By Meredeth Barzen

A scene from the dog trick contest at Woofstock 2009.

“The Hiiiills are aliiiive …  with the sound of doooogieeeees.”

Yep, that’s right—Linden Hills Woofstock is right around the corner—Saturday Sept. 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to be exact. And first things first: Sidewalk Dog is going to be there with bells on.

In fact, Sidewalk Dog, Pampered Pooch Playground and K9 Connection will be be providing a warm water dog wash in the Sebastian Joe’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shampoo is being provided by Topline Canine Care (a local company, natch), and all money raised will go directly to The Pet Project, which which helps people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling and provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing (you might also recognize them as the fabulous beneficiary of last week’s Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux—Continued ). If it’s too cold for sudsies, we’ll be playing fun doggie games in the parking lot all day long. There might even be some yummy coffee and treats from Sebastian Joe’s.

A happy customer at last year's Sidewalk Dog-sponsored warm-water dog wash.

But now that we’ve dispensed with the business, let’s talk about the event, which doubled in attendance from 2008 to 2009 according to Lauren Crandall of Pixie Song Events, which produces Woofstock. Last year, “it seemed like EVERYONE had a dog, so the numbers really were astounding,” Lauren says. “As a result, we’ve closed off more real estate this year for more dog events. Bob Bayers of Bayers Hardware is closing off his lot, which is giving us a huge amount of space for more events and safe, car-free mingling.”

All your favorites will be back, including C&E Dog Training with an agility demonstration and a Pint-Sized Play session from Fresh Air Training so smaller dogs can get in on the fun. “We’ll have live music again this year, and dog trick shows for ‘amazing’ dogs, as well as a trick event for ‘average dogs! New stuff we like includes Zen Pooch Doga (yoga with your dog) sponsored by K9 Connection, and a dog/owner photo booth sponsored by Pampered Pooch Playground. And we love that Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) are setting up tents in the Dunn Bros parking lot and having their trained therapy dogs read along with any children that would like time to cozy up with a friendly fido and a good book,” Lauren says.

And don’t forget to stop by that dog wash—we’ll see you there!

Elizabeth Ries and her Westie, Henry. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.

By Meredeth Barzen

Savvy Minnesotans will recognize Elizabeth Ries‘ smiling face from “Twin Cities Live,” the Minnesota-centric show she hosts weekdays at 3 p.m. on Channel 5 with John Hanson. They might even recognize her voice from myTalk 107.1, where she dishes the latest celebrity news and gossip on “The Dirt Alert,” weekdays at 8:20 a.m. and 5:20 p.m.; hosts “The Waiting Room,” a health show, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings; and fills in for the occasional missing host.

But dedicated viewers of Twin Cities Live will also recognize Elizabeth’s TV-ready Westie, Henry, who helps out from time to time with his own series, “The Adventures of Henry.” The little pup recently visited Minnesota Oncology’s Maplewood Cancer Clinic to get the skinny on pet therapy for cancer patients (click here to watch the story). When they’re not working on their tag-team reporting skills, Elizabeth and Henry can be found hanging out at their favorite local dog-friendly haunts. Here’s the full story:

Henry hangs out at Cupcake in St. Paul. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.

