Cruise into downtown Sanford on Saturday, and you’ll notice it has gone to the dogs – but that’s a good thing.
The annual Pints N’ Paws craft beer festival celebrates its 6th year this weekend. The event has become one of Central Florida’s premier craft beer festivals. You’ll have the opportunity to sample dozens of tasty brews, and help two great pet charities.
Sanford businessman Paul Williams created Pints ‘N Paws and 100% of the proceeds are given to Pet Rescue by Judy, located here in Sanford, and Dolly’s Foundation, located in Geneva. These two non-profit organizations devote their time and energy into rescuing and caring for dogs and cats in our community.
–According to the Humane Society, each year some 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter an animal shelter in the U.S., and about half of those will be euthanized. Locally, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando says on average 53 dogs and cats every day will be put in a shelter.
For Judy Sarullo, it’s more than just numbers. It’s personal. Sarullo founded Pet Rescue by Judy in 1992 because of her own personal experience adopting an Old English Sheepdog, who was destined for euthanasia. Eight years later, and many loving moments in between, their sweet dog crossed over the Rainbow bridge. During that time, Sarullo knew she wanted to give that same opportunity to all animals to receive the love and support they deserve.
Today, Pet Rescue by Judy takes in all breeds, ages, shapes and sizes. Sarullo’s primary goal is to make the animals safe and find them a home. There are always endless bills and projects that are on Judy’s to-do list to help improve her facility as well as care for her animals. Events like this year’s Pints N’ Paws craft beer festival help to raise funds and make that ever-growing list smaller. Pet Rescue by Judy participates in many community events and offers adoption services. For more information about future events or to adopt a furry friend, visit their website and follow her on Facebook.
While Pet Rescue by Judy focuses on a wide range of pet services, Dolly’s Foundation – the second pet charity funded in part by Pints ‘N Paws – focuses its efforts on spay and neutering services.
Erica Daniel founded Dolly’s Foundation in 2011. Her primary focus at the time was rescuing and rehoming pit bull dogs. Erica had adopted a pit bull named Dolly, who was used as a bait dog in a local fighting ring. Erica was able to save and rehabilitate Dolly. Dolly even earned an official AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen designationand can visit nursing homes and children’s hospitals.
While Erica and Dolly’s Foundation had success and were able to lower shelter intakes by 30%, their efforts were not making the difference they wanted.
“When you rescue one dog there are 30 more walking in the back door to take its place,” Erica said. “You have to go to the source.”
Now, Dolly’s Foundation’s primary mission is to offer assistance to our community through spaying and neutering services. Dolly’s Foundation is happy to receive any donations. The money raised from the Pints N’ Paws craft beer festival and fundraiser will go towards quarterly spaying and neutering services and events.
Spay and neuter services cost the foundation between $50-$100 for dogs and $35 for cats, so they rely heavily on donations from our community to help their cause. For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, go to their website and on Facebook.
EVENT DETAILS
The 6th ANNUAL PINTS N’ PAWS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, March 11, 2017
Where: Downtown Sanford
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Ticket price: General admission $30 pre-sale, $40 day of the event
VIP tickets $45 pre-sale, $55 day of the event
Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase HERE.
VIP ticket holders will also enjoy a t-shirt, koozie and early admission to the event. The event will include over 100 breweries and will feature over 300 different styles of beer.
Don’t forget to bring your furry friend with you. Yes, dogs are not only allowed, but needed! There will be a few contests at the event.
The first is a puppy photo contest, where the winner will be next year’s cover dog. John Zawacki Photography is sponsoring the photo contest and will be posting the pics on Facebook. Look for the contest online and vote for your favorite. There are no voting restrictions. You may vote as many times as you like and for as many different animals that you’d like.
In addition to the photo contest, there will also be a best trick and best costume contest. Both contests are sponsored by the Paw Park Place.
Ticket holders will love the unlimited sampling of delicious beers, plus the event will have the culinary delights from 14 food trucks. So bring your appetite! If you love cats and dogs, great beer, delicious food and tons of fun, then this festival is for you!
From all of us here at The Bokey, we look forward to seeing you there!
Sanford, Fla. 