By Meredeth Barzen

Maximus takes a ride in a zippy red Subaru. We've been told he's really good at parallel parking.

Folks, we here at Sidewalk Dog don’t like to say “We told you so,” but when we founded this company based on the fact that our nation’s dogs are becoming a bigger and bigger part of our lives, from eating to playing to shopping, well … We told you so.

Case in point: You can even bring your dog with you while scoping out a new set of wheels at Burnsville’s LEED-certified Walser Subaru. “Walser Subaru is absolutely dog-friendly! Bring them along for a test-drive, as long as there’s a bathroom break before,” says Walser Autumotive Group’s Andrea Kopfmann. The dealer supported local rescue Homeward Bound by collecting supplies for them last November and December, and has hosted events for Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM).

Dog-friendly design is nothing new for Subaru—Andrea points out that the company’s hatchbacks make loading and unloading Fido a breeze, and that the cars’ high ceilings and roomy interiors mean he can stand up in back or snuggle into a crate during the ride.

Supplies collected for Homeward Bound Rescue by Walser Subaru.

And Subaru is really taking advantage of its canine-centric image with a handful of new “Dog Tested” commercials starring pups with some seriously advanced motor skills (see video below—and keep an eye out for the black lab’s snazzy collar from Minneapolis-based Stunt Puppy).

If you’re in the market for a new ride, take Spot down to Walser Subaru in the next couple of weeks—in conjunction with the Twin Cities Auto Show from March 6-14 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the dealership will be rolling out some soon-to-be-announced promotions.

By Meredeth Barzen

Walking into Uptown’s Smitten Kitten, it’ll be clear that it’s not a cat-supply store (though they do sell toys). As this is a family blog, we’ll have to be rather obtuse about the Kitten’s inventory, but let’s just say it’s mainly toys that aren’t made for kids or pets. You’d stop by to pick up something to put a little spring in your step, to make those cold, February days trapped indoors with your sweetie a little sweeter. Or, you’d stop by to say hello to Smitten Kitten’s shop dogs: Annie Mae, a 4-year-old Shih Tzu/Brussels Griffon mix and Sally, a 6-year-old Chihuahua who was rescued from a puppy mill by Underdog Rescue.

Annie Mae

“Smitten Kitten has welcomed a variety of dogs into our shop since we opened nearly seven years ago,” says Dog Mom and proprietor Jennifer Pritchett. “At one time or another, not only have I had the privilege of bringing my pups to work but I also welcome staff to bring their canines in. Not only is it wonderful for our staff to have our dog companions here, but our customers enjoy the warm, relaxed atmosphere too.”

And while a certain stigma falls over adult stores, Smitten Kitten aims to present an air of warm, welcoming, educational health and wellness. Friendly, approachable staff and doggie pals Annie Mae and Sally are a big part of that atmosphere. “Many people who are new to Smitten Kitten are not only nervous about sex and sexuality generally speaking, but also feel trepidation about coming in to a “sex shop” because they have only experienced distasteful stores that cater to the raunchy video, cheap novelty and immature gag gifts. Having shop dogs relaxing in our friendly, boutique-style store is welcoming and a breath of fresh air for everybody,” Jennifer says.

Sally

Though her pooches aren’t often in the store these days—Sally ’s puppy mill-past means she can find the constant stream of new faces and situations a little stressful, and Annie Mae prefers to stay attached at the hip to her dog-sis—Jennifer points out that Smitten Kitten welcomes customers’ dogs into the store. “Of course, we expect good behavior but we can’t help but smile when one of our dog friends gets rascally, too,” she says.

And with Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend, it’s the perfect time to stop in and pick up something of the amorous nature. Jennifer and the gang have ordered special soy massage candles: Stop in on Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon for a free one with a purchase of $25 or more. And be sure to bring along the love of your life: your dog!

Truffle (left) and Mae amp it up at American Guitar & Band

By Meredeth Barzen

Rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in the suburbs (we don’t mean the band), and it just so happens to be dog-friendly. For almost 10 years, American Guitar & Band in Maple Grove has been a second home to owners Cory and Stephanie Lake’s dogs, which share the space with customers, music students and other visiting pups. Sidewalk Dog chatted with Cory, a guitar enthusiast and recording engineer, and his wife Stephanie, a design historian and museum curator, about keeping their store friendly to both dogs and rock stars.