Dog’s name: Henry
Dog’s nicknames: Bug, Buggy, Baby Bear
Breed: West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Age: 6
Favorite toy: Anything with a squeaker
Favorite treats: Cheese and peanut butter
Favorite place to hang out: On the back of the sofa
Favorite dog park: Alimagnet Dog Park in Burnsville
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Birchwood Cafe
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Cupcake in St. Paul
Favorite pet store: Stone Mountain Pet Lodge in Blaine
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Any cabin up north
Best trick: He will kiss on demand.
Dog’s best friend: Gwendolyn, my 7-year-old neighbor
Dog’s nemesis: Squirrels and rabbits!
Favorite way to get attention/treats: He stares me down and makes a little “haarruummph” noise.
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Rolling in dead things. Seriously. It’s so gross.
Sleeps: On my bed, of course. But if he’s rolled in something dead, he definitely gets a bath first.
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Absolutely. It’s mortifying, but I can’t stop.
Is your dog friends with any other celebrity dogs? No dogs, but he’s pals with [KSTP reporter] Rusty Gatenby’s children. Does that count?
What are you working on over at Twin Cities Live? At TCL we highlight the people and places of the Twin Cities. It’s an awesome unique local show! Coming up in June we’re working on a “Mommy Moneymakers” series where we meet moms in the Twin Cities who are raking in the cash in unique ways. We also have a live studio audience every Friday and we’d love to see you there! Check out www.twincitieslive.com for details on free tickets!

Coffee & Tea Ltd.'s sign removes any doubt about their canine and computer policies.

Business: Coffee & Tea Ltd.

Neighborhood: Linden Hills in Southwest Minneapolis

For you: Loose-leaf teas and fresh coffee beans roasted on-site in the store’s antique, turn-of-the-century roaster, as well as brewed coffee, espresso and tea drinks. No Wi-Fi, in case you didn’t notice.

For dogs: Water bowl when the weather’s warm, treats for tricks (or just for a cute face) and lots of love from proprietor Jim Cone.

By Meredeth Barzen

Caden the Chug—that's chihuahua plus pug—gives a solid "sit" at A Great Dog Now.

As summer makes its debut with a hot, humid bang (remember that frost on Mothers’ Day? We don’t either), we’re thinking your pooch is going to be making a lot of public appearances in the next few months. Last month, we covered ways to get your dog physically in shape for the summer, and this month, trainer Jane Fallander of St. Paul-based A Great Dog Now (which offers a “Summer Skills” class—the next session starts June 13) shares some training tips to keep Lassie in line while you’re having fun in the sun:

On Walking: To really enjoy summer walks with our dogs, we need to polish up their leash manners and ensure they aren’t pulling our shoulders out of their sockets or trying to assault oncoming walkers or their dogs. I always take along a large supply of treats and my clicker when I take my dogs out for a walk. If I’ve got a young or untrained dog, I click and treat when they are walking next to me with some nice slack in the leash. What if there’s no slack? Then I change directions and click when they come up next to me. If I come upon a distraction such as some kids playing or a game of Frisbee, I’ll do what’s called “upping my rate of reinforcement,” meaning I’ll click and treat like crazy.

On Pulling: I’m also a huge proponent of such management devices as no-pull, front-clip harnesses (Sensation and Easy Walk are two good ones) and head collars (Gentle Leaders, Haltis and so on). I tend to push the harnesses a lot as I think in general dogs tend to accept them better than the head collars.

On Agression: If people have reactive or leash aggressive dogs, I recommend owners address that with a qualified trainer or behaviorist. With persistence, patience and guidance, there’s a lot that can be done to help these dogs.

On Greeting Friends: I like my dogs to be polite when I visit with neighbors, and sometimes I ask a friend to help me practice. I ask her to walk slowly toward me. With each step my friend takes, I give a corresponding click and treat to my dog to reward him for sitting quietly at my side. I instruct my friend to turn and walk away if my dog gets up to greet them. That way my dog learns that the quickest way to greet people is sit quietly at my side. I do this exercise a lot with my clients’ dogs.

On Coffee Shop Manners: I love seeing well-behaved dogs at the coffee shops and cafes. To get dogs ready for their coffee shop debuts, teach them to lie on a small mat or bandanna. You can use that object to help keep him anchored in a relaxed “stay” while you read your newspaper or visit with friends. To teach him to stay put, drop treats between his front feet. Of course, before you take him to an outdoor restaurant, you’ll want to teach him the cue “leave it” so that he isn’t grabbing everything in reach! I teach “leave it” by offering the dog a closed fist full of treats. At first he’ll lick and chew at my hand to get to the treats. As soon as he stops trying to eat through my knuckles to get the treats, I click (or say “good”) and hand him a treat. He quickly learns that if he wants a treat he needs to leave them alone. We call this “doggie Zen”: To have it, you must let it go. Next I use treats either under my foot or on the ground past my dog’s reach. When he stops trying to chew my shoe to get the treat or he stops lunging for the treat and instead looks at me, he gets a treat!

