Pet store boutiques across the county are teaming up to raise funds for various pit bill rescue organizations.

Nicole Poch, owner of 3 Dogs and a Chick from Fort Walton Beach, FL started the idea with a simple Facebook post stating they would make a donation to pit rescue for each sack against Michael Vick this season. Heidi VanorseNeal, owner of Loyal Biscuit Co., in Rockland, ME saw the post and suggested getting as many pet stores on board to help raise funds for pit rescues nationwide.

Within 12 hours, Furry Fanatics of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Parker’s, A Natural Dog and Cat Market from Chicago, Doggy Style Pet Shop of Chicago, The Animal House in Damariscotta, ME and Lizzie & Rocco’s of Columbus, MO have all jumped on board.

Nicole and Heidi are hoping that stores throughout the country will participate. There is a Facebook page dedicated to this effort and posters will be sent to every participating business so they can let their customers know how they are supporting pit rescues this NFL season.

This idea isn’t just limited to pet boutiques, “I can see vet offices, dog walkers, boarding facilities, really anyone with a love for pit bulls, stepping up to pledge funds for pit rescues for each sack that occurs against Vick this season,” stated Neal.

In April of 2007, 51 dogs were rescued from Michael Vick’s property in Virginia. In August of 2007 Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. After fines and a prison term, Vick is now the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

If you would like to join in this initiative, please contact Nicole at 850-243-7297 or nicole@3dogsandachick.com or Heidi at 207-691-1340 or heidi@loyalbiscuit.com.

The Loyal Biscuit Co. was named The Best Maine Pet Store by the readers of Downeast Dog News for 2010, 2011 and 2012 and Best of the Best for Knox County for 2010 and 2011.

The Loyal Biscuit Co. is located at 442 Main St., Rockland, Reny's Plaza, 1 Belmont Ave, Belfast, and 39 Mechanic St., Knox Mill, Camden.

You can find the LBC online at www.loyalbiscuit.comor www.facebook.com/loyalbiscuit.