Approximately 3.3 to 3.9 million shelter dogs are euthanized every year. And, no, it’s not because the canines are sick or seriously injured; it’s simply because they “haven’t been adopted soon enough.” So, therefore, the kill shelters containing these dogs believe putting the “unwanted” dogs to sleep is the best route to ensuring their shelter isn’t overpopulated.
Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton, Florida, is trying to change that sad reality as best as they can. By plastering professional photos of local shelter dogs on the beer cans they serve their customers, the microbrewery and taproom hopes to get the canines adopted out sooner.
One of the dogs Motorworks Brewing is trying to find a home is a two-year-old German shepherd/mastiff mix named Candy. The energetic, intelligent dog has been at Manatee County Animal Services since June 2019. Almost eight months!
“She loves nothing more than playing in one of our yards with a ball. A shelter environment, where she’s in a kennel for most of the day, is not good for a dog like that,” said the shelter’s Outreach and Event Specialist, Hans Wohlgefahrt.
The Director of Sales and Marketing at Motorworks Brewing, Barry Elwonger, doesn’t seem why the canine hasn’t yet been adopted.
“She’s such a sweetheart and she’s looking for a home, and there are so many stories like that,” he shared.
Unfortunately, the Manatee County Animal Services currently has double their capacity filled and hopes to open another shelter soon, making it vital that more people come in to adopt.
“It has been a constant problem, being the county’s only open-admission shelter, we take in nearly 15-20 animals every day,” Wohlgerahrt regretted to inform.
The latter is exactly why the microbrewery is featuring Candy, along with other dogs at the Manatee County shelter, on their lager. For now, the business started with a small number of dogs.
“To commemorate the first can-run of our Cruiser golden lager, we put four adoptable dogs and onto the cans to raise awareness for the shelter and money for the shelter as well.”
Along with a picture, each can features some information about each dog to encourage Motorworks Brewing customers to make the dog a new addition to their family. All proceeds from the cans will graciously go to the shelter to help them build their new location.
Luckily, two dogs named King and Morton have been adopted so far thanks to Motorworks Brewing’s special cans.
“We just want to continue to raise awareness as well as find these dogs good homes,” Elwonger said.
If you happen to live near Bradenton, Florida, Motorworks is still offering the cans in 4- and 24-packs. Even if you don’t plan on adopting anytime soon, the money you spend on these cans can be a big help for the shelter during this time in need!
For more information, check out the video below.