There are plenty of great trainers and resources in the Twin Cities for dogs who need a refresher course on manners, especially for summer. Here are a few:

On Cue Training and Behavior: Principal trainer Nancy Driver points out that May is Bite Prevention Month—“kids are getting out of school and having greater access to dogs in public,” she says. Visit www.doggonesafe.com for more info on this topic.

Just Paws Puppy Training: Just Paws, which specializes in puppy and adolescent dog training, has created a YouTube channel featuring new training tips for the season. Videos to be uploaded in coming weeks include “Kool ways to keep your puppy cool this summer” and “How to build your own puppy digging box.”

Bark Busters: Check out Bark Busters’ articles on thunderstorms, dog park safety tips and bite prevention.

The Enlightened Canine: Trainer Colleen Falconer reminds everyone not to leave dogs in hot cars—even if it’s only for a few minutes, even with the windows cracked. “If you’d like your dog to learn to swim, spend time just playing around and wading in the shallow end of the lake until your dog figures out how to doggie paddle on his own. Avoid pushing a dog off of your dock—though he’ll probably learn to swim that way, he’ll probably be afraid of the water from then on,” she says about canine aquatics. She also advises slowly reintroducing your dog to the crowds of people, fireworks, loud music and groups of screaming, running children typical of summer gatherings. And you might want to pack a few snacks or a yummy Kong for your dog to enjoy on a picnic so he’s not tempted to steal people food, she says.

For a complete guide to dog trainers, check out Sidewalk Dog’s directory.

Eloise, aka Weezie, soaks up some sun at Gigi's Cafe.

Sighting: Eloise the Miniature Australian Shepherd

Location: Gigi’s Cafe in South Minneapolis

Human buddy: Christy Lund of Minneapolis

Fun fact: Eloise was named after the 6-year-old protagonist in a series of children’s books written by Kay Thompson.

Get ready for a new feature we’re calling “Sidewalk Dog Sighting.” If the Sidewalk Dog team catches you and your pooch hanging out at a local restaurant patio, dog park or dog-friendly store, we’ll snap your pic and post it for all dog lovers to see. So get ready for your close-up!

Tree takes a breather at the Linden Hills Dunn Bros.

Sighting: Tree the Alaskan Husky

Location: Dunn Bros Coffee shop in Linden Hills

Human buddies: BFFs Rose and Anna

Fun fact: Tree’s unusual name came to her mom in a dream.

By Meredeth Barzen

Sadie the Wonderdoodle stretches her legs on Duluth's Lakewalk.

One of the questions we get asked the most at Sidewalk Dog is “Where can I go when I want to get out of town with my dog?” That’s what prompted our recent Northwoods Getaways post, which offers six lovely local (as in Minnesota’s great Northwoods) spots to spend vacation time with your pooch. One of those resorts, Bluefin Bay, offered us the chance to take a closer look at Lake Superior living, with two nights on the house.** And since there’s nothing Sadie the Wonderdoodle (or her mom) likes better than fresh air, trees, and water, we didn’t exactly hesitate to say yes. Bluefin Bay is extremely dog-friendly, and we found a lot of ways to incorporate fun for Sadie into other aspects of our trip to make this weekend an official Dog-Friendly Northwoods Fun Bonanza. Here’s how it went down:

