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.

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.

Itty-bitty pittie puppy Starla takes in the sights and smells of the All-American Dog Fest.

By Meredeth Barzen

It was the dog version of the United Nations at the West St. Paul Armory last Sunday, as representatives of breeds both big and bitsy communed for the first-ever All-American Dog Fest, organized by MN Bully Lovers.

“Equal representation of all breeds is the goal for this event,” said Jen Jamar of MN Bully Lovers. And from chihuahuas to pit bulls to African mastiffs to Great Danes, breeds of all shapes and sizes (and hundreds of their people) came out to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day (which was Saturday, Oct. 24) and to visit more than 30 booths, including K9-Connection, Dancing Porcupine, The Dog Perk, Sarah Beth Photography, Stray Dog Arts, Lintu Art, The Canine Coach, Bark Busters, Fetch! Pet Care of Golden Valley to Edina and ScoopyPoo. They also took in an animal communication demo with Janet Roper of Talk2theAnimals, a NADSR sanctioned weight pull and 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 ring).

Zephyr pulls his own weight (and then some!) in a competition.

Some bully breed owners hesitate to bring their dogs to dog-friendly events because of the stigma that MN Bully Lovers and other organizations are trying so hard to correct, Jamar said. Along with MN Bully Lovers’ effort to engage in positive socialization of their dogs (the club organizes group walks and other ways for bully breeds to meet and mingle), All-American Dog Fest proved that a room full of well-behaved dogs—bully breeds included—can get along swimmingly.

When the media reports on dogs who are victims of aggression and abuse, Jamar says, “people see that these dogs are suffering, but they don’t see the rehabilitated dogs.” That’s why it’s so important that people meet dogs who’ve survived abuse and become loving family members, like Hector and Ruby. “Hector’s having a great time, meeting so many people,” said owner Andrew Yori. And Ruby beamed with pittie pride as a DVD about her life was shown to attendees.

Trinity (in pink), Jewel and Sky show their dog Samson some love.

“Pit bull owners are very passionate people,” Jamar said. “The event’s been very successful so far, we learned a lot this first time around, and we’ll use that when we hold it again next October.”

If you’re interested in adopting one of the many unwanted and neglected pit bulls in Minnesota, we encourage you to contact A Rotta Love Plus, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue and Gemini Rottweiler and Pitbull Rescue.

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.

In honor of this year’s National Pit Bull Awareness Day (officially October 24), MN Bully Lovers is hosting its first annual “All-American Dog Fest“ to “celebrate all breeds of dogs while highlighting positive traits of the American Pit Bull Terrier.” The free event is this Sunday, October 25, from 12-5 p.m at West St. Paul Armory Training and Community Center, and well-behaved dogs of all breeds* are welcome to attend with their owners.

Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to on Sunday:

• Indoor activity/demonstration area: contests, an animal communication demo with Janet Roper of Talk2theAnimals, a demo by the Minnesota Disc Dog Club and a food drive to benefit The Pet Project
• Outdoor activity/demonstration area: a NADSR sanctioned weight pull and Canine Good Citizen testing
• 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)
• Guest speakers galore, including Maureen Haggerty of The Canine Coach (dog aggression), Sage Lewis of Dancing Porcupine (animal communication and Tellington TTouch) and Kellie Dillner of A Rotta Love Plus (dogs and kids)
• Screening of the new documentary Wallace – The Rise of an Underdog
• Representatives from pit-loving rescues A Rotta Love Plus, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue and Gemini Rottweiler and Pitbull Rescue
• 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!”

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

What makes the new Sidewalk Dog postcard extra special?

1. It features our new interactive map of dog parks and dog-friendly patios, courtesy of our good friends at Stunt Puppy. Check it out and add (and review!) your own faves here.
2. It was designed by the enormously talented Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography.
3. It stars darling Dachshund Kassi, whose mom is Kari Finkler of Mod-Dog, “modern art for modern pets.” (I recently bought their oh-so-mod Cavalier King Charles Spaniel notecards for a fellow Cav mom.)

Check it out! Isn’t it pretty?

By Meredeth Barzen

File under: ‘Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?’

In a move so natural it was almost inevitable, some very smart people created Now Boarding, the second half of the above equation that’s right next to the MSP Airport’s parking lot and is so swanky, you’ll find yourself asking if they let people stay there as well.

The facility, which is affiliated with the Animal Humane Society, stands apart from other boarding operations for many reasons:

Now Boarding’s pet pool: Club Med for dogs

• There’s a pool. A pool, for Pete’s sake! Add an umbrella drink to the water bowl and your dog’s halfway to Aruba.
• Your pup can choose from any one of 4,000 square feet of irrigated, synthetic K9 grass upon which to do its business.
• They’re a Pethaven foster facility, so in addition to taking care of your lovely animals, they’re providing food, water and shelter to plenty of homeless animals in the area.
• The outdoor/indoor space can be rented out for events, Meet Up groups, or any other pet shenanigans you can cook up.
• You can park there, drop of Spot, and be shuttled to the airport in time to make your flight. The ultimate in handy-dandy!

