By Meredeth Barzen

As the great Dr. Kate Knutson once said, “It takes a lot of money to keep a living creature alive.” With that in mind, U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced a new piece of legislation called the HAPPY Act (a.k.a. “Humanity and Pets Partnered through the Years,” a.k.a. H.R. 3501—you can see why they’re sticking with just “HAPPY” in common usage.) If passed, the bill would allow pet owners to claim up to $3,500 in tax deductions for qualified pet care expenses per year, including vet bills.

“Well sign me up,” you might be saying. Hold your horses; first, we have to help get this thing passed. Clearly, this bill is important given the high cost of pet care, the lousy state of the economy and the fact that many families have had to give up their beloved pets because of they couldn’t afford to care for them. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Let your Minnesota State Representatives know about this bill, and encourage them to support and co-sponsor it. Write letters telling them why the HAPPY Act is so important, in your own words or using this template.

OK, quick review: HAPPY Act, tax deduction, pet care, write letters. Got it? Good. GO TEAM!

By Meredeth Barzen

These days, with the economy in the doggy potty, many pet owners are conflicted because they want to provide good care for their dogs, but can’t afford basic vet services like spaying and neutering. That’s where MN SNAP comes in.

The Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP) provides low-cost spaying and neutering to animals from rescues, shelters and low-income families. The organization’s framework was set in place by Dr. Kim Culbertson, a local veterinarian, and is relying mostly on word-of-mouth right now to raise awareness of its services and the growing problem of pet overpopulation.

“Shelters and rescues are trying to do their part [to reduce pet overpopulation] by ensuring that most or all of their animals are sterilized prior to adoption,” says MN SNAP’s Jennifer Allen. “Many pet owners, especially in urban and rural areas, cannot afford spay/neuter surgery, do not have access to a veterinary clinic, or do not understand the consequences of unchecked reproduction by their sexually intact pets. Most rescues operate on a very lean budget and are burdened by the costs associated with spay and neuter, thus limiting the number of animals they can save. Affordable and accessible spay/neuter services are essential to stopping the flow of puppies and kittens being born into a world that won’t or can’t take care of them.”

Dr. Kim Culbertson, MN SNAP's veterinarian

As the only mobile spay/neuter clinic in Minnesota that specifically targets low-income households, MN SNAP has “been showered with an outpouring of support from the community,” Allen says. The young organization has worked with and served groups like Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, The Pet Project, Homeward Bound, Pet Haven, A Rotta Love Plus, Minnesota Boxer Rescue and Secondhand Hounds.

And the economic climate has made its services especially important. “More animals are being surrendered due to unexpected litters, people not being able to feed the animals  they have and general lack of income for animal care,” Allen says.

“We are always looking for angels to the animals,” Allen says. “We rely completely on community support; your donations of time, money or supplies, coupled with your love for companion animals, will save the lives of thousands of animals in Minnesota.” And, as the great and aptly named Bob Barker did for so many years on “The Price Is Right,” she closes with the classic line, “Please spay or neuter your pets!”

By Meredeth Barzen

This holiday season you don’t have to leave any dog or dog lover off the list because there’s no shortage of inspired gifts from local artists, manufacturers and shops. Here are a few of our favorites for you to check out as you check off your list.

Clothing

For doggie clothing that has it all — style, attitude and an eco-friendly twist — visit the Climutt online boutique. All pieces, conceived and created by local designer Sydney Holcomb, are made from pieces of fabric that were formerly parts of human fashion statements. (**Mention Sidewalk Dog in the notes portion of your online order and save $5 through Dec. 31, 2008.)

Hip clothing from Climutt.

Gear

Now every dog — big dogs included — can look fashionable with collars and leashes from bark+biscuit. Everything is created by local designer, Alisha Zavadil, and is heavy duty enough for everyday wear.

Designer collars for big and small dogs from bark+biscuit.

And, no parent of a Sidewalk Dog should be without the Stunt Runner leash from Stunt Puppy created by local Ken Goldman. The versatile leash is perfect for running, walking or shopping with your dog, tethering them outside at a pit stop or when you need a short lead to get to and from the car to the dog park.

The versatile Stunt Runner leash for running, walking and shopping, from Stunt Puppy.

Art

Give the dog lover in your life a lasting memory of their dog by gifting a painted portrait from artist Jessie Marianello, founder of Stray Dog Arts, or Sarah Anderson of Lintu Art. All you need to commission a portrait is a photo for the artist to work from.

Print and photography from Lintu Art that capture’s your dog’s personality.

Commissioned art from Stray Dog Arts that capture’s your dog’s spirit.

For any pet lover who has lost a pet or whose pet is experiencing a serious health issue, Pet Reliquaries, by local designer Lisa Havelin, creates custom lockets and pendants to  help dog parents keep their loved one close to their heart at all times.

Pendants from Pet Reliquaries.

Also creating beautiful stone sculptures to celebrate and commemorate past and present pets in our lives is local artist Mark Clements of Follow The Muse. His sculptures can be personalized and are great for outdoor or indoor display.

Follow the Muse hand-sculpted stone to commemorate your pet.

Photo Sessions

And though no dog lover I know is void of photos of their dog, you may consider a professional photo session that can function as family art. Consider gifting a photo session with Patrick Nau or for family-oriented flair, Sara Beth Photography if it’s all about the dog, or Olive Juice Studios for their unique “dog-umentary” approach.

What dog lover wouldn’t love a professional photo featuring their dog, like this one from Olive Juice Studios?

