What started as a fun idea brewed between Pet and Wildlife Rescue and Red Barn Brewing Co. turned into a major summer fundraiser, raising $31,231 to help animals in need.
PAWR launched the Top Dog Beer Label Photo Contest with a goal of raising $20,000 toward veterinary costs for animals in the shelter’s care. The community had other plans, blowing past that goal by more than $11,000.
The idea was first brought to Red Barn Brewing Co., which immediately embraced it and ran with it. Before long, local dog owners were joining in, sharing photos and stories of their beloved four-legged family members and competing for the chance to have their dog featured on a Red Barn beer label. In all, 136 dogs entered the contest.
Neither PAWR nor Red Barn anticipated just how successful the fundraiser would become. Beyond the money raised, the contest brought attention to the work of the shelter, gave people a chance to share the stories and journeys of their dogs, and brought the community together in support of a local cause and a local business.
On June 28, PAWR and Red Barn hosted a special Top Dog VIP Night, where contestants were invited to bring their dogs, enjoy an evening at the brewery and be part of the winner reveal.
The Top Dogs were Pete and George. Their photo received the most votes, earning the pair their place on a Red Barn beer label and a little piece of history at both Red Barn and Pet and Wildlife Rescue.
Most importantly, every vote cast helped PAWR provide veterinary care to animals waiting for their own second chance.
With $31,231 raised, 136 dogs entered and an overwhelming response from the community, PAWR and Red Barn Brewing Co. are excited to make the Top Dog Beer Label Photo Contest an annual event, giving even more local dogs their shot at beer-label fame while raising much-needed funds for animals in Chatham-Kent.
PAWR extended a thank you to Red Barn Brewing Co., every dog who entered, everyone who voted and everyone who came out to support the contest.
