After releasing a new stout called Puppies, Rainbows and Kitten Kisses, Wayzata Brew Works decided to put the unique animal-inspired name to good use and collaborate with local pet rescue shelters.
Held on Black Friday, the brewery suspected that the event would be a success, given the numbers of holiday shoppers who roam Wayzata and then stop off for a snack and a drink.
“It's a family-friendly event,” says Wayzata Brew Works’ Kirk Litynski. “Most importantly, it brings awareness to the community.”
Each year, about five local organizations are involved. Wayzata Brew Works sends out an email to local animal shelters across the metro area. The organizations that have participated in the past, such as Twin Cities Pet Rescue, The Adopt-A-Pet Shop, Lucky Paws Midwest and Lacy’s Legacy Rescue, get first priority, but Wayzata Brew Works never shies away from an abundance of fuzzy friends.
“We have never had to turn an animal away,” Litynski says.
He explains that it really isn’t a matter of getting the shelters to participate, but rather a logistical challenge to organize the animals in the brewery in terms of breed variety and safe interaction, as each organization brings anywhere from three to six pets.
Though these organizations focus on providing safe forever-homes for the animals, adoption isn’t the only thing they strive for at this event.
“Success is measured in so many ways in a rescue setting,” says John Meissner of Twin Cities Pet Rescue. “The obvious answer is getting dogs adopted into loving, stable homes, but there are lots of other ways events can benefit our mission.”
Alongside adoption, the organizations talk about their missions, educate others on how they can properly aid animals in need, acquire volunteers, scope potential foster families and accept additional donations.
For those who hope to adopt the day of the event, it’s important to remember that you won’t be able to walk out with your new pooch right on Friday. First, you’ll need to fill out paperwork regarding your lifestyle at home, what you are looking for in a pet, and what animal you ideally want. For Twin Cities Pet Rescue, Meissner says they also organize a meet and greet with the applicant, foster family and animal, and further do a home visit prior to adoption to ensure safety.
After the holiday shopping is over, there’s not much better than a brew and a snack—except maybe for a brew, a snack and some new furry friends.
Pet Adoption at Wayzata Brew Works
November 29
294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata
952.737.1023
