The highly anticipated announcement of the winners of the 2023 Rescue Brew "Spokesdog" and "Spokescat" contest took place at Palmetto Brewery in Charleston on Saturday, December 9th, 2023. These new celebrity dogs and cats, chosen from a pool of 540 entrants, will soon become the adorable faces of the latest batch of Rescue Brew, available now in select area stores.
This year's competition showcased not only the charisma of our four-legged friends but also the overwhelming support of our community's homeless animals.
"This has been a challenging year, and we'd like to say 'cheers' to everyone who participated in this lifesaving contest," said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE.
A remarkable $82,155 was raised, with 100% of the proceeds going to Charleston Animal Society's No Kill South Carolina initiative. This statewide program plays a pivotal role in fostering a more compassionate environment for animals throughout South Carolina.
The public played a crucial role in selecting the finalists during the voting phase that concluded in September. The top three cats and three dogs, chosen to compete for the coveted titles of Spokescat and Spokesdog, captivated the hearts of voters through the power of their charm and the dedication of their human companions.
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
On the canine front, Melvin, a dashing Bernadoodle, claimed the title by raising a staggering $9,017 for the cause. Melvin, following in the footsteps of his older brother Boomer, a previous winner of the Charleston Animal Society Chili Cook-off, demonstrated not only his charm but also his commitment to making a difference. Melvin is owned by the Lipov family and they reside in West Ashley. The runners-up in the dog category included Yo-Yo, owned by Shannon Conrad, and Forrest, owned by Liz Oakley.
Pickle, a spirited 10-month-old tabby cat and Charleston Animal Society alumni, emerged victorious in the feline category. Adopted by Lori Sizemore last Christmas, Pickle's playful antics, love for water, and penchant for carrying a blanket in his mouth stole the show. He raised an impressive $2,025 in support of the current shelter residents. Other notable cat finalists included Karl, owned by Susan L. Pritchard, and Dennis, owned by Michelle Waters.
RESCUE BREW: UNLEASH THE HOLIDAY CHEER
Celebrate the season with Rescue Brew Beer, now available for purchase in the Charleston area. Perfect for holiday gatherings, a portion of the proceeds from each six-pack sold will go to No Kill South Carolina.
