Downtown Hastings was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, as locals gathered for a paw-some evening at the BKYD Barks & Brews event, hosted at The Confluence Hotel. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., attendees—both human and furry—enjoyed an event that truly celebrated community, companionship, and of course, dogs! With gourmet food, refreshing drinks, and a Bark-cuterie Bar designed exclusively for pups, this was the perfect night out for dog lovers.

But it wasn’t just about fun and treats—Barks & Brews also had a strong sense of purpose. The event brought together dog-themed vendors and some incredible local organizations, all rallying around a great cause. Animal Ark and Tubman’s Harriet’s Haven for Pets were at the heart of the event, with proceeds from the silent auction going to support their important work.

We had the chance to speak with four of the event sponsors, and their stories highlighted the meaningful connections between pets and people.

Interview #1: Laura Anderson from Animal Ark

First, we chatted with Laura Anderson, representing Animal Ark, Minnesota’s oldest no-kill shelter based right here in Hastings.

“We’re here to spread the word about our shelter, which rescues cats and dogs from all over—even from overseas,” Laura said. "We’d love for people to visit and meet some of our beloved animals.”

Animal Ark's mission is simple: to provide loving homes for animals in need. Laura emphasized the importance of community support and invited folks to connect via their website or social media to learn more about how they can help.

• Visit Animal Ark at animalarkmn.org

• Follow them on Instagram: @hastings_animal_ark

• Like them on Facebook: Animal Ark MN

Interview #2: John Butorac from Tubman’s Harriet’s Haven for Pets

Next, we spoke with John Butorac, who represented Tubman Center and their groundbreaking initiative, Harriet’s Haven for Pets. This program offers something vital for individuals escaping domestic violence—a safe place to bring their pets.

“Typically, 50% of people in domestic abuse situations don’t leave because they can’t bring their pets with them,” John explained. Harriet’s Haven is set to be one of the first facilities in Minnesota to offer this critical service, allowing survivors to bring their beloved pets to safety alongside them.

To learn more or support their cause, visit tubman.org.

Interview #3: Kaylee Daniels from Dreamy Pups

Finally, we caught up with Kaylee Daniels, the proud owner of Dreamy Pups, a local business that specializes in gourmet dog treats, custom bandanas, and all-natural pet care products.

Kaylee’s passion for pets was evident as she shared her creative approach to pampering pups: “I make everything from custom dog tags to fun items for dog moms!” Her booth was a hit, and she invited all dog lovers to check out her adorable creations.

• Visit Dreamy Pups on Facebook: Dreamy Pups

Interview #4: Erin Hyden from Get Real Dog Training

In addition to the incredible sponsors we spoke with, we had a chance to chat with Erin Hyden, the owner of Get Real Dog Training, based in Hastings, Minnesota. Erin was not only there to support Animal Ark and Tubman’s Harriet’s Haven, but also to offer a fun and interactive experience for the pups at Barks & Brews—a confidence course designed to challenge dogs in a positive way.

Erin explained, "We set up a course to help dogs build confidence little by little. It’s all about doing things that might seem a bit scary at first, like putting their paws on a wobbly board, but in the end, they get rewarded with treats, which helps them grow into more stable, confident dogs."

The idea behind this approach is to challenge dogs just enough to promote growth, without overwhelming them. It’s a simple yet powerful way to build trust and confidence, not just for dogs, but for their owners too!

If you're interested in learning more about Get Real Dog Training's services, which include training, nutrition, and fitness for dogs, Erin invites you to visit their website or follow them on social media:

• Website: getrealdogtraining.net

• Facebook: Get Real Dog Training

• Instagram: @get_real_dog_training

A Pawsitive Community Impact

Barks & Brews wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of how dogs bring people together. The mix of vendors, local businesses, and non-profits made it clear that Hastings is a town with a big heart, committed to supporting both its furry and human residents.

The silent auction raised funds for Animal Ark and Tubman’s Harriet’s Haven for Pets, reminding everyone that while our four-legged friends bring us joy, they also deserve protection and care, especially in times of crisis.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this fantastic event. Hastings is better for it, and we can’t wait to see what Barks & Brews brings next year!

For more interviews and local stories, visit our Interviews Page.

Ready to dive into more local events, businesses, and community highlights? Stay tuned to HastingsNow.com, your go-to source for everything happening in Hastings, Minnesota!