A pup gobbles up a sweet treat at 2008's Paws on Grand event.
As if this summer weren’t full enough with events celebrating great neighborhoods and their four-legged friends, we’ve got another one to tell you about: This Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., St. Paul’s Grand Avenue will be packed with pups for the Paws on Grand event.
Many of Grand Ave.’s businesses are holding specials, deals and activities for the event: At Dog Days, trainer Linda Schindler will be answering questions and you can get your dog’s nails trimmed for $5. At Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, visit some adoptable pups from Homeward Bound Rescue—and if one catches your eye and goes home with you, you’ll get a $50 gift card to the store. The Bibelot Shop is offering 20 percent off all pet-related items, and the list goes on!
It’s a be-there-or-be-square kind of event, and as Sidewalk Dog is anything but square, you can be sure we’re choosing the first option and showing up with bells on. So stop by and say hi!
We’re calling it “Mon Ami: Celebrating Our Community of Dog Lovers,” and it’s going to be a truly unique evening. Jessie’s lovely art will provide the backdrop for mingling, live music, wine, cheesecake from Muddy Paws and prize drawings—plus steals and deals for attendees from yours truly, Sidewalk Dog.
Jessie’s exhibition, “Dogs of Edina,” will be displayed from May 6th (don’t miss her opening reception from 5-7 p.m.) through May 31st at the Galleria. The third in a series of neighborhood dog projects, “Dogs of Edina” displays Jessie’s stylish and modern interpretation of more than 30 community pooches.
“Preparing for a solo exhibition is a long and intensive process. For me, it is also rewarding beyond words,” Jessie says. “As an artist, I am fascinated by the way dogs of particular neighborhoods reflect the people who live in them. I am also interested in the way dogs bring people together and create a common ground between those who might otherwise remain strangers. These layers of culture and community that are built around dogs and their people interest me greatly.”
“Dogs of Edina” will host a number of rock-your-socks-off events during the month of May, including:
May 6: ”Dogs of Edina” Opening Reception—featuring wine, snacks, art and more!
May 9: ArtBARK!—contest for kids and raffle in support of The Pet Project and hosted by Bone Adventure. Kids can turn in their best dog art on the back of an ArtBARK postcard by May 6th and have a chance to win a chance to have their submissions framed and hung in the “Dogs of Edina” gallery during the ArtBARK! event.Top winners in each age group will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as a pack of 10 greeting cards custom designed by Stray Dog Arts—featuring the winner’s artwork.Runners-up in each age group will receive a $10 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as art supplies from Stray Dog Arts.
May 13:Paws4Pets—Fundraising event for Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue hosted by Talk2theAnimals, featuring a book signing by Angel Animal authors Linda and Allen Anderson and a raffle with exciting prizes from The Galleria, Stray Dog Arts, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, The Westin Galleria Edina, and more! Remember to bring a donation for Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, a very special cause indeed.
May 20: Diamonds, Dazzle and Dogs: Girls’ Night Out!—An evening of art, shopping, style tips, music, pampering, wine and delicious treats to benefit Top Dog Foundation, hosted by Top Dog Country Club and DNA2Diamonds. You’ll find shopping from StyledLife, Origins, ATAZ and Top Dog Country Club, wine and hors d’ oeuvres from Good Earth, informal modeling and fashion and raffles from The Westin Hotel and Top Dog Country Club.
StyledLife, Origins, Ataz, & Top Dog Country Club
with wine and hors d’ oeuvres from The Good Earth
Informal modeling and fashion
and an evening filled with pampering, from nose to paw!
Incredible Dog-Loving Raffle, including:
The Westin Hotel ~ Hotel Stay & Doggy Package
Top Dog Country Club ~ Vacation & Spa Package
Oh, and did we mention Mon Ami is free? No special invite needed, just a love for dogs and great art. Hope to see you there!
Mon Ami: The Deets
Date: Friday, May 14th
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: The Galleria, Edina: 69th St. and France Ave. Exhibition space between Louis Vuitton & Big Bowl in the center’s West end.
Fun: Lovely local dog art, groovy live music, wine, cheesecake, prizes, drawings, deals and the chance to hobnob with local pet luminaries.
