ROCKLAND — PAWS Animal Adoption Center, in Camden-Rockport, is one of several Maine animal organizations to receive grants from the Loyal Biscuit’s Fenway Fund.

PAWS was awarded a $1,500 grant to provide a safe temporary boarding room for animals of domestic abuse victims.

“Oftentimes if there is an animal present in the house, domestic abuse victims will not want to leave them behind,” said Heidi Neal, owner of Loyal Biscuit. “This grant funding will provide them with a safe location to board their pets while they seek out necessary help without the fear of losing their companion animals.” 

The Fenway Fund, created in January of 2019 by Neal, is a means to provide funding for non-profit, animal related organizations within the state of Maine. Grants are funded by the proceeds of sales within the seven retail locations and are awarded bi-annually to 501(c)3 organizations whose proposals are selected by a committee made up of Loyal Biscuit Co. employees.

“The Fund is a vital way for the Loyal Biscuit to support animal welfare within Maine communities by providing seed money for projects that will help better the lives of animals that often fall below funding availability,” said Loyal Biscuit.

Earlier this month, the committee selected their third round of applicants to receive grant funding for projects they felt best met the criteria of the fund, for a total donation of $14,400. The Fenway Fund has now provided over $35,000 to Maine animal – related 501(c)3 organizations.

Other recipients are as follows:

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, in Westbrook, will receive a $1,500 grant to purchase a neonatal incubator to aid in the care of neonatal kittens. Jeana Roth of the ARLGP reported that they are already seeing more kittens and pregnant cats than they have in years past, so this piece of equipment will be crucial to help the kittens in their care.

Finally Home Senior Rescue & Retirement Home, of North Yarmouth, was awarded a $6,000 grant for the construction of a new housing room for the senior dogs in their care. Laurie Dorr has opened her home to many senior animals, and with this addition to her home, she will be able to house even more senior animals needing her care.

Midcoast Humane of Brunswick will receive $3,000 to purchase universal microchipping scanners for their local area Animal Control Officers. Having microchip scanners available will allow the ACOs to bypass the need to bring lost animals to the local shelter. Should the pet have a microchip, the ACO will be able to contact the family directly and return them home.

PALS No-Kill Cat Shelter, in Winthrop, will receive $2,375 to purchase an ultrasound machine and IV fluid warming unit allowing them to provide in house veterinary care to animals in need at their shelter.

“I am so proud of our Fenway Fund committee for the great selections they made in this round of funding from our program,” said Neal. “The projects these rescue organizations are doing to better the lives of animals in our communities is amazing and I love that we get to be a part of it. Giving back to our communities has always been a priority of ours since the day we started and to now be able to grant these funds to some pretty amazing organizations is such a great feeling. We honestly have the best customers, because none of this would be possible without them.”

The application process for the Fenway Fund will re-open again in June 2021 for any 501c3 Maine animal related organizations. For more information or questions about the Fenway Fund application process, please visit www.loyalbiscuit.com/the-fenway-fund or contact heidi@loyalbiscuit.com.

The Loyal Biscuit Co. is an award winning pet supply store with locations at 180 Front Street, Bath; Reny's Plaza, 1 Belmont Avenue, Belfast; Hannaford Shopping Plaza, 421 Wilson Street, Brewer; US Route 1, Camden-Rockport; 160 Water Street, Hallowell; 408 Main Street, Rockland; and 109 Main Street, Waterville. You can find the Loyal Biscuit Co. online at loyalbiscuit.com or facebook.com/loyalbiscuit.