A scene from the dog trick contest at Woofstock 2009.
“The Hiiiills are aliiiive … with the sound of doooogieeeees.”
Yep, that’s right—Linden Hills Woofstock is right around the corner—Saturday Sept. 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to be exact. And first things first: Sidewalk Dog is going to be there with bells on.
In fact, Sidewalk Dog, Pampered Pooch Playground and K9 Connection will be be providing a warm water dog wash in the Sebastian Joe’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shampoo is being provided by Topline Canine Care (a local company, natch), and all money raised will go directly to The Pet Project, which which helps people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling and provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing (you might also recognize them as the fabulous beneficiary of last week’s Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux—Continued). If it’s too cold for sudsies, we’ll be playing fun doggie games in the parking lot all day long. There might even be some yummy coffee and treats from Sebastian Joe’s.
A happy customer at last year's Sidewalk Dog-sponsored warm-water dog wash.
But now that we’ve dispensed with the business, let’s talk about the event, which doubled in attendance from 2008 to 2009 according to Lauren Crandall of Pixie Song Events, which produces Woofstock. Last year, “it seemed like EVERYONE had a dog, so the numbers really were astounding,” Lauren says. “As a result, we’ve closed off more real estate this year for more dog events. Bob Bayers of Bayers Hardware is closing off his lot, which is giving us a huge amount of space for more events and safe, car-free mingling.”
All your favorites will be back, including C&E Dog Training with an agility demonstration and a Pint-Sized Play session from Fresh Air Training so smaller dogs can get in on the fun. “We’ll have live music again this year, and dog trick shows for ‘amazing’ dogs, as well as a trick event for ‘average dogs! New stuff we like includes Zen Pooch Doga (yoga with your dog) sponsored by K9 Connection, and a dog/owner photo booth sponsored by Pampered Pooch Playground. And we love that Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) are setting up tents in the Dunn Bros parking lot and having their trained therapy dogs read along with any children that would like time to cozy up with a friendly fido and a good book,” Lauren says.
And don’t forget to stop by that dog wash—we’ll see you there!
The Dog Perk's booth at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair.
By Meredeth Barzen
You know that old saying that comes up every year around State Fair season? “At the Fair, you can find anything imaginable on a stick.” Well, thanks to The Dog Perk’s Tony Waara, that saying has applied to treats for both people and dogs for three years now. Tony’s the creator of Dog Biscuit on-a-stick, which he sells out of his Dog Perk booth located inside the Fair’s Pet Center (located on the northeast corner of Underwood and Murphy in the south center aisle). Type “The Dog Perk” into the State Fair website’s “Merch Search” for more info.
Like all brilliant ideas, Dog Biscuit on-a-stick has one heck of an origin story, which Tony was kind enough to share with us:
“Three years ago, we started our company [The Dog Perk's primary purpose is to sell T-shirts, bandanas and other products for dog lovers] and applied to be in the State Fair. Like all Minnesotans, we figured it would be years [until we were approved]. The Fair called two weeks later and two weeks before the start of [that year's] Fair. We were excited and overwhelmed, considering we had just started our company.
So, naturally, you think ’something on a stick.’ We first thought ’shirt on-a-stick’ and then it popped into my head—dog biscuit on-a-stick! So with a leap of faith, we placed a huge T-shirt order and prayed people would like our shirts.
The famed Dog Biscuit on-a-stick.
The first year at the Fair, we maybe sold a hundred biscuits. The second year, we put a coupon in the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book. With nothing to reference, we figured [we'd sell] maybe 100 or in our wildest dreams 150 a day. The first day I brought 50—my wife Amy was coming later with more. I walked in and in the first 15 minutes, all 50 were gone and I was on the phone to Amy screaming ‘Bring everything! There are people everywhere with coupons!’
Amy had to fight through the crowd to get to our booth where there were people waiting and waving coupons. We ran out of biscuits the first two days, so she and a neighbor began baking non-stop for nine days—the treats are made by hand, no mixer. Their hands were numb for the next month. We ended up selling 750 a day and total of 10,000 that year. We are planning on selling 15,000 this year along with our bandanas and T-shirts.”
The Dog Perk has another Blue Ribbon coupon this year, so you know the demand will be high again. So get down to The Dog Perk’s booth early to treat your furry friend to the hottest biscuit ever to grace a (rawhide) stick!
Bone Adventure served up some special sushi squeaky toys and treats. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Well, folks, we’ve done it again. It was touch-and-go for a bit with rain in the forecast, but our friend and fellow dog lover Jonathan Yuhas (KARE 11 weather guru) called in a favor and held off the rain for the evening. We’re proud to report that Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux—Continued was a smash success. During Wednesday’s festivities, close to $1,000 was raised for our fabulous beneficiary, The Pet Project. Click here if you missed the party but would still like to donate to this noble cause.