Checking for ships at Split Rock Lighthouse

After a bit of a struggle to get the Wonderdoodle into the car (as animal communicator Ilga Cimbulis once said, carsickness is Sadie’s burden to bear in life), we set out from South Minneapolis for the nearly five-hour drive to Tofte, Minn., treat bags loaded for both dogs and humans. Travel tip: Those fold-up water bowls are great for long car rides—gotta stay hydrated. Those first three hours from the Twin Cities to Duluth are a little on the dull side, so be sure to break it up with a stop in Hinkley at Tobie’s for a killer caramel roll. (Killer is not a euphemism. If you have heart problems, this might do you in—but what a way to go.) We also picked up some considerably healthier 7-grain oatmeal to cook up for breakfast one morning—Bluefin sent a blueprint of our room ahead of time, so we knew we had a full kitchen to work with.

Everyone in the car needed to stretch their legs by the time Great Gichigami was in sight (that’s Lake Superior in common parlance), so we ditched the car at Canal Park in Duluth and took a stroll along the shore. Lunch was a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel from Northern Waters Smokehaus (oh, what Sadie would have given for some of that smoked salmon, but alas, it was too good to share), after which we continued onward and upward—or, um, Northeast-ward.

Right at home in front of the fireplace at Bluefin Bay

From there, it was an hour drive along the beautiful North Shore Scenic Drive to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Sadie felt a lot better once she was able to get some of that good old rust-red Iron Range mud between her toes, but that good feeling dropped off once we got back on the road and her car-queasiness got the best of her. No matter—Scenic 61 has plenty of turnoffs overlooking the big lake where we could stop, clean up, get some fresh air and admire the view.

Just a hop-skip to Split Rock Lighthouse from there—another breathtaking view—and shortly after, we arrived at Bluefin Bay.

Marie at the front desk welcomed us with hiking and cross-country skiing recommendations, a special treat for Sadie and plenty of info on Bluefin’s extremely considerate pet policies. Special plastic mitts for poop disposal are strategically placed all over the property. Also, while many dog-friendly resorts don’t let you leave your dog alone in the room, Bluefin allows it, provided the dog is kenneled (the resort has kennels on-hand if you forget yours or don’t have one.) And, when you duck out for breakfast at the Coho Café or a short trip to Grand Marais, you can leave your cell phone number with the front desk, so if little Fifi or Fido gets nervous in your absence and starts barking or crying, they can give you a ring.

Sunset on the beach at Bluefin Bay

We were directed to a lovely room right on the lake—floor-to-ceiling windows, wood-burning fireplace, a deck, a full kitchen (as promised), a Jacuzzi tub and a hook in the front hallway for hanging up coats and leashes (hey, it’s the little details that count.) Yep, this’ll do just fine. We made a fire, Sadie took her Norman-Rockwell-esque place in front of it, and we relaxed after a long drive. A note for guests whose dogs have a territorial streak: While picturesque, those giant windows offer a clear view of other guests walking along the shore, right past your room. If your dog doesn’t like seeing others near its home—even a temporary one—Bluefin has some upper-level pet-friendly rooms that keep the lake views but shield Rufus from what he perceives as trespassers.

The next morning, with sunlight streaming in those big windows, we set out for a hike. Marie had suggested the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, which stretches all along the North Shore of Lake Superior, and functions as a safe alternative to Highway 61 for bikes. While the Gitchi-Gami wasn’t quite as cool as its name promised—it was totally paved, which is great for cyclists, but not so exciting for tree-huggers like ourselves—it ran past an entrance to the Superior Hiking Trail, a system that weaves 235 miles from Two Harbors to the Canadian border. No one in our small party—Wonderdoodle included—expected the incredible hike ahead through the Temperance River State Park. We paralleled the still-frozen river as it churned its way to the shore, rushing under broken ice in spots and dropping off waterfalls that got more dramatic as it approached Superior. Toward the end of the hike, we teetered along a great gorge and nervously peered down at glacial potholes that the river had gouged out millions of years ago. As an amateur geology geek, I was in heaven. Sadie—leashed the whole time, as much for our peace of mind as for the sake of following the rules—was a happy camper as well.

