Lena Swanson.

Lena Swanson is an animal communicator who has talked with critters of all stripes and spots, from iguanas to chinchillas. “[Animal communication] is getting popular because it gets results that people sometimes don’t get when they work with a behaviorist,” Swanson says. “It’s exploding exponentially.” Swanson, who works mainly over the phone, got into animal communication after taking a class in 2001. “Basically, it’s empathetic telepathy,” she says, “skills that we’re all hardwired for. I don’t have any skills that you don’t have; I’ve just worked on them. I get words, dialogues and monologues from animals, images, feelings, and an understanding of what they’re trying to convey. My strong suit is hearing words. When I tell my client what their pet is saying, they say ‘oh, that sounds like him.’”

Janet Roper and horse, Shiloh.

Elaine Garley of Animal Bridges communicates with dogs in a similarly telepathetic manner. “I ask people to send me an email with a photo of their pet and a list of questions,” Garley says. “As I talk to the animal, I type a transcript that I email the guardian. Although I hear the

conversation, often it feels like the words just flow out of my fingers. Occasionally I will talk with an animal in person and tell the guardian the animal’s thoughts. My dog and I have conversations all the time.”

With a background as a musician and a spiritual director, Janet Roper of Talk2theAnimals knows how to listen. “I hold heartfelt, conscious conversations with the animals and renew the relationship between the animal and their human,” Roper says. “I see the relationship between animals and people as being one of power with, instead of power over.” And, like Swanson, she also believes that all people can communicate with their pets—an act she calls “a very natural, organic thing to do.”

Sage Lewis and dog, Java.

Sage Lewis of Dancing Porcupine offers some examples of questions that an animal communicator can help resolve: “People call for a variety of issues ranging from behavioral, health, mental, emotional or end-of-life issues. Sometimes I’ll have a rush on potty issues, sometimes aging, or thunderstorms—I never know, but I’m always open to what comes,” she says. “The animals are ready to have their voices heard, so why not listen?”

Those looking for a more traditional photo of their pets might visit Patrick Nau of Patrick Nau Photography, who generally shoots indoors at his South Minneapolis studio. “I love to capture the dignity, playfulness, beauty and spirit of the dogs I photograph,” Nau says, and adds that he specializes in helping clients who would like to memorialize their pets with a beautiful photo.

Patrick Nau pet portraits.

Finally, Sarah Ernhart of Sarah Beth Photography aims a whimsical, modern lens at her furry subjects, staying away from what she calls the “arm around your golden retriever” shots. The award-winning photographer works best in her studio, but also shoots on location if it suits the client. “My style focuses on the animals themselves” Ernhart says, “and captures what you love best about them—their quirky expressions, their tricks, their soulful eyes.”

Sarah Beth photography.

So stop trying to maneuver Spot into a photogenic pose. Call up one of the area’s many talented pet photographers. It’ll be easier on both of you.

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.

The holidays are inevitably crazy. Sometimes you just can’t devote as much time to your dog as you’d like to during this hectic time. Or perhaps you’re traveling and he needs a warm bed and a reliable ball-thrower while you’re gone. No worries: Everyone will be taken care of, thanks to a few local pet care experts.

Pampered Pooch Playground may be relatively new in the industry, but with daycare, training classes, a grooming spa, overnight stay with webcams to monitor your pup’s mood, and a generally eco-friendly approach to business, they seem to have the idea down pat. Holiday reservations are almost full, so book soon—Sidewalk Dog customers get $10 off their first visit. And if you do keep your dog home during the holidays, cautions co-owner Keith Miller, keep them in a quiet room so they’re not frightened by all of the commotion.

It's no surprise dogs have so much fun at Pampered Pooch Playground where parents can watch the fun from several webcams placed throughout the daycare and boarding facility.

As a smaller facility, Paws in the Park prides itself on being able to give individual attention to each dog under its care in a calm environment. Pups can enjoy heated indoor play areas or an outside play area during the day, and overnight guests sleep in employees’

Guests enjoy pool party at Paws in the Park daycare, who offers one of the largest outdoor play spaces in town.

homes. And, during the holidays, the company’s homemade natural dog treats are buy one get one half-off.

Pets Are Inn has been boarding dogs overnight in pre-screened, private homes since 1982. “We interview each owner to determine the lifestyle needs, idiosyncrasies and habits of the pet and then match to an appropriate family,” says owner Ann Platt. “That family takes the pet into their home and treats it as a member of their family, following the client’s instructions regarding feeding, sleeping arrangements and furniture privileges.”

Abby enjoys the view from her host family's living room window at her Pets Are Inn home away from home.

PAW: A Pet Care Company offers a personalized in-home approach—employees can come to your house while you’re gone, or take your dogs into their homes to be treated like one of their own. “I joke about switching the name to ‘domestic goddess services,’” says owner Katie Westling. “We end up doing everything from cleaning house, babysitting, running errands … pretty much anything related to the home.”

Yes, Ginger is always this happy at her PAW host home.

Those who are out of town or just too busy during the holidays can rest easier knowing that their dogs are in good hands.

Fetch delivers pet products to homes in the Twin Cities.

Remember Pets.com, that short-lived online pet store that delivered to your door? The company went under in 2000, though not for lack of a great concept, as evidenced by FetchDelivers.com, a Twin Cities-based version that takes the grunt work out of keeping Spot stocked with food, treats and toys.