Want an inside look at Now Boarding’s new digs? Attend Dogs and Drinks “Jump into Spring” event on May 30th. We’ll be there and would love to meet you!

By Meredeth Barzen

What better way to weather the beautiful (though lesser-known) Dog Days of Autumn than to pack up the car and take a road trip to one of Minnesota’s myriad dog-friendly vacation spots? In nearly every part of the state, you’ll find lodging that would love to accommodate you and your dog.

The Outing Lodge interior is rustic and cozy.

Start in the South, with Red Wing’s Moondance Inn. The Inn’s 1904 Victorian rental house is a spacious, no-frills, private country getaway for you and your four-legged pals. Upriver, Stillwater boasts The Outing Lodge, where owner Carlota Estevez’s chocolate lab accompanies guest pooches on miles of wooded walking trails surrounding the lodge.

For rugged dogs who love to romp, Lake Superior is the place to let loose. The Inn on Lake Superior really rolls out the welcome mat with a check-in goody bag, which includes a tennis ball, a bandana, an “In case I get lost” dog tag, treats and a list of local pet services. Also in Duluth is Fitger’s Inn, where vacationing dogs find a dog bed, bowls for food and water atop a water-resistant mat and a welcome treat waiting for them.

The picturesque shores of Bluefin Bay.

Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery and Cottages in Lutsen is always looking for guest dogs to keep Jazmin the Shih Tzu company, and Bluefin Bay gives them space to roam right on the shores of the Great Lake.

For those heading out west, Mulberry Row in Detroit Lakes is home to Ebby, a chocolate lab/weimaraner mix who sometimes writes about her visiting friends on the B & B’s Web site. And for dogs who really want to see “Up North,” the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais is always pet-friendly, particularly during special “pet-lovers” weekends.

Then again, for Twin Citians who want to save gas money but still get away, downtown Minneapolis offers two dog-friendly

W Hotel in the Foshay Tower has a complete menu of pet services.

hotels: The Chambers (for fancy-pants pets), and the brand-new W hotel, where dogs are supplied with their own concierge.

Now there’s no excuse not to scour the state with your canine playmate. Get packing!

My day went like this: leave city, enter gorgeous area with many trees, sigh deep breath of relaxation. That was just my drive out of Minneapolis. Then I rounded the bend, just 30 minutes from home, into Minnetonka Orchards where I was greeted by Jay Schaper, his daughter Emily and her “Uncle” Oliver — her grandparents’ stately Goldendoodle.

Then, like in a city slicker escapist fantasy novel, I was whisked away in the farm’s utility vehicle through tree-lined, winding trails on soft, mulch-covered ground that skirted horses, goats, turkeys, an outdoor stage and event area and then — aaah — three separate apple orchards that grow more than 14 varieties of apples.

We made it back to the apple store (not that Apple store), but a place where you can buy the orchard’s produce along with a variety of locally made foods such as jams, cheeses and ice cream, and locally made artisan goods like wooden magic wands made from the orchard’s apple trees and “tractor wear” created by Jay’s wife, Nora.

I was greeted by Jay’s brother Scott (pictured left with Emily, Oliver and Jay). “

This was our parents’ orchard. Jay and I pretty much planted the first orchard as boys [...reluctantly. Very reluctantly],” he said. “At the time, it all seemed like hard work to us.” Jay chimed in, “But even then,” he added, “we always thought that maybe someday we could take over the place and make a go of it.”

That day has come. Now in their second year of ownership, Jay and Scott offer a variety of regular attractions and activities including a mountain of hay for climbing, the spectacle of free-roaming goats, turkeys and chickens, a large tent for weddings and family or corporate events, children’s comedy theater performances, a corn maze and acres of wooded trails.

And everyday in the orchard leashed dogs are welcome!

When asked how dogs figure in to all of this Jay replied, “We just LOVE dogs. Oliver has a great life here, hunting and running free. We want to share that with other dogs and their owners. We welcome well-behaved, trained dogs to come and roam on-leash on our beautiful 40 acres and enjoy the day with their owners.”

Jay emphasized that weekdays are the best time for dogs. Admission is free Monday-Friday and it’s a little less crowded. He also stressed the importance of leashing dogs at the orchard due to the turkeys, chickens and goats roaming around.

They also offer specific activities for dog lovers including demonstrations from the Twin Cities Disc Dog Club on September 14 and Dog Days of Fall October 25-26 when there will be a “best dog sweater” fashion contest, dog hayrides and dog adoption.

Minnetonka Orchards opening weekend is September 5-6 when admission, caramel apples and hayrides are free! Regular cost of admission Saturday-Sunday is $4 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free.