Overlooking the Temperance River

While walking the grounds of Bluefin Bay, we met a couple of other pooches taking advantage of the ample room to romp. Yoshi, the Shih Tzu/poodle mix enjoyed a long morning walk with his precocious young owner. Dude, the golden retriever, has been bringing his parents to Bluefin Bay for eight years—that must explain why he walked the smooth pebble beach like he owned the place.

But all good things come to an end, and so Sadie resignedly hopped back into the car and we made our way toward the cities on Sunday morning. A lunch stop at the Amazing Grace Bakery and Café in Duluth was invaluable, as it introduced us to The Best Sandwich in the World—thick, hand-sliced, house-baked bread, bright, lively vegetables, and solid construction—and a nice, long stroll along the city’s Lakewalk prepped us all for the remainder of the drive, which we’re happy to report was free of carsickness this time.

So, if you and your pup are into fresh air, sweeping vistas and, yes, truly awesome geology (or even if that last one isn’t really your thing), we’re happy to recommend a dog-friendly trip up to our fair state’s North Shore. For an in-state take on summer vacation, it can’t be beat.

**Editor’s Note: Though the accommodations were gratis, based on the good time we were shown and the number of happy dogs (and owners) we met in our short time there, we’d have nothing but nice things to say about Bluefin Bay regardless.

"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.

By Meredeth Barzen

You asked for it; you got it. Our inaugural roundup of Twin Cities celebs and their furry friends was so much fun, Sidewalk Dog couldn’t resist sniffing out another pack of famous Minnesotans and the four-leggeds that make them say “Who’s my fruffy wittle fuzzy bear?” This time, we’ve found writers, radio personalities, TV gurus, musicians and fashion designers who go nuts for their mutts. So without further ado …

Dan Murphy and Lily

Dan Murphy (musician, Soul Asylum and Golden Smog) and wife Sarah Murphy (owner, Grapefruit Moon Gallery**)
Name: Lily Belle Murphy
Nicknames: Fusspot, Lily Ocho Stinko, Puppy Bear, the Cananitor, The L’il Lebowski, Minnie Ripperton, Dog Stevens, The Aggressitor, Jack Rabbit Slim, Meerkat, The Hot Water Bottle, Buck Snort, and countless others …
Breed: We just found out that she is a Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund). When we adopted her, we just knew she was a beauty.
Age: Approximately 1 1/2?
Favorite toy: The happy hippo, a little squeak toy we bought the day we took her home from her shelter that has been torn apart and sewn back together more times than we can count. No matter how many other toys she plays with and destroys, she always comes back to the happy hippo.
Favorite treats: Carrots, rice, cheese, and freeze-dried sweet potatoes
Favorite places to hang out: A warm lap, under the covers, her favorite dog pillow, and the passenger side in our car
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Nick and Eddie, especially on a sunny day after she’s just played hard at Loring Park. Doug Anderson and the staff there were initially friendlier to her than she was to them, so it like many things, is still a work in progress!
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Anodyne Coffeehouse

