"Lily," by WACSO

By Meredeth Barzen

While the Twin Cities certainly isn’t lacking in talented pet artists (see: pooch painters Stray Dog Arts and Lintu Art)—or talented artists in general, for that matter—one has emerged who stands out from the crowd for his stylized, hyper-local treatment of the people, places and pups that populate our fair cities. WACSO (stands for Walkin’ Around Checkin’ Stuff Out)—a.k.a. Robb Burnham—takes inspiration from everything around him, as his name would suggest. Often, it’ll be the fuzzy face of a four-legged pal, but you’ll see local landmarks like restaurants, architecture and adorable old men on benches represented in his work as well. WACSO will draw your dog if you’d like him too—but he won’t take any money for it, just a suggested $100 donation to a pet rescue (check out this recent portrait of his neighbor, M.A. Rosko’s dog Munter.)

"Munter," by WACSO

“I get a lot of requests from strangers all around the country, which was a bit odd at first because I would really rather meet the dog in person, but I’ve got it down to where I ask them to send me as many photos of the dog as they can. That gives me a pretty good idea of what the dog is like,” Burnham says of his commissioned dog drawings. “I don’t want payment for these drawings so I ask for a donation to be made in my name to a shelter/rescue. I’ll send them a hi-resolution file that they can print however they would like. People have made T-shirts, calendars, mugs … I just had a woman use my drawing to get a tattoo of her dog that passed away. It looked awesome, and I think it was great therapy for her.”

Here’s a look into the philosophy and process that is WACSO:

"Sharing the Bed" by WACSO features the artist's own dogs, Frankie and Grady.

Do you have any dogs?

I have two dogs: a female English bulldog named Frankie and a little block-of-cement French bulldog named Grady. Frankie likes to watch TV—in fact, if the TV is off, she’ll yip until the TV is turned on, and she’ll actually growl at the mugshots they show on news programs. She knows who the bad guys are; it’s pretty funny.

What’s your favorite dog-friendly spot in town?

Sitting outside at Java Jack’s Coffee Cafe is awesome.

Do your dogs make it into your drawings?

Yes, I constantly draw my dogs.

How long have you been drawing?

I’ve been drawing all my life, but didn’t really get serious about it until about five years ago.

Your work really celebrates the everyday and the local—what is it about those subjects that compels you to portray them?

I like everyday things. Life isn’t all about taking big vacations and going to exotic locations. We’re surrounded by all kinds of cool everyday stuff; we just have to stop and look for it. I had done a drawing of the Blackbird Cafe a while back because it’s a cool place. Well, sadly, it burned down recently—such a drag, but I started getting messages from people requesting prints of the drawing. It was really cool to see what that drawing suddenly meant to people and the importance of appreciating and celebrating the things we have.

"Dog in a Coffee Shop," by WACSO

What sorts of characteristics make you want to draw a certain dog? Physical traits? Personality? Setting? Owner?

I’ll draw any dog; they are all awesome. Think about it: You can be having the crappiest day of all time and see a dog and smile—what else can do that?

Why do you like drawing dogs in general?

The dog drawings just seem to make people happy. They make me happy drawing them … I laugh most of the time I’m drawing.

How long does it take you to do a drawing?

It’s hard to say how long a drawing takes; I lose track of time, but I’ll usually do dozens of drawings of a dog before I get the one I like best. Sometimes the best version is the first one I draw and sometimes it’s the last.

How do you decide what form it’s going to take (i.e. single-line drawing, detailed, with or without color, etc?)

I will usually do a few different styles; one-line drawings, a more refined style, add color, etc …, and see which I like best when I’m done.

"Shaggy Dog #3," by WACSO

Do you approach strangers and ask if you can draw their dogs? Are they usually game, or do you ever get resistance?

I’m a pretty shy person. I don’t mind talking to the dogs; it’s owners I have trouble with.

Where can people find your work?

Become a fan of my Facebook page! It’s now dedicated to just my dog drawings. I try to put up a new one every couple of days. You can also check out my Web site, which has all of my drawings.

