The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is unveiling new limited-edition beer cans this week following the end of a charity contest featuring local pets.
The AWLA’s Rescue Brew Contest, which involved pet owners competing for a chance to feature their furry friend on 32-ounce aluminum cans, raised $53,000 after over 1,000 people voted to decide four winners.
The AWLA will show off the finished products at The Board Room brewery in Lyon Park on Thursday.
“That evening, we’ll unveil the limited edition “Rescue Brew” crowler labels featuring our four winning pets — a great Pyrenees, a cat, a guinea pig and a golden retriever.” AWLA spokesperson Andrea Montes said. “We’re expecting a fun, laid-back crowd of supporters, pet lovers and contest participants.”
Crowler cans are 32-ounce aluminum cans that can be filled with any beer, in this case a New Zealand Ale called Rescue Brew from The Board Room.
At the release party, the brewery will offer $4 pints of Rescue Brew as well as $8 crowler cans picturing the winning pets. Those cans will cost $12 after the event while supplies last.
A local bakery for pets called Paws and Joy will also provide free samples for pets at the party.
“Events like Rescue Brew bring animal welfare out into the community in a way that’s fun, accessible and celebratory,” Montes said. “They spark conversations about adoption, inspire people to get involved and help us connect with new audiences who might not otherwise visit the shelter.”
Erinn Shirley, a local pet photographer, took pictures of the four pets for the labels. According to Montes, Shirley donated her time to the project and has been a longtime partner of the AWLA.
Jack Jack the great Pyrenees, Popcorn the golden retriever, Bambi the cat and Cilantro the guinea pig were Shirley’s subjects, winning from a field of 181 entries.
It cost $25 to enter a pet into the competition and $1 to vote, which resulted in the $53,000 going to the AWLA. That money will be used to support the organization’s neutering program, vaccine clinics, pantry services, behavior training and more, according to Montes.