Give Back and Save a Pet

More than 100 shelters and rescue groups around the Greater Twin Cities area are in need of food, toys, treats and monetary donations. Why not consider gifting a donation, in the name of a dog lover on your list, to his or her favorite animal welfare group? For a list of groups throughout the Minnesota visit Petfinder.com. You can also check out their Sponsor-A-Pet Program where you can also see a list of local shelters who have individual pets who need sponsors to provide food and care.

More Ideas

Leave no dog off your list! For more gifts and ideas be sure to visit local stores Bone Adventure, Lulu and Luigi and Corazon.

They did it! The Minneapolis City Council voted yes to an ordinance that will allow licensed Minneapolis sidewalk cafes and eating establishments to obtain an additional license that will allow your companion dog to dine with you in outdoor cafes!

Get the full parameters of the permit process. (From the Minneapolis City Council.)

In August, Sidewalk Dog will launch the first directory of dog-friendly establishments in the Twin Cities. For all of you chomping at the bit to dine with your dog, this will be your first stop to find out who is open for canine customers!

Minneapolis council member Lisa Goodman (Ward 7) has been instrumental in getting Minneapolis to be the first city in the state to adopt the new ordinance to allow outdoor cafes and eating establishments to allow companion animals by special permit. (Made possible by S.F. 2876 signed into law in May.)

According to an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, 6/12/08, the policy has won “initial approval” and “full approval is expected June 20.”

Great news! The proposed bill 2423 asking the state to allow muicipalities to allow companion animals to accompany patrons in outdoor food establishments passed into law! It is now S. F. 2876.

The most relevant parts of the law to dog parents stipulates the following:

• Subdivision 1: A statutory or home rule charter city may adopt an ordinance to permit food and beverage service establishments to allow dogs to accompany persons patronizing designated outdoor areas of food and beverage establishments.
• Subdivison 2. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. The ordinance must prohibit dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs, (as defined in section 347.50), from accompanying patrons to food and beverage establishments.
• Subdivision 3. Banning dogs. The ordinance may not prohibit a food and beverage establishment from banning dogs. A person accompanied by a dog who remains at an establishment knowing that the operator of the establishment or its agent has posted a sign banning dogs or otherwise informed the person that dogs are not permitted in the establishment may be ordered to leave the premises.
• Subdivision 4: Permit process. (a) The ordinance must require participating establishments to apply for and receive a permit from the city before allowing patrons’ dogs on their premises.

Other provisions state that dogs must be kept on leash at all times and are not permitted on chairs, tables or other furnishings.

Read the full text of the bill, sections 1.1 through 3.7, which also includes more details for owners of food and beverage establishments on the permit and health and safety provisions.

Both Ali and I had an opportunity to call in to the Jack Rice show on WCCO 830AM today as he discussed opinions about having dog-friendly cafes in the Twin Cities. This discussion was spurred just as bill 2423, which would allow for cities to allow their outdoor restaurants and cafes to welcome dogs as diners, is pending approval in the Legislature .

He was opposed to dog-friendly cafes until we called in and told him how much being dog-friendly it would benefit the bottom line of restaurants and small businesses. Ali also had the opportunity to call in and say how important it is that she, as a single woman, have an option for getting out on the town w/out worrying about her dog being home all day and then leaving him again. An important consideration for all working professional dog parents.

A few callers who were opposed to it were simply afraid of potential accidents, hair in the food or fights. This goes to show us how important it is to take only well-behaved, well-trained dogs out on-the-town. This is the best kind of education for people who don’t understand dogs.

Here were some common objections, what do you think?
What about people with allergies?
What about people with dog phobias?
What about hair floating through the air into food?
What about dog fights?
What about dogs licking themselves?

Send us your comments right here through the blog!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

I was delighted to find out that Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL, District 60B) has authored a bill (HF2423) that would “Authorize municipalities to enact ordinances allowing [companion] dogs to accompany persons patronizing outdoor areas of food and beverage establishments.”

This is the first step in making the Twin Cities more dog-friendly and an important one for letting businesses choose to cater to dogs and their people when it’s good for their business.

The second step is for our City officials to make the decision to allow outdoor cafes to welcome dogs.

Now is the perfect time to begin lobbying your representatives on the City level to let them know you want your companion dogs to accompany you in outdoor eating establishments and sidewalk cafes. They need to hear from dog parents now so that when this bill passes, they have heard your desires and can take them into account when making their decisions.

Find out about your Minnesota district and your State Representative and Senator in your district.

For your City Officials visit the League of Minnesota Cities website and look up your City’s official website where you’ll find your representatives.

Here is a simple email you can send to your City officials:

Dear [Name of City Representative],

It has come to my attention that Bill 2423, if passed, will authorize Minnesota municipalities to enact ordinances allowing dogs to accompany persons patronizing outdoor areas of food and beverage establishments.

I am a responsible dog parent in your city and would very much like to see any ordinances be lifted that currently prevent my companion dog from joining me in outdoor cafes and food establishments.

My dog is part of my family and I have invested considerable time and effort into training her and building a relationship. Having my dog accompany me is very good socialization for her and it is a great way for me to enjoy time with her. In addition, it is a great way for me to meet people and build community, while also patronizing my favorite dog-loving establishments.

Companion dogs and their parents have many liberties like this in so many other cities across the country. I wold like to see our city offer those liberties, too.

I thank you in advance for taking my desires to heart for having my dog accompany me in outdoor food establishments.

Sincerely…