Make no mistake—serious fun was had by all. And if you weren’t able to make it and need further proof, Sarah Beth Photography snapped some great photos. See for yourself!
Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Bug Duds' Dorothy Grinolds shares a roll with gal pal Ladybug. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Sidewalk Dog editor Meredeth Barzen strikes a pose with a tray of hand-rolled dog-friendly maki sushi. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
This little one was particulary well-dressed for the occasion. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Jack slipped into a pleasant food coma after feasting on some doggie sushi and ice cream. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Paw Reader and professional actress Peggy Kelly informs a human about her hound's future. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
From "To the Rescue"—that's Sparky on the boat and Luna in the water.
Ever given your dogs voices or made up stories about the complex inner workings of their silent lives? It’s called anthropomorphizing, and don’t feel bad—we do it all the time too.
Max Haynes, a local photographer, author and web designer, has taken it one step further and created Tiny Dog Tales, a website featuring multiple “picture stories” about his pooches, Sparky and Luna, as well as the occasional guest dog protagonist.
Even a casual perusal of the website reveals Tiny Dog Tales isn’t a half-baked hobby or a quirky way to fill one man’s idle time. Breathtaking photos of Haynes’ striking dogs (and a few of their friends) take center stage, set to witty captions that evoke the playful, innocent spirit that we all project on our four-legged friends from time to time. “This is our big sister, Winkie,” Luna says of her cat sibling in “Stinkie Miss Winkie.” “Her breath smells like rotten fish. Yum!”
How would a person come up with such an inspired idea? We went to the source to find out:
Sidewalk Dog: Tell us about your dogs. Max Haynes: Sparky is a double-crossed dachshund—half wire, half long, half black, half pie-bald—but all doxie! He’s six. Luna is a dorkie—half mini wired-haired doxie and half yorkie. She’s eight months old.
Max Haynes with his dog Luna.
SD: Where did you get the idea for Tiny Dog Tales? MH: Sparky wrote a story about life after death called “A Dog’s Guide To The Hereafter” and when Luna came into our lives, he decided to document their adventures together. Since I am a web publisher and a children’s book author, I decided to combine the two into TinyDogTales.com.
SD: How do the stories come about? Do you get an idea for a story and stage the photos to depict it, or do you take the photos and then create a story around what you’ve captured? MH: Following the dogs around with a camera is like panning for gold; you never know when you’ll hit treasure. I take my cues from new circumstances and nice light and usually just see what happens. I look for themes to build around after the pictures are taken.
SD: When did you officially launch the site? How has the reception been so far? MH: It went live on July 1st and so far we’ve had 8,750 visitors, so it’s a pretty good start. That’s about 275 a day for the past 30 days, I expect it to be 10 times that in six months.
From "The Rules."
SD: Are you thinking of expanding Tiny Dog Tales in any way? MH: There is much more planned. There will be e-cards that you can send as-is or put your own dogs into. There will probably be some things like T-shirts, and the ultimate goal is to develop books for young readers based on the lives of the dogs. I am currently working on a book for the Animal Wellness Center in Maple Grove about Sparky getting his teeth cleaned.
SD: If someone wanted to create their own dog’s Tale, what would that process be like?
MH: I have just finished a tale based on the three dogs of veterinarian Cassie Engmann and hope to do more of this type of thing. Sometimes I am hired to photograph a person’s dogs, like in this case, and sometimes I just happen to be in the right place at the right time, as in the case of Matilda [of "Flying Matilda"].
SD: What’s your favorite Tale so far? MH: Wow, that’s tough, let’s see … perhaps “Stinky Miss Winkie,” since it portrays all three of my furry pals.
Back by popular demand, Sidewalk Dog and Tiger Sushi 2 in Uptown are hosting a yet another installment of the Sushi With Your Poochie shindig that we threw last month—and you’re invited!
During last month’s Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux parties, more than 150 dogs and 200 owners were treated to fresh sushi, fresh air and fun. For a complete overview of the event, click here to read Sidewalk Dog’s blog post on it. For photographic evidence, check out the complete gallery of photos that Sarah Beth Photography took at the event. If you attended last month’s event and Sarah caught you and your pooch in action, you can purchase the photo three ways: as a $5 low-resolution download ($1 goes to our beneficiary for the night, Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program); a $20 print up to 5×7 ($3 goes to MNSNAP) or as a $35 print up to 8×12 ($5 goes to MNSNAP).
Anyway, the event was such a hit that we’re holding it again! On Wednesday, August 18th, we’re throwing Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux—Continued! Same time, same place. All your favorite parts of Part Deux are back, including the doggie sushi, the lovely Paw Reader Peggy Kelley and Tiger Sushi 2’s amazing human happy hour treats. This time around, we’ll have doggie ice cream from Pumphouse Creamery to help our four-legged friends beat the August heat, and our beneficiary will be The Pet Project, which helps people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling and provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing. Click here for ticket info.
