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!

Meredeth Barzen

Higgins takes a joyride in a mini ATV at Totally Kids.

We at Sidewalk Dog have a soft spot for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog who passed away this spring. So when Annie Seberson of Totally Kids Furniture and The Bean Bag Store in Bloomington e-mailed us about her shop dog, a Cav named Higgins, our hearts naturally melted. The more we learned about Higgins (is that a great name or what? We wish she had a doggie-sized tweed jacket, monocle and pipe to go with it … ), the more we loved her. Here’s what we learned about the little Cav who graces what her mom calls “the largest children’s furniture and toy store on the planet.”

Sidewalk Dog: Can you give us some background on your store?

Annie Seberson: Kay (my mother) is an interior designer specializing in children’s rooms and decided that opening a retail store would showcase fun and interesting products making them available to many more people. We are a woman-owned, mother/daughter team. We love what we do and have been serving the Minneapolis area since 1983.

SD: Tell us about Higgins. How did she come into your life?

AS: Higgins is a black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is 2 ½ years old. In 2008, my mother and I were having coffee at Starbucks and saw two Cavaliers cuddling with their owner on a bench on the sidewalk. We had never seen that breed before and were so impressed with their markings and disposition; we just had to get one. Higgins loves hiking and cuddling with anybody, anywhere, anytime. She especially loves a tummy rub.

SD: How long has Totally Kids had a shop dog?

AS: We have had a shop dog for nine years. Before Higgins, there was Cinder. Cinder was a mild-mannered, people-loving golden retriever belonging to an employee, Bob. Bob brought Cinder to work everyday for seven years. Cinder is now in doggy heaven.

SD: Do you let other dogs in your shop?

AS: Dogs are always welcome; we have doggie treats and a water bowl. Higgins likes to share.

SD: How does Higgins react to the customers? How do the customers react to her?

AS: Higgins loves everyone. Many of our customers are children and they are always excited to see Higgins.  Our staff are all enthusiastic dog lovers with pictures of their pups on their computers as screen-savers and pinned to the walls in the office. Higgins is the inspiration behind a Halloween costume party for dogs called “Wag-o-ween” that we host in October.

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

AS: There has not been one frustrating moment with having a shop dog. I think everyone needs a shop dog. They bring joy, entertainment, and warmth to the work environment.

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

AS: Yes, I think people like being greeted by a friendly, fluffy, tail-wagging little dog.

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 Pet Haven 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!

Share on Facebook