By Meredeth Barzen

Walking into Uptown’s Smitten Kitten, it’ll be clear that it’s not a cat-supply store (though they do sell toys). As this is a family blog, we’ll have to be rather obtuse about the Kitten’s inventory, but let’s just say it’s mainly toys that aren’t made for kids or pets. You’d stop by to pick up something to put a little spring in your step, to make those cold, February days trapped indoors with your sweetie a little sweeter. Or, you’d stop by to say hello to Smitten Kitten’s shop dogs: Annie Mae, a 4-year-old Shih Tzu/Brussels Griffon mix and Sally, a 6-year-old Chihuahua who was rescued from a puppy mill by Underdog Rescue.

Annie Mae

“Smitten Kitten has welcomed a variety of dogs into our shop since we opened nearly seven years ago,” says Dog Mom and proprietor Jennifer Pritchett. “At one time or another, not only have I had the privilege of bringing my pups to work but I also welcome staff to bring their canines in. Not only is it wonderful for our staff to have our dog companions here, but our customers enjoy the warm, relaxed atmosphere too.”

And while a certain stigma falls over adult stores, Smitten Kitten aims to present an air of warm, welcoming, educational health and wellness. Friendly, approachable staff and doggie pals Annie Mae and Sally are a big part of that atmosphere. “Many people who are new to Smitten Kitten are not only nervous about sex and sexuality generally speaking, but also feel trepidation about coming in to a “sex shop” because they have only experienced distasteful stores that cater to the raunchy video, cheap novelty and immature gag gifts. Having shop dogs relaxing in our friendly, boutique-style store is welcoming and a breath of fresh air for everybody,” Jennifer says.

Sally

Though her pooches aren’t often in the store these days—Sally ’s puppy mill-past means she can find the constant stream of new faces and situations a little stressful, and Annie Mae prefers to stay attached at the hip to her dog-sis—Jennifer points out that Smitten Kitten welcomes customers’ dogs into the store. “Of course, we expect good behavior but we can’t help but smile when one of our dog friends gets rascally, too,” she says.

And with Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend, it’s the perfect time to stop in and pick up something of the amorous nature. Jennifer and the gang have ordered special soy massage candles: Stop in on Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon for a free one with a purchase of $25 or more. And be sure to bring along the love of your life: your dog!

By Meredeth Barzen

Not to make you paranoid, but now that you’ve stocked up on gifts for the dog lovers in your life, the only thing left to do to ensure the holidays go off without a hitch is to make sure your house is free of common pet poisons. Here to share her list of the Top 10 Holiday Hazards for Pets is Dr. Justine Lee, board-certified emergency critical care veterinary specialist and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline (PPH). Justine is dog mom to JP, a rescued pit bull; if you see her, ask her about the one time JP got into something he shouldn’t have—but be warned: It’s not a pretty story. And if your pet encounters any of the following items, don’t waste time reading about it. Call PPH immediately at 800.213.6680. Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Top 10 Holiday Hazards to Pets

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains two main poisonous chemicals: theobromine and caffeine. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous the chocolate! White chocolate has little “real” chocolate in it, so generally isn’t a problem. General symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (what we fondly term “chocolate diarrhea”), an elevated heart rate, agitation, nervousness, hyperactivity, to even tremors or seizures with large ingestions. When in doubt, keep that wrapped gift of chocolate-covered espresso beans away from your dog and don’t keep them under the Christmas tree.

2. Poinsettias

Poinsettia

While we get called about Poinsettias a lot, don’t believe the hype—they aren’t that poisonous. They may cause a mild upset stomach, but most dogs avoid it thanks to its milky white, bitter sap.

3. Raisin-containing foods

Not sure who still makes fruitcake nowadays, but the currants and raisins within holiday desserts can cause kidney failure in your dog. Keep any grapes, raisins, currants, etc. away from your dogs, and don’t let your houseguests feed your pets any table food, as they may not know something as “benign” as fruitcake can be deadly to your pet.

4. Holly and mistletoe plants

Mistletoe sprig

While holly may look nice to decorate your house, those waxy, thick leaves with sharp points can result in a very upset stomach to your dog. In fact, holly leaves are difficult to digest, and massive ingestions can actually result in a foreign body obstruction (as they get “stuck” in the stomach). Other type of yule-time plants like mistletoe can cause profound vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and even heart arrhythmias when ingested in large amounts, so keep these out of reach.