“THIS JUST IN: Tens of thousands around the Twin Cities metro area were reduced to uncontrollable fits of hugging after the Internet release of the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl’s full-length footage.”
Don’t be surprised if you see that headline flit across the Star Tribune’s front page this week—the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl is coming, and trust us: It’s going to be huge. Hugely endearing, that is.
Clarence of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue takes a time out.
It all started when Lisa Weikle, general manager of Fetch Delivers, was struck with inspiration—to team up with Sidewalk Dog, Sarah Beth Photography and Pampered Pooch Playground, creating a Fantastic Four-style super-squad with only one purpose: put a bunch of puppies in a room and film the inevitable explosion of cuteness that ensues. “I wanted to bring these four groups together, since I know we share the same passion for animal rescue,” Lisa said.
“It’s great exposure for a new rescue like Secondhand Hounds,” said the group’s founder, Rachel Mairose. “It shows that there’s a need for adoptive parents out there, and there are always puppies available for adoption.” She added, “Who doesn’t like cute puppies?” Answer: no one we want to associate with, that’s for sure.
Check out each pup's personal trading card, designed by Sarah Beth Photography.
“We all have a vested interest in making sure these guys get placed with good families,” said Suzanne Grindle of Safe Hands, a 3-year-old rescue that gets many of its puppies from the high-kill Harlan County Animal Shelter in Kentucky. Some TC Puppy Bowl players came from as far away as Mexico, like Pete from Pet Project Rescue, which works with a Mexican shelter to place puppies and encourage spay/neuter initiatives.
And so, last Saturday, Pampered Pooch Playground was filled to the gills with adorable rescue puppies, pouncing and frolicking and donning adorable, hastily-knitted (but unfortunately, not prescient) Vikings sweaters.
Molly Feeney of Just Paws Puppy Training (shown here with Aldo—not a TC Puppy Bowl player, but a football fan nonetheless) played ref.
Molly Feeney of Just Paws Puppy Training put on her referee shirt to make some tough calls, Clyde’s K9 Cuisine (formerly Well Pet Foods) whipped up some special football treats to re-energize the noble athletes, and The Dog Perk outfitted players in jersey bandanas. Stunt Puppy, Topline Canine, ScoopyPoo and DoodyCalls also helped the day go off without a hitch, and the pups (and people) went home tired and happy.
Pete runs the controversial somersault play.
The result debuts this week on TC Puppy Bowl’s Web site and Facebook page, complete with insightful commentary from Tom Scott and George Scot McKelvey. You can also catch it on Super Bowl Sunday before the big game at “the official veterinary clinic of the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl”—Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, which is throwing a big dog-friendly fundraising shindig complete with food, activities, a silent auction, and a screening of Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VI. Proceeds from the bash benefit the clinic’s Pet Protection Program for Cornerstone Women’s Shelter, and Sidewalk Dog readers get $5 off if they RSVP by Feb. 4th.
When you watch it for the first time, you may want to don protective headgear—you’ll be hit square in the face with fuzziness, after all. Until then, here’s a teaser to tide you over until the big day!
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.
Attendees really got into the "spirit" of the event at last year's Monster Dash 5K-9.
By Meredeth Barzen
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween with your dog? Team Ortho is holding its annual “Monster Dash” 5K-9 on the spookiest day of the year—this Saturday, October 31.
The 5K-9 is the dog- and costume-friendly (for people and their pets!) portion of the Monster Dash race, which also includes a half-marathon, a 10-mile race and a regular 5K race—more than 7,000 runners are expected to participate this year. The 5K-9 will take place around Lake Harriet, and for your noble exercising efforts, you’ll receive a long-sleeved tech shirt and a collar or leash from the event’s sponsor, Stunt Puppy. Sidewalk Dog will be enjoying the festivities from Stunt Puppy’s tent. Plus, Fetch Delivers will be there to refuel your dog with treats and free one-pound sample bags of Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance dog food (great for active dogs) and to hand out coupons for any food in the the Now!/Go! lines, which can be redeemed at any retailer. ScoopyPoo will take care of anything your dog—ahem—leaves behind, Bits of Love Pet Massage will be providing mini-massages for your four-legged athletes and Pampered Pooch Playground will be on hand to simply love up all the pups.