What do you like about the Twin Cities?

The Twin Cities are fantastic—love it here. Tons of dogs, tons of places to walk dogs and the people are cool. I even dig the winters—all those dogs in boots and outfits crack me up.

Truffle (left) and Mae amp it up at American Guitar & Band

By Meredeth Barzen

Rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in the suburbs (we don’t mean the band), and it just so happens to be dog-friendly. For almost 10 years, American Guitar & Band in Maple Grove has been a second home to owners Cory and Stephanie Lake’s dogs, which share the space with customers, music students and other visiting pups. Sidewalk Dog chatted with Cory, a guitar enthusiast and recording engineer, and his wife Stephanie, a design historian and museum curator, about keeping their store friendly to both dogs and rock stars.

Tell us about your dogs.

Cory: Two of our three dogs are at the shop every weekday. Suki, a black pug and the first store dog is now 11, retired from her post, and cruising around in a wheelchair at home. Truffle, our 4-year-old black pug, and Mae, our 4-year-old Bug (Boston terrier/pug) “work” at AG&B.

For years, we talked about getting Suki a friend. During brunch one morning we decided to get a dog—that day. Stephanie and I drove hundreds of miles all over the state, playing with puppies until something clicked. We knew the moment we saw Truffle that she was the one.

Mae arrived from Los Angeles late last year. Stephanie was visiting her sister who had just taken on a huge new job and felt enormously guilty about not spending enough time with her dog. Mae had had a string of bad luck, too, losing a toe to a coyote, an eye to a car accident, and a broken tail somewhere along the way, all of which only made her that much more endearing.  Stephanie adored her and so she asked her sister if she could take her back to the Twin Cities. When she called on her way to the airport, she told me she would be flying home with “one-eyed Mae.” The next day she was snapped into her seatbelt and on her way to work with Truffle.

Owner Cory Lake with Mae and Truffle

How do Truffle and Mae react to other dogs in the store?

Stephanie: We love to see other dogs in the shop and our dogs love it, too—lots of running and chasing, and the occasional crush develops with the regulars. There are a few dogs that they are absolutely crazy about.

How do they feel about customers? How do the customers feel about them?

Stephanie: They are both incredibly sweet and happy to meet everyone. Sometimes they have a lot to say, sometimes just tails wagging. Mae is a superb greeter and we have to admit that Truffle is a bit more jaded. Everyone knows to look for her on Cory’s desk chair. For our music students, getting Truffle’s attention becomes a goal—they bring in treats and toys to win her over. There is a great sense of accomplishment when she gives her approval. The customers love seeing the dogs, and most accept that if they sit down in our coffee lounge they will have one in their lap. We rarely see anyone with a fear of dogs, but if someone is uncomfortable we just pick them up and keep them at bay.

What do you like about having a shop dog? Are there any frustrating moments?

Cory: One of the best things is that they instantly put people at ease and in a better mood.  How can you not laugh when these two little dogs come bounding over? They look ridiculous and it just cracks people up. It also makes it much easier to avoid stilted retail introductions and forced conversations. There is a lot of attitude in music retail, but ours is a fun, friendly shop, and the dogs instantly set the tone.

The most frustrating thing is that they will eat anything—Mae developed a rock-salt-eating habit, and Truffle likes packing peanuts. It is a bit harder to keep them safe in a public space, but they also have a lot of people that watch out for them.

You'll have to visit AG&B to find out if Truffle can hold a beat ...

Do you think having a shop dog draws people to patronize your store?

Cory: Without question. If they are at home, I get asked about them all day. It definitely gives people another reason to look forward to stopping in. They also are a huge draw for our music lesson program. We teach hundreds of elementary and junior-high school students, and seeing the dogs each week provides extra incentive to get to their lessons. It is a perk for parents, too, who can bring in their younger kids to play with the dogs and stay entertained.

We love our dogs; they are our family, and we want to have them around us as much as possible. We are incredibly lucky to own a business where they have roles and where they have fun.

