Portsmouth, NH – 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 the animals who love us and depend on us.

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.

In our New Hampshire area – Kingston, Portsmouth, and Rye – the list of animal rescues and the donation amounts are:

• Kingston branch is donating $1,500 each to Millstone Wildlife Center and Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue.
• Portsmouth branch is donating $3,000 to Spicy Cats Rescue.
• Rye branch is donating $3,000 to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Millstone Wildlife Center (MWC) in Windham has a unique mix of rescued animals. Woodchucks, raccoons, porcupines, turtles, squirrels, foxes, bunnies, and possums are just some of the orphaned or injured residents at MWC. These animals are released back into the wild if they recover from their rehabilitation. In addition to donation, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, they also offer internships for students who are interested in studying wildlife and typically major in biology, zoology, ecology, and other similar sciences. MWC is located at 16 Millstone Road. Their phone number is 603-320-0941.

Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue in Brentwood is on a mission to save horses from slaughter and find them safe, permanent homes. Although horse slaughter is illegal in the United States, thousands of horses are shipped to other countries for slaughter. Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue relies on donations to fund legal, veterinary, transportation, and other necessary expenses for the horses. Those who are interested in adopting a horse can call them for more information. Their address is 250 South Road, and their phone number is 603-568-6654.

Spicy Cats Rescue in Exeter dedicates themselves to helping medical and behavioral special needs cats. They help any cat in need – from newborns to seniors – in the Seacoast Maine and New Hampshire area through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, hospice, and trap-neuter-return. Since their beginning in 2020, they have rescued over 400 cats in the area. Supporters can donate and volunteer at the rescue. Spicy Cats does not have a public address; instead, they utilize foster homes for their cats. Meeting a cat is possible by appointment only and only potential adopters who have filled out an application can meet the cats. Current adoptable cats and the adoption application are available to view on the Spicy Cats website. While they do not have a phone number, their email address for general inquiries is [email protected].

The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) rescues dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and farm animals. They are unique in that they do not have a time limit for their animals to find homes. NHSPCA is a private non-profit, separate from the ASPCA in New York City. Therefore, they do not receive any tax funding and rely on donations from the community. They offer training classes for dogs, dog play groups, and humane education for kids. Their address is 104 Portsmouth Ave, and their phone number is 603-772-2921. NHSPCA was the recipient of the Partners Bank Employee Donation of the Month in October, and the Bank is proud to partner with them again.

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 https://www.partners.bank/national-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)

On May 23rd, Partners Bank will select finalists from among all photos received for each of the categories listed. From May 23rd through June 1st, 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.