Since we worked out the kinks for our July event and, as promised, turned it into “a well-oiled fun machine,” we’re giving you another opportunity to see what all the buzz is about. Here are some highlights to look forward to:
The sushi artists at Tiger Sushi 2 are once again hand-rolling special dog-friendly maki sushi for our four-legged friends! And, for the first time, doggie ice cream will also be available to help Spot beat the August heat.
Paw Reader and professional actress Peggy Kelly is back to inform you what lies ahead in your pet’s future.
In addition to being able to order off Tiger Sushi’s amazing happy hour menu, which the restaurant is offering for the entire event, you can purchase ready-to-eat boxed sushi from a table on TS2’s beautiful patio.
Bone Adventure will have special rawhide sushi treats, chew toys and other whimsical products for sale.
A small portion of ticket proceeds will go to our fabulous beneficiary, The Pet Project, which helps people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling and provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing. The Pet Project will also receive part of the proceeds from all paw readings and $1 from each of Tiger Sushi’s fabulous martinis (Ninja Jinga or or Pomegranate Empress, anyone?) sold that night. Please note The Pet Project requests that you NOT bring a food donation to this particular event. You can donate at the event, or support them by purchasing raffle tickets, paw readings and those yummy martinis.
We’d love to see you, with or without your pup!
The Deets
What: Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux—Continued, an encore on-leash social event presented by Sidewalk Dog and Tiger Sushi 2
Date: Wednesday, August 18th.
Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Tiger Sushi 2’s gorgeous patio at 2841 Lyndale Ave. in Uptown Minneapolis. (Free parking is available after 4 p.m. in the Egg & I parking lot across the street.)
Cost: $15/person in advance; $18 at door if not sold out ahead of time.
A pup gobbles up a sweet treat at 2008's Paws on Grand event.
As if this summer weren’t full enough with events celebrating great neighborhoods and their four-legged friends, we’ve got another one to tell you about: This Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., St. Paul’s Grand Avenue will be packed with pups for the Paws on Grand event.
Many of Grand Ave.’s businesses are holding specials, deals and activities for the event: At Dog Days, trainer Linda Schindler will be answering questions and you can get your dog’s nails trimmed for $5. At Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, visit some adoptable pups from Homeward Bound Rescue—and if one catches your eye and goes home with you, you’ll get a $50 gift card to the store. The Bibelot Shop is offering 20 percent off all pet-related items, and the list goes on!
It’s a be-there-or-be-square kind of event, and as Sidewalk Dog is anything but square, you can be sure we’re choosing the first option and showing up with bells on. So stop by and say hi!
The doggie sushi has been distributed, the Paw Reader tent has been dismantled and the verdict is in—Sushi With Your Poochie: Part Deux was a smash success. Sidewalk Dog is happy to report that during Tuesday and Wednesday’s festivities, more than $1,000 was raised for our fabulous beneficiary, Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP). Click here if you missed the party but would still like to donate to this noble cause.
Make no mistake—serious fun was had by all. And if you weren’t able to make it and need further proof, Sarah Beth Photography snapped some great photos. See for yourself!
Tiger Sushi 2 owner Lisa Edevold serves up doggie sushi handmade especially for the event. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Yes, he uses utensils to eat his treats. He's a dog, not a barbarian! Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Münter, doggie guest of Fox 9 News' M.A. Rosko, eyes a cold one. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Eloise (a.k.a. "Weezie") the mini Aussie shepherd greeted guests Wednesday night. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
A potential puppy pile? Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Stunt Puppy's Ken Goldman pauses to give his dog Bauer some love. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Stella the mystery mix gets her paw read by improv actress Peggy Kelley. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
As part of our new Treat Taste Test series, we’re doing the taxing work of trying out the latest and greatest in local dog treats. Last month, Sadie the Wonderdoodle chomped on the house-made treats from Sarah Jane’s Bakery. This month, we’re sampling Bedtime Bones, a chamomile-laced biscuit made especially for sleepytime.
Karlene Wieland, the treats’ creator, got the idea from Koszi, her Newfie/husky mix. “She was pretty calm for a puppy until about 9 p.m. every night,” Karlene says. “It was like some switch turned on at 9 on the dot and she was manic—crazy puppy running around, playing hide and seek with her humans, chasing the kittens … We joked that she should have a cocktail with the rest of the family so she would go to sleep. Anyway, I wondered if my chamomile tea would work on her.” With a background in new product development and marketing, Karlene did some research and found that chamomile affects dogs and people similarly with the added benefit of aiding digestion in dogs. Koszi is now Bedtime Bones’ official vice president of quality assurance and “chief inspiration officer.”