By Meredeth Barzen

We hate to say ‘I told you so,’ Wisconsin, but we’ve got even more proof that Minnesota is home to the most talented, creative, marvelous people on the planet. Exhibit A: Consie Powell, author of “Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree.”

Powell hails from the Great White North of Ely, Minnesota (look for this lovely town to make an appearance in our upcoming Northwoods Doggie Wintertime Roundup, where we’ll comb the rich resources of the top half of the state for cold-weather things to do with your pooch.) And “Old Dog Cora” is a children’s book, and a Christmas book, but transcends those labels with a warm heart, musical language, and woodcut illustrations that are works of art. It’s the story of Cora, a beloved old Newfoundland who has grown too old to pull the sled in her family’s Christmas-tree-harvesting tradition. Not to spoil the ending, but she follows them into the woods anyway and finds a way to prove that she’s still a useful member of the family.

We’ll get the fawning praise out of the way early on: The book is breathtaking to look at, with a simple, very Scandinavian color palette of reds, greens, blacks, blues and whites; as well as wonderful, quintessentially Minnesotan images like a little wool hat decorated with loons and a matching red leash and harness. We love the way it captures such a sense of place—you’re instantly transported to the comforting, festive landscape of a northwoods home in full holiday cheer. We love sentences with obvious aural appeal, like this: “Cora sniffed the oily scent of leather boots and the sweet smell of well-worn wool.”

And mostly, we love the dogs—shiny, black Newfies named Cora, Minx and Ebony, who delicately paw at their fluffy blue dog beds or proudly prance with a captured mitten in their mouths.

The Powells with two of their Newfies: Mikinaak and her mother Nokomis (who passed away about five years ago.)

Powell dedicated the book to five very special dogs: Kaloosit, Kati, Canoni, Milakokia, and Ishkoodah, who she refers to as “the old girls.” Since 1974, Powell and her husband, Roger, have lived with 13 different “Newfs,” as they call them. The couple has a long history of Newfie fandom—one that can be hard to follow, at times: “We presently have three generations of Newfoundlands,” Powell says. “Grandma is Mikinaak, age 9, and her daughter is Nisse, who is 6. Cladina, 2, is Mikinaak’s granddaughter and Nisse’s niece (her mom is Nisse’s sister Kiera, who lives with her family in Vermont).”

Got that? We haven’t even gotten back to the old girls yet. “Before this present trio of related girls, we earlier had three generations of close-knit doggirls: Grandma Canoni, daughter Milikokia, and granddaughter Ishkoodah. They all lived very long and productive lives (well past 12), and were 7, 9, and 11 when I wrote my Cora story. They provided the constant dynamic of a loving pack of Newfs that knew that they wanted to work and play together. This dynamic made its way into my story.” If you’re keeping track, that leaves Kaloosit and Kati unaccounted for. Don’t worry; we’ll get to them.

These were the dogs that inspired “Old Dog Cora.” “Our first Newf, Kaloosit, helped my husband with his winter ecological field research for his Ph.D., and set the standard for what a good working dog can do,” Powell says. “Our dogs help us haul firewood. And for every Christmas that we’ve spent up north, they have hauled our Christmas tree out of the woods after we, as a family, hike in to find and cut it. And there was Kati, who came to us as a 19-month-old un-housebroken girl who wanted nothing so much as to just be part of a family. We gave her what she wanted, and she gave us love, devotion, and hard work in return. And it was Kati, who, as an old girl, did what Cora does in the story (you’ve got to read the book to find out!), and my husband and I who were, truly, the dense humans who needed the dog to tell us what she wanted. Kati gave me the story.”

Is “Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree” a true story? “It is full of truth, though these truths are combined in the manner that the story itself dictated to me,” Powell says. “When I am asked, ‘Is this dog Cora?’ I answer, ‘yes, and no.’ No individual dog of ours is Cora, yet every dog of ours is Cora.”