5. Fire-starter logs

Most fire-starter logs aren’t poisonous, as they mostly contain compressed sawdust and wax, but this can get stuck in your dog’s stomach when he thinks these logs are chew sticks. This can result in a foreign body obstruction also, so when in doubt, keep these out of reach of your pets. Also, some types of fire-starter logs have heavy metals in them (to add a “sparkling” type of color to the fire), so when in doubt, call Pet Poison Helpline if your dog ingests them.

6. Tinsel

While tinsel itself isn’t poisonous, it’s dangerous—especially if you own a cat or a dog who likes to chew and swallow stuff. What looks like a shiny toy can prove deadly if ingested. Tinsel does not pose a poisoning risk but can cause severe damage to a pet’s intestinal tract if swallowed. Ultimately, pets run the risk of severe injury or rupture of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery. This is typically more a problem with cats, but for those of you with multiple species in your house and heart, avoid the tinsel.

7. Holiday foods

With the holiday season comes a delightful variety of baked goods, chocolate confections and other rich, fattening foods. However, it is not wise (and in some cases is quite dangerous) to share these treats with your dogs. Keep your dog on his or her regular diet over the holidays and do not let family and friends sneak treats. Foods that can present problems:

• Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs. It causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
• Leftover, fatty meat scraps can produce severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

8. Alcohol

Because alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, it affects pets quickly. Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure. Additionally, foods such as desserts containing alcohol and unbaked dough that contains yeast should be kept away from pets as they may result in alcohol toxicity, vomiting, disorientation and stomach bloat.

9. Holiday ornaments

When decorating for the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such as bubble lights may contain poisonous chemicals. If your pet chews on them the liquid inside could be could be dangerous to their health. Methylene chloride, the chemical in bubble lights, can result in depression, aspiration pneumonia and irritation to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

10. Imported snow globes

Recently, imported snow globes were found to contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol.) As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze when ingested by a cat or a tablespoon or two for a dog (depending on their size) can be fatal. Signs of early poisoning include acting drunk or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy. While signs may seem to improve after eight to 12 hours, internal damage is actually worsening, and crystals develop in the kidneys resulting in acute kidney failure. Immediate treatment with an antidote is vital.

By Meredeth Barzen

Okay, you naughty little puppies: Some of you haven’t yet picked up a gift for the dog lover in your life, and time’s running out. But don’t despair. We love our readers so much that we’re willing to do the hard work, and in addition to the lovely local ideas we suggested a few weeks ago, we’ve dug up a few more last-minute gift ideas from some of our favorite Twin Cities stores. Happy Holidays!

From Bone Adventure: Planet Dog makes holiday dog toys that are made out of durable rubber that is buoyant and recyclable—plus, they’re super-minty and do wonders for stinky dog breath. These toys make a great stocking stuffer for your dog. Small light bulbs are $7, large bulbs and mint are $11.






From Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet: Lazer Brite reflective collars and leashes (perfect for those dark, wintertime walks.) The reflective material is visible from several hundred feet away, and is the same 3M product often used by emergency responders for high visibility. The collars and leashes range in price from $5.69 to $18.69.

From Lulu & Luigi: Dog Grass. If your dog loves to eat grass, you might as well have it be certified organic barley grass that gives them vitamins and minerals. Plus, the chlorophyll acts as a natural detoxifier, a mild antibiotic and a deodorizer. An easy to grow treat for pet health and vitality. $4.




From Urbanimal: Molly Mutt dog bed D.I.Y. kits are beautiful  duvet covers that go over “stuff sacks,” which you fill with old blankets, pillows or clothing. They’re chic and eco-friendly! Pick one up at Urbaminal on either side of the river, or have it delivered. Small dog bed kits are $50, medium/large bed kits are $72.




From CorAzoN: “Dogs Can Sign, Too: A breakthrough method for teaching your dog to communicate,” by Sean Senechal. Just imagine the possibilities presented by this book, which promises to help you communicate with your dog. $16.99 at both CorAzoN’s Minneapolis locations.

There’s a heck of a lot going on in the pet industry, perhaps most especially right here in the Twin Cities. (Just check all the activity on our Facebook Page!) This makes us here at Sidewalk Dog very happy, since we’re all about connections: connecting you, our dear readers, with pet-related and dog-friendly businesses and nonprofits, connecting those same businesses and nonprofits with each other, and so on.

