By Meredeth Barzen

It’s a good time to be a dog in the Twin Cities. With more and more dog-friendly restaurant patios, dog-friendly stores and lovely pet boutiques popping up every day, that much is obvious. But what you might not realize is that our area is on the verge of a dog park explosion, with multiple new parks either proposed, being built or newly completed. And when you take into account the many existing dog parks where our four-legged friends can romp, play and socialize, it’s a very good time to be a dog indeed. Here’s an update on some of the newest additions and potential players in the dog park scene:

The newly completed Brookdale dog park.

Brookdale Dog Park, Brooklyn Park: COMPLETED!

This new off-leash park at 7650 June Avenue North was built just two weeks ago by the employees of the Brooklyn Park Home Depot, which also donated the fencing and supplies for the project. The City of Brooklyn Park installed lighting, signage, other amenities and a drinking fountain for the city’s estimated 6,000 to 10,000 canine residents. A $3.00 daily use fee is required or a current Brooklyn Park dog license, which non-residents can obtain. Don’t miss the grand opening celebration Monday, August 16 with a “Leash Cutting” ceremony at 6 p.m and live music at 8 p.m.

Andover Dog Park: PROPOSED

Advocates of a proposed off-leash park for Andover, MN met with the Andover Park & Rec Commission on July 15 to discuss the issue—and they came armed with almost 450 petition signatures and four potential sites for the park. According to the group’s website, “The Park & Rec Commission thanked us for the presentation and asked for time to review the local dog parks and the four parks suggested. There will be another meeting in September to further discuss the Andover Dog Park project.” If you’d like to join the efforts, you can add your name to the petition or e-mail AndoverDogPark@gmail.com for more information.

Kingfield Dog Park, Southwest Minneapolis: PROPOSED

The proposal for an off-leash area in Southwest Minneapolis’ Martin Luther King Memorial Park is not without controversy: According to a July 26, 2010 story by the Star Tribune’s Randy Furst, some residents “believe the 18 1/2-acre park is hallowed ground, named for the greatest civil rights leader in American history, and not a place where dogs should run loose.” The story also reports that an informal poll held last month found 47 in favor of an enclosed dog park on the site, 30 against, and three maybes.

Says Brook Lemm-Tabor, an advocate of the park who is closely involved with the process, “The park commissioners at one point promised an off-leash park in every district. Our district, the sixth district, is the only one without a park. Also, we have the largest number of annual dog licenses purchased annually yet the lowest number of additional off leash permits. The parts of the park that we propose to develop are very under utilized by the general public. We have been agreeable to changes requested by the park board staff to review other locations within the park to further develop other under used areas. We have done outreach to the surrounding communities and received great support.” She adds that there are rumors the park board has earmarked some funds to get the basics underway, but the group will need to raise more to make the project work.

The Kingfield Dog Park advocacy group, a task force of the Kingfield Neighborhood Association, has a very active Facebook page with updates and news. If you’d like to get involved, you can attend an open meeting on Thursday, September 2nd at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Park gym. Or, buy a snappy Kingfield Dog Park T-shirt to get the word out. You can also visit the group’s website for a long list of ways to help out.

Stillwater Dog Park: PROPOSED

Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park (FSADP), which proposed this off-leash area at a yet-to-be-determined site, raised more than $700 for the dog park at a June 9th Yappy Hour at Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque. “We are still plugging away at raising funds, which is our main obstacle at this point. We are seeking grants and corporate sponsorships,” says Allison McGinnis, FSADP president. “There is definitely a growing interest and need for a dog park in the Stillwater area. Area residents (including those in Wisconsin) currently drive to St.Paul and White Bear Lake area to exercise their dogs. Having a dog park in the Stillwater area would benefit the whole community.” For more info or to help this cause, visit the group’s Facebook page, e-mail Stillwater city officials to tell them you’d like a dog park in Stillwater, or make a donation here.

Victory Prairie Dog Park, North Minneapolis: COMPLETED!

North Minneapolis dedicated a brand new dog park at 47th and Sheridan Ave. N. last month, christened the Victory Prairie Off-Leash Recreation Area. “The dog park will not only provide dogs with a safe place to play and exercise, but also a way for the Northside neighbors to come together,” said Jon Olson, MPRB District 2 Commissioner before the dedication. “We appreciate all the work the Webber, Camden and Victory neighborhood associations and many other residents did to help us pull this project together.” Both off-leash recreation area permits from the MPRB and pet licenses from the City of Minneapolis Animal Care & Control are required to use the park, the first of its kind in North Minneapolis.

St. Paul Dog Parks: PROPOSED

STPdog (St. Paul Dog Owner’s Group) is an informal advocacy organization working to bring more dog parks —or, as STPdog calls them, “parks for people with dogs”—to the city of St. Paul. Led by Jan Carr, who is tireless in his efforts, the group’s members include animal communicator Lena Swanson, The Canine Coach trainer Maureen Haggerty and Wendy Harter, owner of Dog Days doggie daycare. And they’ve done their homework: The group has put together a thorough breakdown of dog parks in St. Paul by the numbers. If you’d also like to see more dog parks in St. Paul, you can join the group’s e-mail list, Google discussion group and/or Facebook group.

By Meredeth Barzen

Animal lovers braved the cold last winter for an ARC Petland protest.