The character of Cora doesn’t appear in any of Powell’s other books, the author says. “But Cora, as a personification of Newfies, and of ‘gooddogness,’ appears as often as it’s appropriate in my other picturebooks. If you look in “Amazing Apples,” she’s a Landseer Newf (white and black), pulling a wagon, and foraging for windfalls. In “The First Day of Winter,” she’s just a fuzzy puppy, learning about snow for the first time. And in my upcoming “Old Woman Winter” (written by Mary Bevis) she’s a big brown boy dog, bounding joyfully to greet his favorite kids after school.”

Powell and the doggirls usually spend their winters in North Carolina (though they’re currently getting ready to move back to Ely full-time), but that doesn’t mean they can’t handle the cold. Powell says of her favorite dog-friendly wintertime activities: “If I’m inside, it might be sitting on the floor in front of the woodstove, with a big furry black dog on her back in my lap (though mostly on the floor between my legs). Or it might be tossing popcorn to the doggirls from my big bowl of fluffy crunchiness. Or sharing a piece of cinnamon toast. If I’m outside? A good walk down the road in the snow is always wonderful for everyone. Hauling in firewood (doggirls in harness and pulling the toboggan, me loading and hitching, my husband doing the cutting) is fun, tiring, and awe-inspiring when I see how instinctively my dogs work with me. It’s fun to skijour—but I’ve not done it nearly enough to become very good at it. Mostly just playing in the snow … ”

So take a cue from Powell this holiday season and find a comfy space on the floor with a warm fire, a warmer furry friend, a bowl of popcorn and a copy of “Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree.”

Late last month, the Mall of America was taken over by pooches and their people at the first annual Doggone Early Dog Walk, benefiting Home for Life Animal Sanctuary. The walk kicked off The Art of the Dog, Home for Life’s annual holiday display of dog statues and doghouses designed and adorned by local artists.

Marianiello's doghouse was inspired by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Jessie Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts is among this year’s participating artists. She created an MoMDA—Museum of Modern Dog Art—doghouse, which features painted portraits of Marni Hughes’s and Keith Marler’s dogs from FOX 9 News. “This is a space for dogs to relax and contemplate the finer things in life. Because I truly believe that animals recognize beauty, the inside of the house is decorated as a miniature art gallery complete with framed artwork. The exterior is embellished with artwork that I’ve completed within the past year and incorporated into a museum-esque architectural design,” Marianiello says.

The Art of the Dog will remain on display in Nordstrom Court until January 4. The entire exhibit is for sale, so be sure to check it out when shopping for that extra special but hard-to-buy-for dog lover on your list. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Home for Life.

*Editor’s Note: Marianiello’s doghouse is sponsored by MadDog Delivers, a Victoria-based pet food delivery company that specializes in customer service. When asked why she chose this particular piece, MadDog owner Julie Klouda had this to say: “When I found out Jessie was seeking a sponsor for her doghouse, I responded immediately [as we both share] a love for the animals at Home for Life and a desire to raise money to pay for their medical expenses, food and other needs. Given these hard economic times, it’s [an especially] beautiful thing when pet lovers unite to help animals.”

By Meredeth Barzen

If you asked a dog what its ultimate gift idea was, it would probably say “bacon.” But when it comes to dog owners, those flummoxed by the idea of picking the perfect present for the dog lover in their life need look no further than home. Minnesota is a breeding ground for great gift ideas, both practical and far from it, that any canine caregiver would be thrilled to find in their stocking come December. So get a jump on your holiday shopping and support local businesses by checking out a few of the less meat-inspired ideas below:

A Cosmo's Collar.

Cool Collars and Leashes Dogs can trot around town in style with collars and leashes from local companies like Bark + Biscuit, Cosmo’s Collars and Stunt Puppy.

The Tahoe line from Bark + Biscuit.

You might have trouble choosing just one fun design from Bark + Biscuit and Cosmo’s Collars, and Stunt Puppy’s stretchy, hands-free Stunt Runner™ leash is perfect for runners who like to take their dogs along.

