth, and Rye, NH.

The Bank is devoted to improving all the lives in our community, including those we call pets, furry friends, fur babies, and family members.

According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, each year, over 10,000 animals are either surrendered, transferred from another rescue, or admitted as strays at local animal rescues in the state. The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) alone takes in over 2,000 animals each year. Of course, each rescue aims to rehabilitate and rehome these animals instead of euthanizing them.

For the rescues to care for these animals – young, old, healthy, ill, and a variety of species – they require the compassion and help from members of our community. As The Bank That Listens, Partners Bank and its animal-loving employees are passionately contributing to the recovery of these rescued animals so they may find their forever homes.

Buxton, Limerick, and Waterboro branches are donating $1,800 to each of these animal rescues in the region:

• Saco River Wildlife Center
• The Green Ark
• New England Lab Rescue
• No Bowl Empty 2 Pet Food Pantry
• New England Animal Sanctuary

Saco River Wildlife Center in Limington provides rehabilitative care to Maine’s ill, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Once healthy, the animals are released back into the wild. They also educate the public about how harmful human behavior impacts animals and how to safely care for injured or orphaned animals until wildlife rehabilitators or animal control officers can arrive. Saco River Wildlife Center’s hotline is 207-420-7159. They are located at 238 River Road.

The Green Ark combines their passion for rescuing dogs from euthanasia and their commitment to sustainability into one organization. Because they do not have a physical shelter, their animals are all housed in foster care. They host events that allow the public to meet and greet currently adoptable dogs. People can support The Green Ark by fostering, volunteering, and donating on their website.

New England Lab Rescue is a unique rescue focused on saving Labrador Retrievers from euthanasia in overcrowded shelters throughout the South. They bring the dogs to New England because the high demand for Labrador Retrievers in the region results in very few Labs available for adoption at local shelters. To date, they have found loving homes for over 3,000 Labrador Retrievers. They do not have a physical address, but they can be reached by phone at 207-956-0686.

No Bowl Empty 2 Pet Food Pantry aims to ensure the pets of local families facing financial difficulties do not go hungry. Because of their commitment to being judgement-free, they do not require proof of income to receive help. Serving the residents of Cumberland, York, Androscoggin, and Oxford Counties, the pantry is located at 238 Old Alfred Road in Waterboro. Their phone number is 207-233-2793. They accept monetary donations as well as food and treats.

New England Animal Sanctuary rehabilitates farm animals from abuse or neglect, especially from scenarios involving over-production abuse or neglect in agriculture setting. They have rehabilitated cows, goats, sheep, horses, and chickens and provided them with a sanctuary to live out the rest of their lives. New England Animal Sanctuary accepts private visitors or volunteers upon request via email at [email protected].

“Animals aren’t just pets, they’re family. What better time than now, to celebrate the unconditional love and support our pets give to us every day!” the Market Manager of the Buxton, Limerick, and Waterboro branches, Bill Wood, shares his enthusiasm about the donations.

To add more excitement to National Pet Month, all 11 Partners Bank locations want to put a smile on some pets’ faces by giving away pet-themed gifts (while supplies last). Anyone can stop inside a branch and grab a gift for their best friend at home.

Lastly, Partners Bank held a pet photo contest at partners.bank/pet-month. From May 1st through May 18th, folks in our community submitted photos of their pets in these four categories:

• Action shot (pets caught mid-run, mid-jump, or playing)
• Sleepiest (for pets sleeping or lazing the day away)
• Biggest smile (for the happiest-looking pet)
• Best dressed (for pets with stylish outfits)

From May 23rd through June 9th, people can vote for their favorite photo in each category. Winners will be announced on June 10th, and the winning photo in each category will win a $100 gift card.

Partners Bank is excited to celebrate National Pet Month in May by helping animal rescues care for our four-legged friends and by creating awareness for how much they rely on our unwavering love and support.