Tell us about your dogs.

Cory: Two of our three dogs are at the shop every weekday. Suki, a black pug and the first store dog is now 11, retired from her post, and cruising around in a wheelchair at home. Truffle, our 4-year-old black pug, and Mae, our 4-year-old Bug (Boston terrier/pug) “work” at AG&B.

For years, we talked about getting Suki a friend. During brunch one morning we decided to get a dog—that day. Stephanie and I drove hundreds of miles all over the state, playing with puppies until something clicked. We knew the moment we saw Truffle that she was the one.

Mae arrived from Los Angeles late last year. Stephanie was visiting her sister who had just taken on a huge new job and felt enormously guilty about not spending enough time with her dog. Mae had had a string of bad luck, too, losing a toe to a coyote, an eye to a car accident, and a broken tail somewhere along the way, all of which only made her that much more endearing.  Stephanie adored her and so she asked her sister if she could take her back to the Twin Cities. When she called on her way to the airport, she told me she would be flying home with “one-eyed Mae.” The next day she was snapped into her seatbelt and on her way to work with Truffle.

Owner Cory Lake with Mae and Truffle

How do Truffle and Mae react to other dogs in the store?

Stephanie: We love to see other dogs in the shop and our dogs love it, too—lots of running and chasing, and the occasional crush develops with the regulars. There are a few dogs that they are absolutely crazy about.

How do they feel about customers? How do the customers feel about them?

Stephanie: They are both incredibly sweet and happy to meet everyone. Sometimes they have a lot to say, sometimes just tails wagging. Mae is a superb greeter and we have to admit that Truffle is a bit more jaded. Everyone knows to look for her on Cory’s desk chair. For our music students, getting Truffle’s attention becomes a goal—they bring in treats and toys to win her over. There is a great sense of accomplishment when she gives her approval. The customers love seeing the dogs, and most accept that if they sit down in our coffee lounge they will have one in their lap. We rarely see anyone with a fear of dogs, but if someone is uncomfortable we just pick them up and keep them at bay.

What do you like about having a shop dog? Are there any frustrating moments?

Cory: One of the best things is that they instantly put people at ease and in a better mood.  How can you not laugh when these two little dogs come bounding over? They look ridiculous and it just cracks people up. It also makes it much easier to avoid stilted retail introductions and forced conversations. There is a lot of attitude in music retail, but ours is a fun, friendly shop, and the dogs instantly set the tone.

The most frustrating thing is that they will eat anything—Mae developed a rock-salt-eating habit, and Truffle likes packing peanuts. It is a bit harder to keep them safe in a public space, but they also have a lot of people that watch out for them.

You'll have to visit AG&B to find out if Truffle can hold a beat ...

Do you think having a shop dog draws people to patronize your store?

Cory: Without question. If they are at home, I get asked about them all day. It definitely gives people another reason to look forward to stopping in. They also are a huge draw for our music lesson program. We teach hundreds of elementary and junior-high school students, and seeing the dogs each week provides extra incentive to get to their lessons. It is a perk for parents, too, who can bring in their younger kids to play with the dogs and stay entertained.

We love our dogs; they are our family, and we want to have them around us as much as possible. We are incredibly lucky to own a business where they have roles and where they have fun.

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!)

By Meredeth Barzen

You asked for it; you got it. Our inaugural roundup of Twin Cities celebs and their furry friends was so much fun, Sidewalk Dog couldn’t resist sniffing out another pack of famous Minnesotans and the four-leggeds that make them say “Who’s my fruffy wittle fuzzy bear?” This time, we’ve found writers, radio personalities, TV gurus, musicians and fashion designers who go nuts for their mutts. So without further ado …