Stunt Puppy's Stunt Runner™

Where to find it: Online at Bark + Biscuit, Cosmo’s Collars and Stunt Puppy and at local boutiques like Bone Adventure, Urbanimal, CorAzoN, Shoppe Local and Don’t Make Me Beg.

Mod-Dog's Scottie note card.

Breed-specific Note Cards by Mod-Dog Stylized silhouette prints of dozens of dog breeds make for some very cute note cards (the better to thank you with after you give the best gift.) Mod-Dog also makes wall prints from their designs, as well as chic ID tags and customized jewelry.

Where to find it: In St. Paul at Don’t Make Me Beg, online.

Available in Rolling in Grass, Daffodils, Saddle and Unscented.

Maggie’s Light Candles by Nelli Designs These hand-poured EcoSoya™ candles are a great way to honor a dearly departed doggie as a memorial, or to celebrate the pets who are still a part of our lives. Available  in 12.5 oz and 21 oz. A dollar of each local sale goes to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue.

Where to find it: Petunia’s, Bone Adventure, Ataz, Fresh Seasons Market, online.

Sarah's take on sweet Stella.

Portraits and Holiday Cards by Sarah Beth Photography The local legend in fresh, modern pet photography is offering holiday photo sessions and greeting cards this year—or, give a gift certificate in any amount and your giftee will have a lovely likeness of Fido’s face forever.

Where to find it: Online.

"Does this bandana make my butt look big?" bandana from The Dog Perk.

T-shirts and Bandanas by The Dog Perk For the dog lover who wants to wear his heart on his sleeve, The Dog Perk makes more than 40 different designs of canine-centric T-shirts and sweatshirts for two-leggeds and cheeky bandanas, blankets and biscuits for four-leggeds. Plus, they’re passionate about supporting local rescues, so your gift helps more than your reputation.

Where to find it: Online.

Pug pill case from Personalized Pooch.

Custom Gifts by Personalized Pooch Some people (Sidewalk Dog included) never get sick of looking at their mutt’s mug. Personalized Pooch will plaster it all over purses, pillows, plush blankets, pill cases, playing cards—you name it, they’ll Poochify it.**Special deal for Sidewalk Dog readers: Personalized Pooch is offering 10 percent off one item until December 5th. Just enter the code “SIDEWALKDOG” on the Web site when you order!

Where to find it: Online.

The Christmas capelette from BugDuds.

Cute Capes by BugDuds When Dorothy Grinolds’ miniature dachshund, Ladybug, got cold, she didn’t get mad—she got crafty. The result? Elegant little doggie capes that are warm and whimsical. Check out the Christmas capelette, more decorative than functional, but sure grab some “awww”s at the holiday party.

Where to find it: At the No Coast Craft-O-Rama, 12/4-12/5; online.

A doggie kimono by Wahssie.

Canine Couture by Wahssie The depth and breadth of these designer doggie duds is truly amazing, from sweatshirts to raincoats to Asian-inspired kimonos (we kid you not). Part of the sales benefit Underdog Rescue. And the best part? It’s all very reasonably priced.

Where to find it: Online.

A jacket by Grand Marais' Arrowhead Trading Co.

Winter Jackets by Arrowhead Trading Co. Designed and tested by “people who spend their days and nights [outdoors] in the north country,” these practical jackets are easy-fitting, comfy and warm. They can also withstand multiple washings without losing their shape.

Where to find it: Urbanimal, online.

Six of Marianiello's cubes.

Portraits and Art by Local Artists Present your pal with a Stray Dog Arts gift certificate and their pooch can pose for a painting by local artist Jessie Marianiello. Or, for a less expensive and more immediate art gift (i.e. last-minute stocking stuffer), grab one of the artist’s fun, dog-themed miniature “cube” pieces or greeting cards.

Oil pastel by Thornton.