If you subscribe to Sidewalk Dog’s handy-dandy newsletter (and if you don’t, you should: Sign up here), you’ll recall that we often promote the Animal Rights Coalition’s protests of Petland stores. ARC holds these peaceful demonstrations to protest Petland’s policy of buying animals from puppy and kitten mills, which often keep their animals in inhumane conditions and practice irresponsible breeding. Though organizations like ARC are doing their best to educate the public on this issue, the implications of buying animals from pet stores are still far from common knowledge, so we asked Dallas Rising, program director of ARC and founder of Small Dog Rescue of Minnesota, for some clarity.

SD: Tell us about the Petland issue.

DR: Petland is the largest national chain of pet stores that sells puppies and kittens from mills. I am leading the Minnesota effort to put pressure on stores here to change their policy on that. Twenty-eight Petland stores have closed since 2008. This is in part due to boycotts and protests.

What steps have you taken to get them to stop buying from puppy mills, and how successful have those steps been?

I have written to the owners and attempted to get them to talk with me about this issue—they have ignored all of my communications. We do regular peaceful demonstrations outside the stores, leaflet, run a Facebook page, and have done call-in days to the national headquarters. [This month's protest happens Sunday, August 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the St. Paul Petland on Hudson Rd.]

Does Petland still buy from puppy mills? If so, what’s the next step to try to stop it?

Yes, they do. [We have to] keep the pressure on, keep educating consumers and encourage people to adopt dogs and cats from rescues and shelters—not to buy from pet stores.

Where are you focusing most of your energies? Public education? Policy? Legislation? Other avenues?

We are strictly about public education and pressuring the stores to stop what they’re doing. There are groups who work on legislation…we support them and they support us.

Why focus on Petland as opposed to other pet stores that stock from puppy mills?

They’re the biggest chain—there is a national effort.

What can a concerned pet parent do to help the cause?

I think that the notion of animals as property instead of individuals with feelings, needs, and the ability to suffer is a huge part of the puppy mill problem. When dogs and cats are considered property and commodities, their interests are compromised. If people want to help, here are things they can do:

• Boycott Petland and ask others to do the same
• Join our Facebook page for updates (Minnesotans Exposing Petland)
• Join us at demonstrations, which are posted on the Facebook page or e-mail me at dallas@animalrightscoalition.com
• Make a donation to help pay for the permits we need to hold a demonstration. For $20 you can sponsor a demonstration. Donations can be made though the Animal Rights Coalition website, checks can be sent to us or people can make a donation at the demonstrations.

A bill to regulate Minnesota’s commercial dog and cat breeders has been getting a lot of attention lately—though the bill was just defeated in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sidewalk Dog asked Animal Humane Society (AHS), which was closely involved with the effort, to educate our readers on this issue. Here’s what AHS’s Tracie Jacobson had to say:

Since the beginning of this year, Animal Humane Society has rescued more than 130 animals from puppy and kitten mill situations. At the same time, the Minnesota Dog and Cat Breeder Bill, also known as the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill, was “laid on the table” in the agriculture committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate. It remained “on the table” in both committees at the end of the 2009 session. During the current session, the Senate Agriculture Committee heard the bill on Tuesday, March 9. Unfortunately, it was defeated by a 7-5 vote. (Click here for details on the outcome of the Minnesota Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill (S.F. 7/H.F. 253) in 2010.)

For animal lovers like you and me, it’s difficult to comprehend how a bill such as this doesn’t pass the Minnesota Legislature. By not putting licensing and inspections of breeding facilities in place, the state is continuing to allow animals to experience pain and suffering. They are left to live in substandard conditions, oftentimes without food, water or exercise and very little interaction with humans resulting in extensive behavioral and health issues—issues that become the burden of Minnesota taxpayers. As many of you know, Minnesota is one of the top producers of puppies in the United States. At the same time we are one of a diminishing number of states that continue to allow the dog and cat breeding industry to operate without licensing and inspections. In fact, Wisconsin passed legislation in 2009 to regulate breeders.

Opposition to the bill is strong in Minnesota. According to our friends at Animal Folks Minnesota, those in opposition state the bill is “unnecessary because current Minnesota law already addresses animal cruelty, care and housing in animal facilities.” This statement and many others are not true, nor are the many other arguments legislators are hearing from special interest groups against the bill. These statements provide a never-ending source of misinformation contributing to the bill’s lack of progression in the Minnesota Legislature.

So what can we do? At Animal Humane Society we will continue to take in and care for animals seized from inhumane breeding facilities. We will also continue with our efforts to pass legislation that will protect these animals in the future.

The coalition leading the effort, which includes Second Chance Animal Rescue, Animal Humane Society, Animal Folks Minnesota and many others, does not see this as an end. We’re not giving up. Citizens throughout Minnesota voiced their support of the bill this year and the Minnesota Legislature heard us. They know about the problem of inhumane dog and cat breeding and the need for regulation. We have to continue to be a voice for animals.

You can be a part of the effort by becoming an Animal Humane Society Animal Advocate. Through this network you’ll be provided opportunities to help get the message out across the state about the importance of the bill. Please also visit Animal Folks Minnesota for additional information regarding puppy and kitten mills in Minnesota. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign the petition showing your support of this effort.

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!