Sarah Murphy and Lily

Favorite dog-friendly store: Guse Hardware at 46th & Bryant; she and Chloe, the new mascot, are becoming fast friends.
Favorite pet store: Urbanimal
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: She’s such a homebody, so I’d say sitting on our porch on a warm day. We adopted her in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in January of 2009, so in many ways I would bet she still considers Florida her actual home and Minneapolis her summer getaway. She was a runaway and we got her at a tiny little animal shelter that removed her from a high-kill shelter in Miami. She spent three months on the streets before the first shelter took her and another two months at the shelter where we met her. About 10 minutes into the initial visit, she picked us as her doggie parents. So vacations are not in her immediate plans as she seems so delighted to finally have landed a home. She is a nester at this point and loves to go on walks, particularly when the whole family is present and accounted for.
Best trick: No longer being scared of every stranger/noise/car that comes by. All thanks to Cele Danner (the miracle worker) at The Canine Coach. Also, she rip-snorts when she’s happy and runs “hot laps” around our dining room table when she feels like letting off a little steam. She can do a really cute prairie dog/meerkat hind leg dance that is adorable.
Best friend: Nigel, the Chihuahua; he still plays hard-to-get, but he’s coming around. Also my son Kelly’s mixed-breed female 2-year-old, Lucky
Nemesis: Bike riders, tall men, sunglasses and baby prams ….
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Barking at the mail carrier, jumping on the dining room table looking for crumbs, attacking my face with kisses
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Jumping into my lap as I try to work, or even into my laptop, doing hind-leg stands at your knee and going onto her favorite leopard-print lucky treat pillow, looking at you with a cocked head and staring you down until the treats come out
Sleeps on: Bed
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Often, but she’s too smart to fall for that most of the time. My doggy dialect revolves around her being a Southern Belle, so I use a butchered French Canadian meets Cajan New Orleans Style drek that usually starts with “L’il belle … ”
Anything else we should know about your dog? She’s a wonder. The most nervous, shy, and troubled puppy in the world when we adopted her, she has become the most friendly, loving friend anyone could ever hope to have. She’s sweet with a good heart and really wants to be happy and finally is learning how.
What are you up to these days? Dan: Busy with shows including our annual First Avenue holiday engagement Friday, December 4. Sarah and Lily and I are spending our second winter in the sunny, warm, small-dog-friendly confines of Southern Florida. Sarah: Working with the Animal Rights Coalition to raise awareness of the inhumane dog breeding that is continuing at puppy mills and all the wonderful animals (like Lily) who have been abandoned or lost and are waiting at local shelters for a loving home!

**Both Sarah and Dan run Grapefruit Moon Gallery, an online art gallery that specializes in American Illustration and Pin-up original paintings and artwork.

Erdrich's Makate Ma'ingan (Maki for short).

Louise Erdrich (novelist, owner—Birchbark Books)
Name: Makate Ma’ingan (Ojibwe for “Black Wolf”)
Nickname: Maki
Breed: Belgium Shepherd
Age: 4
Favorite toy: Punctured soccer balls
Favorite treats: Peanut butter toast and cat food
Favorite place to hang out: On the couch, watching his bird feeder and the birds he protects
Favorite dog park: Poorly socialized; Maki doesn’t do dog parks very well. Owner also poorly socialized.
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Kenwood Cafe [next door to Birchbark Books]. Poorly socialized owner sits outdoors with Maki.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Again, Kenwood Cafe. Maki enjoys a latte now and then to calm down.
Favorite dog-friendly store: Birchbark Books
Favorite book: Anything by Temple Grandin or Mary Ludington
Favorite pet store: Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Novelist Louise Erdrich

Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Lake of the Woods, where Maki roams free and fierce.
Best trick: Looking fearsome
Best friend: Rowdy, the protector—the real ferocious canine in the house
Nemesis: The neighbor’s taunting cat who sits under Maki’s birdfeeder
Most naughty behavior/worst bad habit: Lunging in sick lust at female dogs
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Sitting and staring fixedly at the treats and projecting an air of injured nobility
Sleeps on: Again, the couch as long as nobody is looking
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Are you tiddin’?
Anything else we should know about your dog? He reads in secret and recommends books for his owner’s bookstore
What are you up to these days? Birchbark Books, a nice stop for people and dogs who walk the lake.

Winstead with Edie and Buddy.