Also check out Lintu Art’s Sarah Thornton of the famed “Dogs by the Lakes” poster series. For the holidays, Thornton’s offering a 10 x 10 portrait for just $125. She works with oil pastel, soft pastel or graphite, and each portrait includes a free 20-minute outdoor photo shoot. (Says Thornton, “The photo shoot can be used to capture the perfect pose for an additional gift or for creating Christmas cards or family memories.”) Gift certificates available.

Where to find it: Stray Dog Arts: Online, at Etsy, at CorAzoN and at her booth in Gaviidae Market every Friday 11/20-12/18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Lintu Art: Online.

A pet reliquary by Lisa Havelin.

Pet Memorial Jewelry by Lisa Havelin For a friend who’s lost a dog around the holidays, a pet reliquary is a beautiful way to keep Spot close to the heart and alive in memory.

Where to find it: Online.

Klecko's new book.

Dog Treats by Local Bakeries Delight humans and hounds with gourmet goodies made from all natural, human-grade ingredients and lots of love. Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog, goes nuts for the beef jerky from Clyde’s K9 Cuisine (formerly Well Pet Foods). He’d also dig Jack & Dakota’s treats, which are made from organic ingredients and include such flavors as Apple & Peanut Butter, Chicken & Rosemary and Beef & Sage. And he’d be beyond impressed if the gift giver was also the gift maker (or baker). Check out local master baker/dog dad Klecko’s K-9 Nation Biscuit Book: Baking for Your Best Friend for ideas and inspiration.

Where to find it: Clyde’s K9 Cuisine: Online. Jack & Dakota: Online. K-9 Nation Biscuit Book: Baking for Your Best Friend: Barnes & Noble, online at Amazon and at Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Paper dolls by Hungry Dog Designs.

Paper Dolls by Hungry Dog Designs Charm both children and adults with these whimsical, handcrafted paper dolls. Inspired by artist Paula Fynboh’s love of color, Mexican folk art, and her Boston Terrier, each doll is handmade using decorative paper and recycled trinkets and includes a small envelope, note and magnet for display. Custom orders available.

Where to find it: Online and at local boutiques like CorAzoN, I Like You, Gallery 360 and Karma.

And when you’re truly stumped on what to get someone? You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate for a pet service—check out the Sidewalk Dog Directory for the top trainers, walkers, sitters, daycare providers, pet food deliverers and more—or a donation in your giftee’s name to a rescue or animal-related nonprofit like The Pet Project, Pets on Wheels, R.E.A.D. Dogs Minnesota or the new Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP). Because nothing makes the holidays warm and fuzzy like knowing you’ve helped pets in need.

Ben, a Home for Life dog who was blinded by abuse but now lives happily at the sanctuary.

By Meredeth Barzen

At 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 22, before shopping hours commence, the Mall of America will be taken over by hounds and their humans at the first annual Doggone Early Dog Walk, benefiting Home for Life Animal Sanctuary. Dog owners will be able to walk ’til they drop (or at least until they get to the refreshments table) to support the animals that Home for Life cares for and the community outreach programs it organizes.

Sponsored by yours truly and a host of other big names* in the Twin Cities dog world, the walk kicks off “The Art of the Dog,” Home for Life’s holiday display of dog statues and doghouses designed and adorned by local artists. For example, Jessie Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts will be creating a MoMDA—Museum of Modern Dog Art—doghouse, which will feature painted portraits of Marni Hughes’s and Keith Marler’s dogs from FOX 9 News. “This is a house for dogs with a refined sense of taste and an appreciation for art,” Marianiello says.

A decorated Art of the Dog statue from holidays past.

If you see a work of art that tickles your fancy, proceeds from the sale will benefit Home for Life. And given the talent that’s working on these pieces, chances are you will.

But back to the main event—walkers will be able to get Fido’s photo taken with Santa; enter contests for oldest, youngest, smallest, biggest, best-dressed and most owner-resembling dog and meet some of the Home for Life pooches and FOX 9 Morning News’ M.A. Rosko, the Grand Marshal of the dog walk.

M.A. Rosko with Munter, one of her two dogs.