Another way local pet-related businesses and nonprofits specifically are connecting is through a networking group called PetPAC (a.k.a. “Pet Professionals and Companies”). The following is a little Q and A with PetPAC founding member Lynne Willeke of Bark Busters:

When did PetPAC start?
PetPAC was founded in 2007.

Who started PetPAC and why?
Sonja Tengdin of ScoopyPoo, Jay Cowan of Fetch Delivers and I started meeting one-on-one to talk about ways we could partner to market our businesses through joint projects. It quickly became apparent we could do even more if the three of us met together. Soon after we were joined by Cathy Menard of The Urban Dog and Amy Rosenthal (formerly) of the Animal Humane Society. The five of us then founded PetPAC.

What is PetPAC’s mission?
Our mission is to grow our individual businesses through networking, to promote and support other member businesses, to promote and support responsible pet ownership and to provide the public with useful information.

What are some of PetPAC’s goals?
Our short-term goals include demonstrating professionalism and leadership within the pet industry and supporting and promoting member businesses through networking. Longer term, we plan to share knowledge with the public and to become the go-to professional association for anything pet-related.

How has PetPAC changed since it started?
Originally, someone that owned or operated a pet-related business needed to submit an application and get approval from the PetPAC membership committee prior to attending a PetPAC meeting. Now PetPAC welcomes guests at our meetings without any prior approval. There remains an application form and a reviewal process for those who wish to become PetPAC members, but anyone is welcome to attend indefinitely as a guest.

If someone wants to join PetPAC, who should they contact?
They can contact me at minneapolisnorth@barkbusters.com or at 763.228.3649.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I’d just like to reiterate that anyone who owns or operates a pet-related business is welcome to attend any PetPAC meeting as a guest. Our next meeting is from 8:30-10 a.m. on January 21, 2010 at Minnesota Grille in Byerly’s St. Louis Park.

Thanks, Lynne! Now, if you still need to pick up a holiday gift for the dog lover in your life, we encourage you to take advantage of the following special offers from PetPAC members:

Bark Busters: $50 off a customized in-home training package (includes all levels). Valid in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.  Limit one $50 offer per customer. More info.

Forever Lawn: $30 off a K9 Potty, a self-enclosed dog potty featuring antimicrobial K9Grass. Perfect for apartments, condominiums, balconies, boats, etc. More info.

Pure Spirit (training, behavior, animal communication): 10% off a 5-session private, in-home training package or $10 off an animal communication consultation. More info.

Talk2theAnimals (animal communication): Talk2theAnimals is running specials on calendars, photo books and more. Visit their Web site for more details, but hurry! Discount codes expire 12/24/09. More info.

By Meredeth Barzen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Meredeth Barzen

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

A Cosmo's Collar.

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

The Tahoe line from Bark + Biscuit.

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

Stunt Puppy's Stunt Runner™

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

Mod-Dog's Scottie note card.

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah's take on sweet Stella.

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

Where to find it: Online.

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

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

Where to find it: Online.

Pug pill case from Personalized Pooch.

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

Where to find it: Online.

The Christmas capelette from BugDuds.

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

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

A doggie kimono by Wahssie.

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

Where to find it: Online.

A jacket by Grand Marais' Arrowhead Trading Co.

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

Where to find it: Urbanimal, online.

Six of Marianiello's cubes.

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

Oil pastel by Thornton.

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

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

A pet reliquary by Lisa Havelin.

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

Where to find it: Online.

Klecko's new book.

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

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

Paper dolls by Hungry Dog Designs.

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

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

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

Yum!

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

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

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

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

Sidewalk Dog is pleased to have author and Minnesota native Sid Korpi grace our blog to talk about her latest book, Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss. After surviving a “tsunami of loss” in her own life, Korpi felt compelled to share her discoveries with others who suffer—often in isolation—from the passing of of their very dearest nonhuman friends, their pets.

You know it’s true. We animal lovers get a raw deal when it comes to mourning the death of our pets. Case in point, a woman who’d lost a companion animal emailed me this: “I feel so guilty for grieving over the loss of my pets over the years…maybe your book will help me to let go of that guilt, as so many people will say, ‘God, it’s only a dog’!!!!”

I wish it were as easily accomplished as my saying to her, “As a bona fide animal chaplain, I absolve you of your guilt here and now!” Say, I wonder how I’d look in a pet-hair-covered leotard and cape?