Lizz Winstead (comedian, co-creator—The Daily Show)
Names: Edie and Buddy
Nicknames: I call Edie ‘Sweedy’  ‘Piaf’ or sometimes ‘Diarrhedie.’ Bud can be ‘Budward, handsome man.’
Breed: Both mutts. Edie is a Collie/Shepherd mix and Buddy is Corgi/Spaniel.
Ages: Edie, 9; Buddy, 6
Favorite toy: Anything that’s not a toy! Like a throw pillow. Edie carries around a stuffed daisy in her mouth and it’s so cute. Buddy’s favorite toy is actually my underwear.
Favorite treats: See: Underwear
Favorite place to hang out: Next to me on the couch—next to me wherever I am
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: The Hamptons
Best trick: Edie can high-five
Best friends: Each other
Nemesis: The vacuum cleaner
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Edie is a poop-eater. Buddy, the boy, doesn’t lift his leg when he pees and Edie, the girl, does. I think that’s funny.
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Buddy will just jump in your lap; Edie will hump your leg.
Sleeps: In bed with me
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dogs? Yes
Anything else we should know about your dog? They are both rescued. I adopted Buddy in Minnesota!
What are you up to these days? I’m going to be at the Parkway theater for an exciting New Year’s Eve spectacular called “What the F#ck Just Happened?” Tickets and info here.

Teiken's Pellet

Joy Teiken (designer and owner, Joynoelle)
Name: Pellet
Nickname: Pelly
Breed: Little mutt
Age: 16 to 18; we don’t know since I found her
Favorite toy: Her cat, Sadi
Favorite treats: Pup-Peroni
Favorite place to hang out: In her dog bed or at Grandma Harriet’s house
Favorite dog park: Too old to go to the dog park
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Too old to go anywhere
Favorite dog-friendly store: My boutique

Designer Joy Teiken

Favorite pet store: Southside Farm Store
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Cabin time at Eagle Lake
Best trick: Sleeping
Best friend: My husband, Craig
Nemesis: Khea the cat
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Ignoring us on her walks; she walks without a leash and sometimes she takes herself for a walk.
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Barks
Sleeps on: Bed, couch, floor, dog bed—really anywhere she wants to
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? We used to, but now she’s deaf and we just give her lots of kisses.
Anything else we should know about your dog? She has a sad turned happy story. I found her by the side of the road in southern Minnesota and she had pellets from a bb gun in her head and back. (That’s why her name is Pellet.) That was 11 years ago … she’s had a great life ever since.  She’s almost deaf and blind, but she’s still happy.
What are you up to these days? I’m working on a bridal line that will be available online this winter.

Andra Suchay's Lucy

Andra Suchy (singer, guest—A Prairie Home Companion) and husband, Andrew Pierzina
Name: Lucy
Nicknames: Mit Mit, Rucine, Rucy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 7
Favorite toy: Bumblebee, a catnip cat toy, and tennis balls
Favorite treats: Real bones with peanut butter inside and carrots
Favorite place to hang out: On the couch or in our bed; outside if it’s nice weather
Favorite dog park: The Suchy farm, owned by Andra’s parents, near Mandan, North Dakota
Favorite pet store: Urbanimal
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Going to the Suchy Farm

Andra and Andrew

Best trick: Running on the treadmill. She runs several times a week for 30 minutes at a time.  She will also sit, lay down, and stay for a treat with hand signals until I say ‘OK.’
Best friend: Our late Weimeraner, Sophia. Our cat, Lester. They play together and he will grab her face and lick her eyes. They love each other. Also, her cousins Willie the cow dog and Bjork the pug at the farm.
Nemesis: The lake. She can’t stay out of it. She is VERY obsessed with biting the water. She also hates the rain.
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: She sometimes doesn’t play well with others …
Favorite way to get attention/treats: She will sit very, very close to you and make a very loud sighing, breathing sound. We say she swallowed a bullsnake. Or, she will jump her front feet down onto the ground and bark until you play with her.
Sleeps on: Bed
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Almost always
Anything else we should know about your dog? She loves kids, and gets really excited when we have company. She loves people in general.
What are you up to these days? Andrew and I are both going to be performing guests on the A Prairie Home Companion 2010 Western Caribbean Cruise in March.