Registration is $25 per four-legged accompanied by up to two two-leggeds. Each additional human is $25 and kids walk for free. Don’t miss this historic opportunity—this is the first-ever large-scale indoor dog walk—to support Home for Life, a truly compassionate organization that provides lifetime care to dogs and cats who have special needs and can’t find a traditional home.

You can build your own Doggone Early Dog Walk fundraising page here to e-mail others about the event and collect money for Home for Life. Or, if you’re just not an early bird and need to sleep in that Sunday, you can still support Home for Life by making a general donation here.

*In alphabetical order: Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training, Bark Busters, Bone Adventure, DoodyCalls, Fetch Delivers, Lena Swanson (animal communicator), MadDog Delivers, Pampered Pooch Playground, Personalized Pooch, Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Pets Are Inn, Sarah Beth Photography, Stray Dog Arts, and Stunt Puppy.

Yum!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s an idea: Sample, shop and explore everything about home entertaining at “The Affair.” You’ll find multiple stages, luxury food, wine, chocolate, fashions for home and host, plus—and here’s where we fit in—fabulous ideas for holiday gift giving.

Sidewalk Dog is sharing booth 547 with a few especially charming pooches* and some of our beloved Directory members: The Canine Coach, bark+biscuit, Well Pet Foods, Bone Adventure, Stray Dog Arts, Pampered Pooch Playground and Sarah Beth Photography. Come see us for great holiday gift ideas for all the dog lovers in your life!

The event takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Purchase tickets in advance online or at Kowalski’s Markets, Panera Bread and Gaviidae Common. (Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at the door.)

*Eloise the Mini Aussie, Cosi the French Bulldog and Toast the Rat Terrier will all be making appearances this weekend. Special thanks to their parents.

By Meredeth Barzen

What’s more comforting than a dog? When you’re tired, upset or sick, is there anything better than a warm, unconditionally loving pile of fur cuddling up next to you?

Jerry, the Ronald McDonald House's "House Dog."

Comfort is never in short supply at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMH) in Minneapolis. The organization  aims to “create a home-away-from-home for families with children living with life-threatening illnesses,” according to its Web site, and Jerry—a 3-year-old labradoodle and the RMH “House Dog“—does his fair share of that work.

Jerry helps out where he can—which is almost everywhere. “He has a great temperament with the families and kids and is hypo-allergenic, which is a great fit for the 48 families staying with us,” says Josh Williams, an RMH staffer. He was generously donated to the House in 2006 at our annual Fam Glam Gala and has been a full-time staff member ever since. He works a regular 9-to-5 work day and then goes home with one of our staff members. He pops in quite frequently on the weekends as well and makes appearances at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet (they graciously donate all Jerry’s food and toys) about 15 times a year. He’s our little rockstar!”

Jerry provides his patented pillow service.

Jerry’s next celebrity appearance at Chuck & Don’s is scheduled for Friday, October 23 from 5–6:00 p.m. at the Northfield/Dundas location. Last winter, Chuck & Don’s collected almost $9,000 in cash donations for RMH from the sale of plush “Jerry” toys at its stores. The pet food purveyor also participates in RMH’s popular pop tab fundraising program.

Jerry cuddles up with a friend at the House—she's holding one of the "Jerry" toys sold by Chuck & Don's.

Chuck & Don’s isn’t the only local pet-related business jumping on the Jerry bandwagon. In 2008, local pet photographer Patrick Nau took a very handsome portrait of Jerry, and last winter, local artist Amy Brazil unveiled her painting of Jerry’s lovable mug. “I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald House this spring, and I was amazed at what I saw and how Jerry was a blessing to the children staying there,” Brazil said at the time of the unveiling. “As I was visiting, I met a young girl going through chemotherapy, and her mom said to me, ‘Seeing Jerry is the one time each day I know she’s genuinely happy.’ This dog brings smiles to these kids’ faces amidst all they are going through.”

Local artist Amy Brazil's painting of Jerry.

