The competition was ruff. Contestants could be catty. But in the end, four animals walked—or hopped, as the case may be—away with the crown. Er, crowler.
In June, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and The Board Room Game Bar & Brewery partnered for the first Rescue Brew Contest. Community members had the entire month to enter and vote for the cutest pets. The prize—a chance to be the face of the brewery’s limited-edition New Zealand-style IPA, brewed just for the event.
About 180 people paid the $25 fee to enter their pet in the contest. Each vote cost $1 to help AWLA reach its goal of raising $50,000 to support animal rescue efforts.
Ultimately, they exceeded it. The competition raised more than $53,000, with more than 1,000 people participating, either by entering their pet or voting. A professional photographer snapped pics of the winners’ furry faces that will grace a custom crowler.
“The response far exceeded anything we could have imagined,” says Andrea Montes, digital fundraising and communications manager at AWLA. “We knew people in Arlington love their pets, but we were truly amazed at the outpouring of entries, votes and enthusiasm.”
Celebrate the winners and be there for the grand unveiling of their crowlers at the Rescue Brew Label Release Party on Aug. 14, 5-7 p.m., at The Board Room (925 N. Garfield St., Arlington). The event is open to the public and, unsurprisingly, dog-friendly.
Crowlers will cost $8 at the party and $12 afterward, while supplies last. Pints without the pics will also be available for $4 and then $6. Proceeds from the beer sales do not benefit AWLA.
The wiggly winners are:
- Dog: Jack Jack, a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees who, despite his 90 pounds, fancies himself a lapdog.
- Cat: Bambi, a senior cat and proud “kitizen,” according to AWLA, who loves birdwatching, Churu treats and heated blankets.
- Small animal: Cilantro, a 2.5-pound guinea pig and social media influencer who’s a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, snacking on cucumbers and snuggling under blankets.
- Bonus winner: Popcorn (aka Poppy), a golden retriever adept at stealing rocks and giving stinky kisses.
If you miss the party or beer this time, you’ll have more opportunities. “The joy, engagement and lifesaving impact this event has brought to the animals in our care make us confident this will become an annual tradition in Arlington,” Montes says.