“I’ve been picking around for a few years trying to find a way to provide a more sustainable source of funding for these organizations, because I know how ebb-and-flow solely relying on donations for these charities can be,” he said. “The needs for caring for these animals is 24/7, 365 days a year, though.”

With a brewery currently located on PlowGirl Farm, Schwarzauer hopes to expand by opening a taproom in the next year. He said ideally they will find a location where they can have a green, fenced space for dogs to run and play while owners enjoy socializing with others from the community.

“After moving up here five years ago, I fell in love with the beer scene,” Schwarzauer said. “It just seemed like a natural fit — everywhere you go, brewing and dogs just seem to go together and it’s a fun way for the community to come together.”

In addition to building a taprooms, the company also hopes to obtain a winery license in order to serve ciders. They will also be creating a grant system in which no-kill animal shelters and advocacy groups can apply for support.

Several organizations, including Paws4ever, a non-profit animal welfare center located in Mebane, have already partnered with the brewery in order to raise awareness of their causes.

Paws4ever provides education on animal health, adoption and dog training services.

Kathryn Ruggeri, executive director of Paws4Ever, said she is excited about working with the brewery.

“I think Dingo Dog Brewing is fantastic — they are a great supporter of animals for our community,” Ruggeri said. “I think it’s a perfect alignment — we want to support new business within the community and they are creating more awareness for animal welfare within the community.”

Coalition to Unchain Dogs, based in Durham, is an organization that works in underserved parts of the community to provide free veterinary services including spay and neuter operations and vaccinations.

Lori Hensley, director of operations for Coalition to Unchain Dogs, said the brewery shares information about their free services.

The community’s reaction to the brewery has been overwhelmingly supportive, with the first two runs of beer selling out, Schwarzauer said.

“We think this is a great way to not only make people knowledgeable about the work we are doing, but also become involved in animal welfare and overall just make the community a better place,” Hensley said.

@sam_scott138

city@dailytarheel.com

