BOOTHBAY HARBOR — Open for a year, Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters in Boothbay Harbor was recently voted Maine’s Best Pet Store by a Downeast Dog News readers’ poll (May 2013 issue).

The owners are Don and Liana Kingsbury.

“There are lots of great pet stores here in Maine,” Don said. “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.”

In addition to spoiling their three dogs, Don and Liana use the store to raise funds for local animal shelters. They 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 goes to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. The program has been quite popular and last year they raised more than $750 for the shelter. The store has also adopted a petfriendly hiking trail managed by the Boothbay Region Land Trust.

“We’ve just gotten started with this little store,” Don said. “We have big plans to become a pet community hub and resource for the Boothbay region. Eventually, we hope to help open a dog park in the area, too.”

For more information, visit www.twosaltydogs.net or call 633-PETS.

¦ TWO SALTY DOGS Pet Outfitters is located at 22 McKown St. in Boothbay Harbor. It stocks products for dogs, cats and the people who love them. The shop features top-quality natural food and treats, fun toys, grooming and health care supplies, plus items and gifts for pet owners, with many products made right here in Maine.