Seriously though, her feelings are not uncommon. In researching my book, Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss, I repeatedly heard that people had an easier time getting past the death of a human relative than they did the loss of their pets. This comes as no surprise since our society gives us “permission” to grieve a person’s death. They offer us compassion and patience as we process the feelings of loss.

Surely they would extend that same support to us for our grief over the death of the companions who were by our side 24/7 and who loved us without conditions or complications, right? Nope. Flying in the face of all logic, most people expect us to shrug off that kind of loss; they even perceive us as defective for feeling lingering sorrow or pain.

This is absolutely ludicrous!

Sid Korpi and her husband Anthony Kaczor with their rescued Westies Keely, Blanche and Mortimer (who passed away June 14, 2009).

The amount of grief we feel is commensurate with the amount of love we shared with our animal family members. Such feelings are normal and appropriate. However, we mustn’t unconsciously vow to be “stuck” in a negative emotion forever. Risking loving again is precisely what will heal our hearts, as long as we don’t rush into adopting another pet too soon. We must still work through the worst of our grief beforehand, as denying or burying those feelings can produce disastrous effects in our health and relationships—even those with future pets.

For folks who feel trapped in their grief, try this visualization technique: Imagine your deceased pet’s spirit is working on the Other Side to bring you another pet, one paw picked just for you, to arrive when your heart is ready to receive him or her. This allows you to be open to moving on without fear that you might be betraying his memory. Instead, you’ll be honoring your departed pet by entrusting him to help you choose wisely, to give you a sense of certainty when the right new critter comes along.

Sidewalk Dog is pleased to have author Matt Goldman grace our blog to chat about the role dogs play in our lives and in his debut children’s novel, Dingeltrot and the People of the Mill. A Minnesota native, Goldman has written for several television shows, including Seinfeld, Ellen, The New Adventures of Old Christine and Wizards of Waverly Place (for which he was recently nominated for an Emmy*).

Symbiotic relationships exemplify nature at its best. Two unrelated creatures come together to benefit one another. Clown fish and sea anemones. Bees and flowers. People who enjoy having a box of defecation in their house and cats. But no relationship is more symbiotic than the relationship between mankind and dog(kind). Dogs give us companionship—we give them food. Dogs give us protection—we give them food. Dogs herd our sheep—we give them food. That’s how it started, anyway. Now the mutual benefits between Man and dog(kind) include love, exercise, narcotic detection, escaped convict tracking, anxiety reduction, sight, dead duck retrieval, misplaced mothering instincts (little dogs with lots of clothes), misplaced superiority complexes (big dogs with lots of teeth) and misplaced inferiority complexes (The Westminster Dog Show. )

I’m amazed by and grateful for our relationship with dogs, which is why I’ve included them in my novel for children, Dingeltrot and the People of the Mill.

In the book, secret colonies of foot tall people live scattered across the globe. These people achieved their diminutive stature over thousands of years of selective breeding. Impossible? Picture a wolf. Now picture a Chihuahua.

Dingeltrot is twelve-years old and fourteen inches tall, the tallest person in his colony. For this he is ridiculed and excluded. Then he learns of his people’s darkest secret. Once in a while there’s a genetic throwback—a woman becomes pregnant with a baby that will grow into a big person, a condition known as bignancy. A bignant woman births a fetus so small and unformed it cannot live outside the womb, but the people have learned to incubate them to full term by transplanting the fetus in a watermelon. When the baby is born, the people dump it on the doorstep of big people because, in their colonies, bringing another big person into the world is a source of great shame.

And there’s another part to the secret: Dingeltrot learns that he has a twin brother who is a big person. Feeling unloved and unwanted, Dingeltrot leaves the safety of his colony and ventures out to find his twin.

It’s on this journey where Dingeltrot meets and rescues an abused sheep dog from a life of abuse and neglect. And even though he’s only fourteen inches tall, the symbiotic relationship between man (boy) and dog prevails. Dingeltrot rides the dog, hidden in the safety of its fur, directing it with voice commands. And soon, he learns he’s not the only person of his stature to do so.

By taking a risk and venturing out, Dingeltrot improves not only his life, but the lives of hundreds of others, big and small. But he couldn’t have achieved any of it without the love and help of a dog.

*Editor’s Note: On September 12, Goldman won an Emmy for his work on Wizards of Waverly Place, officially making him Sidewalk Dog’s favorite Emmy-winner.