As owner of a pet store—and not a virtual one—Jay Cowan still found himself out of dog food from time to time. Intrigued by the Pets.com concept and loathe to leave the house for emergency dog food runs, Cowan sold his store and started Fetch Delivers as a local, affordable answer for pet owners like himself.

Concept aside, the Web site is especially valuable to Metro dog owners during the upcoming winter months. Picture this: February has dumped another blizzard upon us, it’s four degrees outside, and your pup only has three bowls of food left. Having said food show up on your doorstep certainly seems like the more civilized option, doesn’t it? Especially if said food shows up with a smiling face, no delivery charge and a special treat for Toto?

Tess Keen, director of sales and marketing for Fetch, Inc., points out an added convenience for winter-bound pet owners. “Fetch carries salt for both your water softeners and your driveways,” she says. “We have both regular ice melt and pet-safe ice melt. It was just another heavy and bothersome item to have to go pick up at your local store. Now you can let us do the salt and pet supply delivery for you.”

A man, a plan, a pet, a concept. Looks like FetchDelivers.com just made winter a lot easier for cold people and hungry pets.

Heel Dog Walking founder Lauren Witheridge and her dog Brandi demonstrate a new weight pack like her fitness clients will be using.

Former graphic designer Lauren Witheridge started Edina-based Heel Dog Walking last December with one goal in mind: to turn her “passion for pets into a business that contributes to the community.” This fall, she’ll be expanding that goal with the new Heel P.H.A.T. Camp program, which targets overweight dogs with a 3-pronged approach of nutrition, exercise and health.

“The problem,” Witheridge explains, “is that an extra 10 pounds for us might make us uncomfortable in a bathing suit, but for an average-sized dog it could put it 25-percent over its ideal weight (classified as obesity). An overweight dog can suffer from diabetes, heart or respiratory disease, joint problems and arthritis.”

The P.H.A.T. (Physical, Healthy, Active and Toned) program aims to get Fido back into shape with “more than just a walk,” as Witheridge says.

“It’s a 12-week program that involves three class meetings, having your P.H.A.T. Camp counselor come by three times a week to exercise your dog, and a nutrition journal. They [the counselors] use a progressive program that readjusts to keep challenging your dog as it gets more and more fit,” Witheridge says.

Witheridge's own dogs, Brandi (left) and Bailey (right), love the work she's doing to help dogs get fit.

Witheridge was inspired to improve pets’ qualities of life by her own canine companions: Bailey, a 4-year-old Wheaton Terrier/Poodle mix, and Brandi, a 2-year-old Rottweiler.

“All of this boils down to a much happier dog and owner and hopefully some new interest in getting out with their pets for some exercise, to go for a swim or to go to the dog park,” Witheridge says. “When our clients are happy and grateful, I am too. It’s very fulfilling that I can do work that means something to someone every day.”

If you’re interested in Heel Dog Walking or P.H.A.T. Camp, you can reach Lauren Witeridge at info@heeldogwalking.com.

If the cost of gas is telling you to “stay home, stay,” but you love taking your dog wiht you, don’t despair.

There are several ways to get around the Twin Cities with your dog that don’t require a car!

Here is a list of some of the best alternatives for giving your dog a ride.

Ride
Metro Transit Customer Relations informed us that buses and the Light Rail allows dogs on board with one provision: they must be contained inside an airline-approved, hard sided locking pet carrier. If your dog is too heavy for you to lift the carrier yourself, you can ask the bus driver to lower the wheel chair lift, slide the carrier onto the lift the carrier with your dog inside, and they will be lifted up into the bus. Then just slide the carrier to where you will be sitting.

Bike
Minneapolis and St. Paul are known for their bike trail systems. Why not bike with your dog in tow? There are several wheeled carriers made for dogs. The carriers hook up to the back of your bike so you can pull your dog behind you. (What a work out that would be with my 84lb dog!) We found several models. Check out the Tail Wagon and the Rover from Burley, the jogging stroller people; the Croozer Dog from Croozer Designs and several options from DoggyRide.

All of these models fold down flat for easy stowing or storage. They all have weight limits, so do your homework before you purchase.

Pet Taxi
If you’ve given up gas-powered transportation all together, your pet can still ride. Just call Bandits Pet Express, Inc., for one-way and round trip pet taxi service for dogs and cats only starting at $15.

In case you hadn’t noticed, puppy season is here! We’ve seen those cute, waggy tails all over the city. If you’re a proud new puppy parent, it’s Just Paws Puppy Training, to the rescue.

Determined to give puppies their best start, which leads to long-lasting good health and behavior, Feeney said, “I focus on positive and practical training methods to build obedient, confident and loving puppies.” The company’s classes teach dog parents and puppies how to interact, and her ongoing playgroups show pups how to socialize with their furry peers in a fun, off-leash environment.

Just Paws Puppy Training classes and playgroups take place indoors in Edina and St. Louis Park, and outdoors through the summer in Wayzata. Just Paws also offers private training sessions in your home or at a pre-determined site.

A special outdoor puppy playgroup hosted by Just Paws Training and Bone Adventure is coming up Saturday, June 21 as part of Tails by the Lake, Wayzata’s Day for Dogs. Mini and small –dog breeds are invited to join the puppies for off-leash play.