The 5th Annual Ales for Tails Pub Crawl is Aug. 17. (File photo)
WESTFIELD – If you love animals and beer, the 5th Annual Ales for Tails Pub Crawl should be on your must-do list.
The event is Aug. 17 from 4-9 p.m. in downtown Westfield and benefits the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter.
Event organizer Susie Howard started the event in 2014 after finding her first rescue dog, Dottie, from the shelter.
“I worked closely with the rescuer to bring her home, and ever since that experience I knew I wanted to find a way to give back to a local shelter,” said Howard, who owns Walton Read Design in Westfield.
The first pub crawl took place in August of 2015.
“I chose the pub crawl format because I wanted to find a casual but fun way for people in the community to come together and visit local businesses, all while raising money for a good cause,” she said.
Howard supports the mission of the shelter.
“No kill shelters like the Westfield Animal Shelter do so much to provide medical care and comfort to these animals while looking for their forever home – I figured whatever funds I could raise would go towards food, medicine, supplies, and whatever else they might need,” Howard said.
This year, Howard hopes to raise at least what has been raised in the past.
“We’ve typically raised between $1,000 and $1,500 each year,” she said. “It’s currently in its fifth year and I’m looking forward to another great turnout.”
The funds help with medical treatment for the animals. Howard said the shelter often deals with major health concerns with its animals and has paid for cardiology issues, tail amputation, major dental issues and recently a fatty tumor removal that was causing a dog mobility problems.
“These funds will go towards continuing treatment for situations like these,” said Howard.
The crawl begins at Skyline Trading Company, then moves to Hutghi’s, followed by The Maple Leaf and ending at The City Hotel.
Howard said she can’t wait to see who comes out to support the animals Saturday.
“People who I’ve never met continue to join in on the fun, and each year we’ve grown in attendance and the funds we’re able to raise,” she said. “I’m looking forward to another great year!”
Tickets are $30 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/…/2019-ales-for-tails-pub…
