Adoptable dogs on beer cans? It worked better than imagined, Motorworks says

When Motorworks Brewing came up with the idea of putting photos of adoptable dogs on their four-pack of award-winning Cruiser Golden Lager, they had no idea a good idea for a good cause would garner national headlines.

“It’s been crazy,” said Barry Elwonger, director of sales and marketing. “I’ve done probably 60 interviews.”

It’s a good thing for the brewery located at 1014 Ninth St. W. that boasts the largest beer garden in the state and that rakes in awards for their in-house brews, but it’s a much better thing for the dogs hoping to be adopted.

Elwonger said two of the featured pups have already been adopted.

When they held their “Yappy Hour Extravaganza” on Jan. 19, more than 150 four-packs were sold, raising a lot of money for Shelter Manatee, the fundraising effort to help build a new, no-kill shelter for Manatee County Animal Services.

Though plenty was sold, Elwonger said there is plenty left and available at Motoworks for $9 for the four-pack or $40 for a 24-pack.

“We have plenty of cans left and are discussing doing another run with additional dogs on the labels in the near future,” Elwonger said.

Morton and King were adopted during the “Yappy Hour” event at Motorworks. Day Day and Candy are still looking for their forever homes, “along with a ton of other dogs at the shelter,” Elwonger said.

“The response from this project has been overwhelming,” he said. “We have had countless calls and messages about the program and we are elated to have raised so much awareness and money for the shelter already. We love dogs here at Motorworks Brewing and can’t thank the community enough for getting behind this initiative.”

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 2:05 PM.