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.”

Abbey, holding down the fort at South Lyndale.

By Meredeth Barzen

When Abbey—a truly remarkable St. Bernard—passed away last August, owner Dan Campo wasn’t the only one grieving the loss. Abbey was the shop dog at South Lyndale Liquors, and the South Minneapolis community she called home had gotten used to her—even come to depend on her—as a fixture of the dog-friendly store.

Regulars will remember the way Abbey padded around the crates of wine and shelves of liquor, not in anyone’s way, careful not to bother customers, but always happy to accept a scratch behind the ears.

Abbey was trained in Colorado as an avalanche rescue dog. Dan took her in when she “retired” from that job, but her eight years with him were far from uneventful. Dan took all 160 pounds of her with him on his adventures. Together, they covered 200,000 miles of the country’s highways, summited more than a dozen of Colorado’s highest peaks, and made friends with mountain goats, marmot, big horn sheep and even a bear.

Abbey on one of her adventures, making nice with some goats.

“I can’t begin count the number of backcountry ski adventures we shared,” Dan says. “We once walked to safety together out of a 10,000 acre forest fire after two days with no water. We navigated a 300-foot-deep slot canyon in Southern Utah that was only a few feet wide for 11 miles together. Watched the numerous sunrises and sunsets backpacking on the Colorado continental divide trail. Abbey was a loyal companion the whole time.”

Last August, on a Colorado camping trip, Abbey got sick, and though Dan and his group was able to get a police escort to an emergency vet, they weren’t able to save her.

Abbey’s memory hasn’t left South Lyndale Liquors, though. “As fate would have it, just 10 hours before she fell sick, Abbey and I rescued another St. Bernard who was left alone in a back yard near Boulder, Colorado for almost two years,” Dan says. “The owners put food and water outside occasionally, but he was about 30 pounds underweight.” Tobias, as he’s now called, is slowly putting on weight now, and keeps Dan company at the store, though he sticks close to his new owner most of the time. “Tobias loves people, kids and other dogs just like Abbey, but he isn’t used to the freedom of wandering the store—greeting customers, their children and other dogs—like Abbey did.”

Abbey’s impact on her community was clear: “I came back from Colorado a week after Abbey’s death to find my desk covered in sympathy cards; some addressed to me, but many more simply addressed to South Lyndale Liquors,” Dan says. “It made me realize how much Abbey meant to everyone in the neighborhood.”

And though the world will never see another dog quite like Abbey, she was the quintessential shop dog—respectful, sweet, a treat for customers and a friend for employees. She showed how shop dogs can turn ordinary stores into living, breathing members of the community.

“It’s hard looking through 8 years of photos from some of the most amazing places on earth and realizing that Abbey is the one constant,” said Dan when we asked him for photos of Abbey. “However, every one of those memories was incredible.”

Abbey and Dan at South Lyndale Liquors.

**Editor’s note: Stop in and say hi to Dan and Tobias when you’re stocking up on holiday libations in the next few weeks (and bring your pooch, too!)

Most of us would do anything to keep our pets’ bellies full and their medical needs met. For some Minnesotans affected by the economy, the only “anything” available in their situations is to give up their best friends because they can’t afford food and vet care. This grim reality is what drove Kim Carrier to start The Pet Project last July. (See “Keeping Families Together, One Bag of Food at a Time …“)

Here are a couple fun ways to help this wonderful organization feed hungry hounds (cats, too) this holiday season:

Tails Up: The Pet Project's 1st Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive, presented by The Pet Project, FetchDelivers.com and Pampered Pooch Playground

Muddy Paws Cheesecake's 17th Annual Toy Drive & Cheesecake Sampling

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.

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.

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.