Rockland, ME, September 3, 2012 – Pet Product News International has named Loyal Biscuit Co. one of only 12 honorable mentions awarded during their 2012-2013 Retailer of the Year awards.

According to PPNI, an outstanding retailer has “an unswerving dedication to companion animal welfare and health, which goes hand-in-hand with fulfilling owners’ and their pets’ needs.”

In addition “A retailer also needs to demonstrate a commitment to the community, both in terms of interacting with its denizens – two- and four-legged – and in promoting the human-animal bond.

“Additional criteria include involvement with charities, animal adoption and rescue work; creative and innovative marketing and promotional strategies; bench-mark-setting customer service; and exemplary training and management practicing. Rounding all of the above out is recognition by those within a retailers community, as well as the industry at large.”

PPNI received so many applications for Retailer of the Year, they, for the first time ever, created the top 12 Honorable Mentions.

“We are excited and extremely honored to have been selected as one of the top 12 pet retail stores in the country!” stated Heidi Vanorse Neal, co-owner of Loyal Biscuit Co. “We love what we do, we have fun doing it, and it is an amazing feeling to be recognized nationally for all that we do.”

Loyal Biscuit Co., co-owned by Heidi and her husband, Joel Neal of Rockland, has locations in Rockland, Camden and Belfast. These three locations make Loyal Biscuit Co. the premier destination in the Midcoast for healthy food and treats and more for dogs and cats. Loyal Biscuit Co. has also been named Best Maine Pet Store by the readers of Downeast Dog News for the last three years.

In addition to healthy pet food and treats, and safe, smart, and fun products, each location of Loyal Biscuit Co. offers a self-service dog wash. This includes elevated tubs, choice of shampoos, fluffy towels, pet-safe blow dryers, brushes and more. The best part is Loyal Biscuit Co. cleans up the mess!

Loyal Biscuit Co. is an enormous supporter of local rescue organizations and non-profits that better the lives of pets. Their popular “Pints for Paws” event has raised over $6,500 in just the last 12 months that has been donated to the Humane Society of Knox County and P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center. Their next Pints for Paws event is September 19 at Smokestack Grill in Camden.

Heidi also serves on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of Knox County. The Rockland and Belfast locations serve as satellite locations for the local shelters to aid in the adoption of cats. Since starting this program on January 24, 2012, more than 40 cats and kittens have found homes through this program.

Learn more about the Best Maine Pet Store at www.loyalbiscuit.com and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/loyalbiscuit or send them a congratulatory Tweet @loyalbiscuit.