If you’ve spent any time around Kenora, chances are you’ve heard the name It’s A Dog’s Life, and for very good reason. That’s why we’re so proud to introduce It’s A Dog’s Life as one of our 2026 Charity Pints partners.
How We’re Supporting It’s A Dog’s Life
Giving back has always been part of our DNA, and our Charity Pints Program is one of our favourite ways to turn good beer into good things. In both our Kenora & Winnipeg taprooms, we will be donating $0.25 from each featured pint sold throughout 2026. The featured pint changes monthly, giving you something new to sip on to support local causes. Now that’s something to raise a glass to!
All about the team & what they do
Founded in 2008 by a group of dedicated, big-hearted dog lovers, It’s A Dog’s Life is an all-breed, foster-based dog rescue right here in Kenora, Ontario. For over 15 years, they’ve been doing the hard, messy, emotional work of rescuing dogs who need a second chance, and making sure that chance is a good one.
Their mission is simple but powerful: to be a transparent, accountable, and professionally run non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs at risk across the District of Kenora. That means stepping in when dogs are abandoned, abused, surrendered, or simply out of options – and surrounding them with care, patience, and a whole lotta love. And the impact? Huge. Since September 2008, It’s A Dog’s Life has helped more than 3,100 dogs find their forever homes. If that doesn’t make your heart grow three sizes, we don’t know what will.
Every single dog that comes through It’s A Dog’s Life is placed in a temporary foster home, where they can decompress, learn what it’s like to be part of a family, and get properly matched with a carefully screened forever home. No rushed placements. No shortcuts. Just thoughtful, responsible rescue work done right.
The Dogs That Show Us What Resilient Really Means
One thing we’ve learned through our Charity Pint partners is just how big a heart can be, and It’s A Dog’s Life proves that every single day
Did you know many of the dogs that enter their care arrive with serious health concerns? These cases can be incredibly tough, and while not every story has the ending we all hope for, the veterinarians and volunteers work absolute wonders. Sometimes recovery means adjusting to a “new normal,” including learning to live life on three legs instead of four. While the journey isn’t always easy, seeing these dogs run, play, and thrive in a safe and caring environment makes it all worthwhile.
This past year, three dogs in their care (Red Fang, Birdie, and Lily) had to adapt in big ways. Two of them have since found their forever homes, while sweet Lily is still on the lookout for hers!
The more you know!
Education plays a massive role in what they do. The team works hard to raise awareness around responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay and neuter programs, and long-term solutions that help prevent dogs from ending up in crisis situations in the first place. They also work closely with First Nation communities around Kenora, helping provide dog food, and access to spay/neuter services for owned dogs, support that makes a real, lasting difference.
Behind it all is an incredible network of committed volunteers and foster homes who show up when it matters most. Whether it’s middle-of-the-night emergency calls, transport runs, fostering short-term, or coordinating adoptions, this group proves time and time again that community care is powerful stuff.
How you can help
There are so many ways to get involved with It’s A Dog’s Life, no matter how much time, money, or energy you’ve got to give:
- Meet the dogs! Visit their Meet the Hounds events and say hi to their adoptable pups
- Donate: every dollar goes a long way
- Donate supplies: even the cost of a few meals makes a difference
- Volunteer: help on the ground when dogs are found and need immediate care
- Foster: short-term or long-term, fostering saves lives
- Follow their Facebook page: Chris is always sharing updates, adoptable dogs & foster needs!
- Share their posts & spread the word: awareness is everything
Payton & Landon: A Lesson in Patience (and Loud Hellos)
Dogs come into rescue for all kinds of reasons, and Payton and Landon’s journey began following an OPP intervention. As Redbone Coonhounds, they are exactly what you’d expect: vocal, expressive, and always ready for snuggles. Landon found his forever home fairly quickly, while Payton spent nearly 18 months in foster care before recently being adopted (woohoo!). After 18 months of Payton being in care (12 of those being in a boarding and training facility), her story is proof that patience, persistence, and a whole lot of love from foster families can lead to the happiest endings.
A Little About Makwa
Makwa is a current foster pup getting a shoutout! At 9–10 years old, this black lab mix has a heart of absolute gold. Belly scratches? Yes please. Tennis ball? Don’t even think about saying no.
Makwa came into care last year after being attacked by other dogs, which understandably left him cautious around canine companions, but his love for people is endless! He’s living proof that even after the hardest chapters, there’s still so much joy to give.
At LowBrewCo, we’re proud (and honestly pretty dang happy) to be supporting dogs in our community through our Charity Pints program. Every pint poured helps organizations like It’s A Dog’s Life continue doing what they do best, showing up, stepping in, and making sure no dog is left behind!
Learn more, get involved or stay in the loop:
Facebook: A Dog’s Life Fostering Network Kenora Ontario
Website: adogslife.cc
