The Lincoln County Animal Shelter and Underhound Railroad were on hand to receive almost $1,000 in pet food from Natural Balance Pet Foods this week at The Animal House, as a result of a promotion in February and March at the Damariscotta-based pet supply store.

Customers at The Animal House were offered dollars off of all Natural Balance foods, and could choose to either donate it or use it toward their purchase. Natural Balance then matched all the money raised and donated that amount in product for both rescues.

The Animal House was expecting a delivery of the food this week for the donation through their regular truck delivery, but a mishap at the distributor threatened to disrupt that plan. Natural Balance representative Kristen Harris drove from Maine to Taunton, Mass., to pick up the food donation, so that the rescue and shelter would have the food on-time, as promised.

"This is why we choose to partner with companies like Natural Balance," said Animal House owner Aubrey Martin. "Kristen is an excellent representative for an excellent company who makes quality pet food. We are so proud to be a top retailer in the region, and one reason is because of the commitment of their staff, who provide top-quality service."

Each month, The Animal House selects a nonprofit animal rescue with which to partner, and also has an adoption center for cats available through the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.

Underhound Railroad, which is based in Maine, is a volunteer-based organization of network foster families, who house and care for the dogs in rescue until they find their forever homes. 

Carrie Koskela, office manager for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, and Renee Coombs, director at Underhound Railroad, were each offered the opportunity to select foods that were appropriate for their respective groups.

LCAS and Underhound will partner again with The Animal House for a rescue event scheduled for Saturday, May 24.