Brian Lambert (writer, blogger, talk radio host—myTalk 107.1)
Name: Ernie. She’s a girl. But every animal we ever bring home—lizards, birds—we call Ernie, (for Cubs great Ernie Banks) so we don’t get confused.
Nicknames: The Living Rug, Rugball
Breed: Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frisee … we think. White, anyway.
Age: 14
Favorite toy: Has always been annoyed by or afraid of toys, especially after that mechanical rubber mouse episode
Favorite treats: Anything that says “bacon” on the package
Favorite place to hang out: An ottoman, on a gold quilted blanket, looking out the front window like a damned queen
Favorite dog park: The neighbor’s back yard
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: I’d say Manny’s Steakhouse, but I’d be lying. The closest she gets to a restaurant is the bag of bones I tote home from Famous Dave’s.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: The Starbucks at 50th & France in Edina … tied to a sign post
Favorite dog-friendly store: PetSmart, St. Louis Park
Favorite pet store: Ditto, especially the packaged bacon treats aisle
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: The cabin, in northern Wisconsin. 11 acres of woods, deer and ticks
Best trick: Trick? She whines for bacon. Is that a trick?
Best friend: Whoever is slipping her people food under the table
Nemesis: Other than the mechanical mouse, any dog that gets to the bacon before her. Oh, and any squirrel.
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Licking plates in the dishwasher
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Whining, scratching at doors, “herding” humans toward the bacon treats in the pantry
Sleeps on: My side of the bed … and on my legs
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? No. I save that for my 28-year-old.
Anything else we should know about your dog? If you put a chipmunk in a rain pipe, Ernie will bark at it for four hours.

Hip-hop artist Sims

Sims (hip-hop artist, Doomtree)
Names: Lola, Superbowl Champion
Nicknames: Lola, Champ
Breeds: Pit Bull
Ages: 11, 3
Favorite toys: Tennis ball, rubber football tied to a rope for tug-of-war
Favorite treat: Meat. Anything but vegetables, although the look of betrayal on their faces when given a vegetable is pretty amazing, so that’s my favorite treat to give them.
Favorite place to hang out: Outside, anywhere we can play ball. And in the car.
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Muddy Waters
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Muddy Waters
Favorite dog-friendly store: The Alt bike and board shop
Favorite pet store: Petco
Best trick: Sit
Best friend: Me
Nemesis: Brooms and thunder
Sleeps on bed, couch, dog bed, floor, or outside: Yes
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? No. But they get treated as if they were my kids … maybe that’s worse.

Jenkins' Helen

Kathie Jenkins (restaurant critic/food editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Name: Helen
Nickname: Helly Belly
Breed: Bouvier
Age: 5
Favorite toy: A wool lamb
Favorite treats: Bananas and dried sweet potatoes
Favorite place to hang out: On the living room sofa
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Dairy Queen; she loves the cones but she doesn’t go overboard because she knows she has to watch her figure.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: She doesn’t like coffee shops; she’d rather be at home lounging on the sofa and watching “The Dog Whisperer.”
Favorite dog-friendly store: She doesn’t like stores, either. She has fear of floors and most places are just too slippery for her.
Favorite pet store: Pet Junction
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: She’s a homebody
Best trick: Laying down on command
Best friend: Josie, a three-legged golden retriever that gives her a good run.
Nemesis: Fivel, an autistic German shepherd. She just won’t have anything to do with him.
Favorite naughty behavior/worst bad habit: Dripping water all over the entire kitchen floor every time she takes a drink
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Just looking like she’s about to chase a squirrel
Sleeps on: Couch
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? I call it ‘dog talk.’
Anything else we should know about your dog? She loves to have her teeth brushed. Every morning she comes out in the kitchen and doesn’t leave until I brush her teeth.

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!