RALEIGH, N.C. [May 1, 2026] – Second Chance Pet Adoptions is inviting pet lovers across the Triangle and beyond to save the lives of homeless animals while putting their own furry friends in the spotlight through a one-of-a-kind opportunity: a chance to have their pet featured on a limited-release beer can later this summer through an online contest.
The organization’s “Rescue Brew” Photo Contest, now open for entries and voting atwww.gogophotocontest.com/rescuebrew, will crown one winning cat and one winning dog, each to be professionally illustrated and showcased on a special-edition beer can label in partnership with Fullsteam Brewery. Winning pets will be transformed into custom portraits by local artist Echo Lilly Wilson, adding a unique artistic touch to the collectible cans. The celebration will culminate in a public release party this August, where the community can come together to celebrate the winning pets and support animal rescue efforts.
Pet owners can enter their cats and dogs into the contest, with votes determining the winners. Entry fees and vote fees directly support Second Chance’s lifesaving mission, helping provide care, shelter, and second chances for homeless animals throughout the region.
“This is such a fun and creative way for our community to celebrate their pets while making a real impact,” said Executive Director Julie Paddison. “Every entry and every vote helps us save lives, whether that means providing medical care, finding loving homes, or expanding our spay and neuter efforts to break the cycle of animal homelessness.”
Founded in 1987, Second Chance Pet Adoptions is the oldest no-kill animal rescue in Wake County and has saved more than 22,000 cats and dogs. Through adoption, animal transport, and community outreach—including critical spay/neuter programs—the organization works to give cats and dogs a second chance to find love and to create a more humane future for pets everywhere.
The Rescue Brew contest, which runs through July, will feature one winning cat and one winning dog, with winners announced in mid-July. In addition to the grand prize of beer can fame, additional prizes may be introduced throughout the contest, giving participants even more chances to win while supporting a great cause.
Local businesses also have the opportunity to get involved. Sponsorship packages are available, including the chance for company logos to appear on the limited-edition beer can—offering a creative and high-visibility way to demonstrate community support for animal welfare. Contact Second Chance at secondchancenc.org to learn more.
Community members are encouraged to enter early, rally votes, and share their pet’s story to maximize their chances of winning. Every dollar raised through the Rescue Brew contest will go directly toward caring for homeless cats and dogs and expanding access to spay/neuter services—an essential step in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing future suffering.
How to Enter:
Visit www.gogophotocontest.com/rescuebrew to submit your pet and start collecting votes today. Deadline for entry is June 30.
About Second Chance Pet Adoptions:
Second Chance Pet Adoptions is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue dedicated to helping homeless cats and dogs find forever homes while promoting responsible pet ownership. Since 1987, the organization has provided lifesaving care and second chances to thousands of animals in the Triangle area.
About Boxyard RTP
Discover a unique retail, food and entertainment venue at Boxyard RTP, located on the western portion of Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park (RTP) ‘s 100-acre vibrant downtown district. First opened in 2021, Boxyard RTP offers a dynamic indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers where visitors can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP collaborates with a mix of hyper-local vendors to feature diverse offerings. Voted a three-time Durham Magazine Best of Durham winner for Large Venue for Live Music, Boxyard RTP enhances the cultural landscape of RTP through a robust event program that includes live music, comedy nights and more, accessible to people both within and beyond RTP. Owned and managed by Research Triangle Foundation, a 501(c)(4) non-profit, the Foundation’s mission is to facilitate collaboration among the Research Triangle universities, promote cooperation between Research Triangle universities and industry and create a positive economic impact for residents of North Carolina. To learn more about Boxyard RTP and upcoming events, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org.
Media Contact
Julie Paddison
Executive Director
Second Chance Pet Adoptions
6003 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 133
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919)851-8404
juliepaddison@secondchancenc.org