Registration is $47 for one adult and one dog. If you haven’t pre-registered, registration for the 5K-9 opens at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning, and the race starts at 10:35 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
There will be three water/trick-or-treat stops along the way, and remember: There’s no shame in walking if you get tired—you can always blame it on your dog.
Here’s some important info from the pooch lovin’ people behind the race:
1. Race Guide: The entire guide can now be downloaded at www.teamortho.us. In the guide, you will find detailed schedules and start locations for runners, information on parking, great suggestions for spectators and where you can pick up awards for running and costumes. We encourage you to read this document.
2. Packet Pickup is Friday, October 30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Please note that packet pickup has moved from Marathon Sports to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Time for packet pickup: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. in Ballroom B. Please bring a valid ID and your confirmation card. If you didn’t receive a confirmation card yet, never fear; come to packet pickup with your photo ID and we’ll get your bib number for you. Note: There will be no packet pickup on race day for the Half Marathon and the 10 Mile.
3. Registration is still open for the 5K-9: Online registration (highly encouraged!) shuts down Wednesday night. You can register at packet pickup on Friday or on race day; registration fee will be $47.
In early 2007, Bless the Bullys: Pit Bull Rescue & Education in Tennessee introduced the idea of an annual National Pit Bull Awareness Day, encouraging pit bull advocates everywhere to host celebratory events in an effort to garner positive media attention, promote responsible ownership and combat existing stereotypes.
Appearances by celebrity pitties Ruby (nationally recognized therapy and service dog), Wallace (2007 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Champion and World Finalist) and Hector (certified therapy dog rescued from the Michael Vick fighting operation)
Fabulous exhibitors, including yours truly, Sidewalk Dog (we’ll be sharing a booth with K9-Connection)
Silent auction
And more!
Hope to see you and your pooch—pit bull or not—there.
*That’s right! All breeds are welcome to attend this event. In fact, according to the “All-American Dog Fest” Web site, their goal for this year is equal representation of all breeds. “Often, many pit bull and other ‘bully breed’ owners leave their dogs at home because of the negative stigma attached to the breed. ‘All-American Dog Fest’ provides responsible owners of any breed the opportunity to show off their well-behaved dog at a non-judgemental public event. Whether you have a chihuahua, a golden retriever, or a pit bull, we hope we’ll see you and your dog at the event!”
Next up? MPRB and Sidewalk Dog are teaming up to host a super fun contest!
We’re looking for ten valid yet funny reasons to pick up after your dog. If you’re among the ten winners, your reason will appear on a poster along with a photo of your dog. (Not just any photo—a Sarah Beth Photography photo!) Posters will be displayed throughout the Minneapolis park system and featured right here on our blog. Plus, all winners will receive cool gear from Stunt Puppy, and the grand prize winner will also receive a $50 gift card to Pampered Pooch Playground.
Enter to win: Email us by 9/30/09 (fall/winter themes welcome). Ten winners will be chosen and notified shortly thereafter.
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.
When we at Sidewalk Dog finally got around to launching the Sidewalk Dog Directory last summer, we threw ourselves a party to celebrate. And just where did we hold our fabulously dog-friendly celebration? At fabulously dog-friendly Corner Coffee in Downtown Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood.
This summer — this weekend, in fact — Corner Coffee is hosting their own dog-friendly event. They’re calling it “Dog’s Day Out,” and it’s this Saturday from 4-5PM.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Live music by folk singer-songwriter Trish Painter. Painter’s new Dog Tracks album features “original songs about and inspired by dogs — their adventures, their dreams and their lives of snooping around and loving life.”
Information on Guardian Angels For Soldier’s Pet (GASP), a nonprofit dedicated to reuniting military service members with their pets following deployment or emergency hardship
Information on The Pet Project, a new nonprofit helping the financially struggling keep their fur kids by providing pet food and basic supplies via local food shelves
Our advice: Go early — the first 150 to show up will get a free gift bag — and stay late.
“THIS JUST IN: Tens of thousands around the Twin Cities metro area were reduced to uncontrollable fits of hugging after the Internet release of the 