How would that chamomile work on Sadie the Wonderdoodle’s occasional case of the nighttime friskies? Let’s find out:
Size: Big enough for a special treat at the end of the day, but not so big that you’re essentially feeding your dog another meal.
Texture: Dense, with a good snap to it when broken in half.
Bouquet: Lovely chamomile scent that’s supposed to freshen your dog’s breath as an added bonus.
Appetizing to the human palate? A little too dry for people—we’ll stick with the tea, thanks.
Test: Sadie the Wonderdoodle sniffed the package intently as we photographed it. What was this new frontier in treat technology? She’s run into peanut butter and chicken liver before, but flower essences are totally new territory. The treat was well received, though, and sure enough, there were no desperate pleas for a rousing game of tug o’ war that night—just a nice snuggle.
The verdict: A great addition to your dog’s bedtime ritual.
Where to buy: Online or at Bone Adventure (Edina, Wayzata and Northeast Minneapolis). Note: The bones are currently buy-one-get-one-free if ordered from a Minnesota ZIP code!
Newswoman MA Rosko with her oft-featured dog, Munter.
You may have seen Sidewalk Dog’s founder, owner and fearless leader Ali Jarvis on FOX 9’s Morning News show today with fellow dog fanatic and reporter MA Rosko. Ali was showing off a small selection of the super-fun pet products that are made right here in the Land of 10,000 Dog Lovers. Wondering where you can pick them up? Again, glad you asked:
Pumphouse Creamery’s doggie ice cream can be purchased at the shop in South Minneapolis.
Nelli Designs Maggie’s Light pet candles can be purchased online, at Bone Adventure (Edina, Wayzata and Northeast Minneapolis) or at the other local retailers listed here.
Mod-Dog lockets, breed-specific note cards and posters can be purchased online.
The Thundershirt pressure vest (not locally made, we know, but we just had to talk about this with 4th of July fireworks coming up!) can be purchased online or at 4 Perfect Pets in North St. Paul.
Bedtime treats from Bedtime Bones can be purchased online or at Bone Adventure. (Note: These chamomile bones are currently buy-one-get-one-free if ordered from a Minnesota ZIP code!)
Thanks for watching! And if you missed it, here’s one of the segments:
If you’re an avid Sidewalk Dog reader, you should be convinced by now of the increasing role our pets are playing in our everyday lives. We’ve already organized our meals, our walks, our work schedules and our leisure time around our pooches—and now, we’re organizing our closets around them.
Jessica Hein is a locally based sales and design consultant at California Closets who helped develop a complete pet storage system for the store. The idea to organize the hodgepodge of supplies that our four-legged friends require came to her after a casual conversation with Kay Grobel—business development for California Closets—and Brenda Higgins, owner of Kitchen Comfort in St. Paul. “Clients more and more want to incorporate their pets into their daily lives and make sure there is a space for them too. When Brenda is working with a client on a new or remodeled kitchen space, the issue of ‘Where does the dog food go?’ or ‘We can’t change this because the cat likes to sleep there’ often comes up. So [Brenda and Kay] thought, ‘Why not create a custom storage space for pets?’ That’s where I came in—to meet with Brenda and discuss how we can create a doggy center that will house all pet needs,” Jessica says.
This doggie storage design was accessorized with products from local pet boutique Bone Adventure. You can check it out up close at Kitchen Comfort's St. Paul showroom.
The team brainstormed the things that follow dogs into our houses—food, treats, toys, medicines, bath products, leashes, clothes—”and, of course, a place for doggy to hang out,” Jessica says. In a design created for Brenda’s granddog Penelope, they allowed for a small space at the bottom of the unit for the dog to lay down or for dog kennel storage. On the side of Penelope’s unit is an elevated surface for her food and water dishes, with dog dish-sized holes cut into the top. There are drawers for toys and collars, open space behind doors for food and bath products, and space for Penelope’s extensive wardrobe.
“When you have the opportunity to remodel, build new, or add on to a space, a lot more thought goes into it because you are thinking about how you and your family, and yes, your pets, are going to be using the space on a daily basis,” Jessica says. “You get to design it for the way you live in it.” For instance, “A great solution for larger dogs is to have a pull-out basket near the bottom of the system for toys that the dog can slide out on its own to get the toys out,” she says. “However, [getting the dog to] put them away is another story.”
And the designs are cute as well as functional: “We have used hooks that look like dog butts for leashes, or drawer pulls that look like bones. This is a great way to personalize the space and add some humor,” Jessica says.
If you’d like to check out a custom doggie storage space, stop by Kitchen Comfort’s showroom in St. Paul. You might even run into Penelope, the most organized dog on the planet.
