"You might meet your new best friend at Dogtoberfest"

Beer and pups in costumes; what could be better? If you're looking for an abundance of furry cuteness and quality brews, The Erie Brewing Company, alongside The ANNA Shelter, is hosting Dogtoberfest III on Saturday October 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at The Erie Brewing Company which is located at their new location on Knowledge Parkway close to Penn State Behrend.

In speaking with Matt Thompson, the PR Specialist for The ANNA Shelter, he said that Dogtoberfest is the "adult-oriented celebration of dogs AND beer!" Thompson went on to explain that "since this is 'Dogtoberfest III,' the event was created 3 years ago per the desire of Erie Brewing to partner with The ANNA Shelter to raise funds for and awareness of their favorite local animal shelter (The ANNA Shelter)." He continued, saying that "in return, the event also serves to promote the excellent variety of beers brewed locally by Erie Brewing, so, in a way, it is additionally a celebration of local Erie business!" Erie Brewing Company is known for their local support, and they continuously support The ANNA Shelter to help promote their missions in order to provide a safe haven for any and all animals in search of their "furever" home.

Thompson also indicated that the love and support that The ANNA Shelter gets from the local community is what keeps giving these animals opportunities to find homes. "The ANNA Shelter would like to sincerely thank our fellow dog/animal-loving citizens of the City of Erie, the surrounding townships of Erie County, & the greater Tri-State Area (Pennsylvania, Ohio, & New York) for the many years of continual love & support of our tireless efforts on behalf of the stray, homeless, unwanted, and injured domesticated animal population", said Thompson.   

Jen Hausmann of Erie Brewing Company expressed her immense support toward The ANNA Shelter in the last few days prior to the event. Hausman said that the EBC wanted to do a brewery specific event where 100% of the proceeds go toward The ANNA Shelter to raise funds in order to provide medical care and any additional resources necessary for these shelter animals. Hausmann expressed how she hopes that members of the community come out to not only enjoy themselves, but to also support The ANNA Shelter that, at the heart of it, needs the community's support. "We just hope to raise awareness that The ANNA Shelter is here and that everyone should support them; and just raise awareness that people should adopt," she said.

Hausmann is passionately adamant about the fact that there are so many animals in this area who need our help. Ruth Thompson, who is the Executive Director at The ANNA Shelter and partners with her brother, continues to help multiple four-legged friends find supportive and loving homes over the years. Hausmann said that being able to work with Thompson has been a great opportunity, and being able to host this event in support of such a wonderful organization is "near and dear" to their hearts.

The event is open to anyone and everyone, and – of course – pups are welcome! The Erie Brewing Company is friendly toward animals, so even if it's not Dogtoberfest, furry friends are always welcome. The ANNA Shelter will be bringing over a few shelter animals in search of a new family to fall in love and take them home.  

All food and beverages are being donated by local restaurants like Nunzi's Place, Icing on the Lake, and La Bella. Tickets are now available online on Erie Brewing Company's website. With one ticket, one will be able to partake in unlimited beer sampling, food, and raffles that all goes to support such a great cause. As Hausmann put it, "You might meet your new best friend at Dogtoberfest." - Maddie Hepler

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. // 6008 Knowledge Pkwy, Erie, PA 16510 // https://www.eriebrewingco.com/collections/dog-accessories/products/dogtoberfest-iii-ticket