A lively weekly pub quiz at Brown’s Bar in Tbilisi has quietly achieved something remarkable: raising over 20,000 GEL for local animal rescue charity Dog Organization Georgia (D.O.G.). What began as a community night out has grown into a reliable and heartwarming partnership—one that’s improving the lives of street dogs across the city.
A Grassroots Partnership for a Big Problem
D.O.G. is a Tbilisi-based nonprofit dedicated to helping Georgia’s vast street dog population through rehoming, education, and community support. While their small shelter is the most visible part of their work, much of their impact happens on the streets: providing emergency care, distributing food, and helping volunteers who care for strays in their neighborhoods.
In 2023, Tim Kirkpatrick, quizmaster and co-organizer at Brown’s Bar, approached D.O.G. with a simple idea: to donate half the proceeds from the weekly pub quiz to support the organization.
“I was incredibly happy to accept this partnership,” says Sara Kemecsei, who leads D.O.G. “Anyone who runs a small nonprofit knows that predictability is everything. Even modest but regular donations let us plan better, react faster, and help more animals when emergencies come up.”
That modest weekly amount has now added up to 20,000 GEL, with funds going toward medical care, food, neutering, and vaccinations for dogs in need.
Why It Matters
Georgia is home to an estimated half a million stray animals, with tens of thousands in Tbilisi alone. While individual municipalities attempt to manage the situation, there is still no national, long-term policy to address overpopulation, breeding, or responsible pet ownership.
Rural areas get an even worse deal, where access to affordable veterinary care or neutering is often nonexistent. That’s where D.O.G. steps in, not just with shelter, but with direct aid to the many everyday people who care for street animals out of their own pockets.
“Sadly, there are no real resources to sustain small, local organizations like ours,” Sara says. “There is no government funding, and barely any international support available for shelters. A few grants exist for vaccination and neutering programs, but there is virtually no funding for daily essentials like feeding, housing, or caring for the animals.
“As a result, we rely entirely on small individual donations and initiatives from local businesses, like our partnership with Brown’s Bar.
“A big part of where the funds go to is supporting the many dedicated street-animal carers in Tbilisi: people who often have very little themselves, yet still share what they can. When they face larger expenses, such as when a dog they feed is injured or falls ill, we help with small grants to cover medical costs, and we provide parasite treatments, vaccinations, and sterilization support,” Sara explains.
“And sometimes, the Brown’s Bar quiz funds go toward simply keeping our dogs fed—especially during the winter.”
How It All Started: The Quiz at Brown’s Bar
The idea for the quiz came about almost by accident. Years ago, Tim sent a text to Simon Brown, the owner of Brown’s Bar, suggesting the bar could use some entertainment. Simon agreed—and promptly told Tim he was now in charge.
A fan of pub quizzes, and knowing their popularity among expats, Tim took on the challenge and began running what would become one of the most popular weekly events in Tbilisi. Hosted every Wednesday at 8PM, the quiz includes classic topics like history and geography, as well as fun rounds featuring riddles, emoji challenges, and picture questions.
Entry costs 10 GEL per person, with at least 50% going to D.O.G., and the rest awarded to the winning team.
“We’re really proud of what the quiz has become,” says Tim. “It’s more than just a fun night—it’s created a community. Some quizzers have adopted dogs, some have volunteered as flight buddies for dogs traveling abroad, and everyone gets to be part of something that makes a real difference.”
What the Future Holds
“In the long run, we dream of a country where animals no longer suffer on every corner—where, even if not every dog can find a home, there is a smoother, kinder, and healthier coexistence between people and street dogs,” Sara says.
“We already see this in small pockets of Tbilisi and other larger cities. For example, if you walk into Brown’s Bar, you’ll always find a few friendly street dogs who are practically part of the place: they’re loved by the visitors, well fed, and safe.
“If this level of care and respect, supported by reduced numbers through responsible pet ownership and sterilization campaigns, could one day be extended to all street dogs in Georgia, we would already consider that a success.”
With over 20,000 GEL already raised, both Brown’s Bar and D.O.G. are looking ahead to even more ambitious goals. There are plans to continue and expand the partnership, host more adoption events, and encourage more people to get involved—whether by donating, adopting, or simply joining the quiz.
“It’s amazing to see how much small, regular contributions can add up,” Sara says. “For the quizzers, it’s encouraging to see that what feels like a fun night out is actually creating real change.”
Tim agrees: “It’s a great feeling to know we’ve helped create something lasting. With a little effort, we’ve connected our patrons to a local cause—and shown what community support can do.”
Want to Join the Fun?
• What: Brown’s Bar Weekly Pub Quiz
• Where: Brown’s Bar, 1 Jerusalem Square, Tbilisi
• When: Every Wednesday at 8 PM (DM them to let them know you’re coming!)
• Cost: 10 GEL per person
• 50% of proceeds go directly to Dog Organization Georgia
By Katie Ruth Davies