“A typical day in Jerry’s world is made up of playing with kids, napping, listening to troubles, getting his head scratched and visiting people all around the House—he is a true social-butterfly,” Jerry’s page on the RMH Web site says. “Social butterfly” is no overstatement—he even has his own Facebook page. But Jerry’s primary purpose, like so many pets, is to be a comfort: “His gift is something no doctor, medicine, or treatment can offer—putting a feeling of home into the House.”

By Meredeth Barzen

September has arrived, and we all know what that means: Woofstock is coming! On Saturday, September 19, all of Linden Hills (a neighborhood that needs no officially sanctioned holiday to go dog-crazy, but appreciates it anyway) will be swarmed with pooches and their people taking in tons of doggie-centric events, vendors and contests.

Sadie the Wonderdoodle can speak from firsthand experience to say that Linden Hills is pretty dog-friendly all year round: Many of the main drag’s businesses—like Clancey’s Meats, Bayers Do it Best Hardware, Coffee & Tea Ltd. and Wonderment—not only let dogs in their stores, but reward pups for their owners’ great sign-reading skills with biscuits and belly rubs. For Woofstock, these businesses are stocking up on treats and celebrating the day with things like doggie corsages, hats for the annual Pooches Promenade, and special sales and events.

This dog is not so sure about its custom-made hat from Wonderment--but hey, the owner likes it!

These businesses are also playing sponsor for a grand four-legged scavenger hunt, where dog owners go to certain stores to sniff out a huge, golden bone. Everyone who completes the task is entered to win prizes.

We’re most excited about the Wash-a-thon and Coffee Tasting in the Sebastian Joe’s parking lot from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., sponsored by Pampered Pooch Playground, K9-Connection and yours truly, Sidewalk Dog. For a $5 suggested donation to People for Parks, the event’s beneficiary, you can have your filthy friend primped and pampered in a warm-water dog wash while you sample Sebastian Joe’s coffee.

New to the festival this year is an exciting agility demonstration put on by the folks at C&E Dog Training Center. They’re bringing their super-agile animals with them and will be showing off their skills in the Sebastian Joe’s parking lot between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Also new this year is Fresh Air Training’s Pint-Sized Play, where small dogs can romp with their similar-sized peers. Wild Rumpus bookstore (where cats and chickens reign supreme) will have a contest to see who has the most well-read dog—just snap a photo of your pooch inspired by your favorite dog in literature and bring it to the store for a chance to win a prize. And to set a soundtrack to the festivities, Trish Painter (who has a CD of dog-inspired songs) and the Linden Hills House of Music’s Rock Camp for Dads will be serenading us dog-lovers.

One of Woofstock’s perennial favorites, the dog tricks contest, will be hosted by FOX 9’s Juli Jay—and this is the first year the judges will be looking for “average” dog tricks like a fast-sit, a high-jump, a cute booty-wiggle, resemblance to owner or even being just plain old.

Some of the festivities (like the Wash-a-thon) benefit People for Parks, a nonprofit that funds projects to improve Minneapolis’ stellar park system. Or, you can help them out directly by buying an engraved paver (in tribute to anyone you love, animal or human) that will live in front of the Lake Harriet Bandshell—they’ll be exhibiting at Woofstock, so be sure to pay them a visit.

We’ll see you there!

When artist Jessie Marianiello adopted her Chesapeake mix Louis from the Animal Humane Society a couple years ago, her heart was “turned inside out, for good.”  So much so, that she was inspired to create Stray Dog Arts. 

So what did this incredibly talented artist and rescue dog mom decide to do? Give back, big-time, through a fundraising project and upcoming art exhibition called “Animals of AHS.”

Do you have a pet who was rescued by the Animal Humane Society? Or would you simply like a significant portion of your commission (20%) to be donated to the rescue efforts of AHS? If so, learn more here. And know that if you commission a portrait before July 31st, 2009, your painting will be included in the October 2009 public exhibition at Now Boarding, AHS’s new state-of-the-art doggie daycare and pet boarding facility located adjacent to MSP International Airport. (Stay tuned for information on the opening celebration and reception.)

Desi