Whenever I can mix music and an animal-rescue fundraising event, it’s a win. Throw a brewery into the mix, and it’s a triple-threat, successful afternoon.

Backstory: My wife and I raised a couple of guide dogs years ago. We then spent ten+ years fostering (and finding homes) for dogs (and a few litters of kittens one season) through the Pacific Grove orgs Animal Friends Rescue Project and Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. I’ve also been really fortunate to be able to play at a few fundraisers for the BirchBark Foundation (there’s that music + animals thread again).

Last weekend, Steel Bonnet Brewing in Scotts Valley hosted their first (hopefully, annual) “Pups and Pints” fundraiser. Proceeds went to Jake’s Wish Dog Rescue and Canine Companions for Independence. There were raffles and merchandise, a demonstration from Canine Companions, adoptable puppies, a dog kissing booth, and Greg Abelar (bass) and I played music (with a few dog songs thrown into the mix) for the afternoon. A nice bonus: We were happy to just show up and play. Steel Bonnet took their normal musician fee and split it between both charities. We were stoked and thrilled to be able to help out.

Dogs, beer, and music. Oh, and a dolled up pig named “Penelope” won the Best Dog Costume contest, and I inadvertently walked around with glitter on my face after I gave her a hug. (Nope, I don’t have photos of that.) Penelope originally came from Snorty’s of Santa Cruz Mini Pig Rescue, so it just seemed appropriate, ya know?