Dan Murphy and Lily

Dan Murphy (musician, Soul Asylum and Golden Smog) and wife Sarah Murphy (owner, Grapefruit Moon Gallery**)
Name: Lily Belle Murphy
Nicknames: Fusspot, Lily Ocho Stinko, Puppy Bear, the Cananitor, The L’il Lebowski, Minnie Ripperton, Dog Stevens, The Aggressitor, Jack Rabbit Slim, Meerkat, The Hot Water Bottle, Buck Snort, and countless others …
Breed: We just found out that she is a Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund). When we adopted her, we just knew she was a beauty.
Age: Approximately 1 1/2?
Favorite toy: The happy hippo, a little squeak toy we bought the day we took her home from her shelter that has been torn apart and sewn back together more times than we can count. No matter how many other toys she plays with and destroys, she always comes back to the happy hippo.
Favorite treats: Carrots, rice, cheese, and freeze-dried sweet potatoes
Favorite places to hang out: A warm lap, under the covers, her favorite dog pillow, and the passenger side in our car
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Nick and Eddie, especially on a sunny day after she’s just played hard at Loring Park. Doug Anderson and the staff there were initially friendlier to her than she was to them, so it like many things, is still a work in progress!
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Anodyne Coffeehouse

Sarah Murphy and Lily

Favorite dog-friendly store: Guse Hardware at 46th & Bryant; she and Chloe, the new mascot, are becoming fast friends.
Favorite pet store: Urbanimal
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: She’s such a homebody, so I’d say sitting on our porch on a warm day. We adopted her in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in January of 2009, so in many ways I would bet she still considers Florida her actual home and Minneapolis her summer getaway. She was a runaway and we got her at a tiny little animal shelter that removed her from a high-kill shelter in Miami. She spent three months on the streets before the first shelter took her and another two months at the shelter where we met her. About 10 minutes into the initial visit, she picked us as her doggie parents. So vacations are not in her immediate plans as she seems so delighted to finally have landed a home. She is a nester at this point and loves to go on walks, particularly when the whole family is present and accounted for.
Best trick: No longer being scared of every stranger/noise/car that comes by. All thanks to Cele Danner (the miracle worker) at The Canine Coach. Also, she rip-snorts when she’s happy and runs “hot laps” around our dining room table when she feels like letting off a little steam. She can do a really cute prairie dog/meerkat hind leg dance that is adorable.
Best friend: Nigel, the Chihuahua; he still plays hard-to-get, but he’s coming around. Also my son Kelly’s mixed-breed female 2-year-old, Lucky
Nemesis: Bike riders, tall men, sunglasses and baby prams ….
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Barking at the mail carrier, jumping on the dining room table looking for crumbs, attacking my face with kisses
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Jumping into my lap as I try to work, or even into my laptop, doing hind-leg stands at your knee and going onto her favorite leopard-print lucky treat pillow, looking at you with a cocked head and staring you down until the treats come out
Sleeps on: Bed
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Often, but she’s too smart to fall for that most of the time. My doggy dialect revolves around her being a Southern Belle, so I use a butchered French Canadian meets Cajan New Orleans Style drek that usually starts with “L’il belle … ”
Anything else we should know about your dog? She’s a wonder. The most nervous, shy, and troubled puppy in the world when we adopted her, she has become the most friendly, loving friend anyone could ever hope to have. She’s sweet with a good heart and really wants to be happy and finally is learning how.
What are you up to these days? Dan: Busy with shows including our annual First Avenue holiday engagement Friday, December 4. Sarah and Lily and I are spending our second winter in the sunny, warm, small-dog-friendly confines of Southern Florida. Sarah: Working with the Animal Rights Coalition to raise awareness of the inhumane dog breeding that is continuing at puppy mills and all the wonderful animals (like Lily) who have been abandoned or lost and are waiting at local shelters for a loving home!

**Both Sarah and Dan run Grapefruit Moon Gallery, an online art gallery that specializes in American Illustration and Pin-up original paintings and artwork.

Erdrich's Makate Ma'ingan (Maki for short).

Louise Erdrich (novelist, owner—Birchbark Books)
Name: Makate Ma’ingan (Ojibwe for “Black Wolf”)
Nickname: Maki
Breed: Belgium Shepherd
Age: 4
Favorite toy: Punctured soccer balls
Favorite treats: Peanut butter toast and cat food
Favorite place to hang out: On the couch, watching his bird feeder and the birds he protects
Favorite dog park: Poorly socialized; Maki doesn’t do dog parks very well. Owner also poorly socialized.
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Kenwood Cafe [next door to Birchbark Books]. Poorly socialized owner sits outdoors with Maki.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Again, Kenwood Cafe. Maki enjoys a latte now and then to calm down.
Favorite dog-friendly store: Birchbark Books
Favorite book: Anything by Temple Grandin or Mary Ludington
Favorite pet store: Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet

Novelist Louise Erdrich

Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Lake of the Woods, where Maki roams free and fierce.
Best trick: Looking fearsome
Best friend: Rowdy, the protector—the real ferocious canine in the house
Nemesis: The neighbor’s taunting cat who sits under Maki’s birdfeeder
Most naughty behavior/worst bad habit: Lunging in sick lust at female dogs
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Sitting and staring fixedly at the treats and projecting an air of injured nobility
Sleeps on: Again, the couch as long as nobody is looking
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Are you tiddin’?
Anything else we should know about your dog? He reads in secret and recommends books for his owner’s bookstore
What are you up to these days? Birchbark Books, a nice stop for people and dogs who walk the lake.

Winstead with Edie and Buddy.

Lizz Winstead (comedian, co-creator—The Daily Show)
Names: Edie and Buddy
Nicknames: I call Edie ‘Sweedy’  ‘Piaf’ or sometimes ‘Diarrhedie.’ Bud can be ‘Budward, handsome man.’
Breed: Both mutts. Edie is a Collie/Shepherd mix and Buddy is Corgi/Spaniel.
Ages: Edie, 9; Buddy, 6
Favorite toy: Anything that’s not a toy! Like a throw pillow. Edie carries around a stuffed daisy in her mouth and it’s so cute. Buddy’s favorite toy is actually my underwear.
Favorite treats: See: Underwear
Favorite place to hang out: Next to me on the couch—next to me wherever I am
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: The Hamptons
Best trick: Edie can high-five
Best friends: Each other
Nemesis: The vacuum cleaner
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Edie is a poop-eater. Buddy, the boy, doesn’t lift his leg when he pees and Edie, the girl, does. I think that’s funny.
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Buddy will just jump in your lap; Edie will hump your leg.
Sleeps: In bed with me
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dogs? Yes
Anything else we should know about your dog? They are both rescued. I adopted Buddy in Minnesota!
What are you up to these days? I’m going to be at the Parkway theater for an exciting New Year’s Eve spectacular called “What the F#ck Just Happened?” Tickets and info here.

Teiken's Pellet

Joy Teiken (designer and owner, Joynoelle)
Name: Pellet
Nickname: Pelly
Breed: Little mutt
Age: 16 to 18; we don’t know since I found her
Favorite toy: Her cat, Sadi
Favorite treats: Pup-Peroni
Favorite place to hang out: In her dog bed or at Grandma Harriet’s house
Favorite dog park: Too old to go to the dog park
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Too old to go anywhere
Favorite dog-friendly store: My boutique

Designer Joy Teiken

Favorite pet store: Southside Farm Store
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Cabin time at Eagle Lake
Best trick: Sleeping
Best friend: My husband, Craig
Nemesis: Khea the cat
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Ignoring us on her walks; she walks without a leash and sometimes she takes herself for a walk.
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Barks
Sleeps on: Bed, couch, floor, dog bed—really anywhere she wants to
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? We used to, but now she’s deaf and we just give her lots of kisses.
Anything else we should know about your dog? She has a sad turned happy story. I found her by the side of the road in southern Minnesota and she had pellets from a bb gun in her head and back. (That’s why her name is Pellet.) That was 11 years ago … she’s had a great life ever since.  She’s almost deaf and blind, but she’s still happy.
What are you up to these days? I’m working on a bridal line that will be available online this winter.

Andra Suchay's Lucy

Andra Suchy (singer, guest—A Prairie Home Companion) and husband, Andrew Pierzina
Name: Lucy
Nicknames: Mit Mit, Rucine, Rucy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 7
Favorite toy: Bumblebee, a catnip cat toy, and tennis balls
Favorite treats: Real bones with peanut butter inside and carrots
Favorite place to hang out: On the couch or in our bed; outside if it’s nice weather
Favorite dog park: The Suchy farm, owned by Andra’s parents, near Mandan, North Dakota
Favorite pet store: Urbanimal
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Going to the Suchy Farm

Andra and Andrew

Best trick: Running on the treadmill. She runs several times a week for 30 minutes at a time.  She will also sit, lay down, and stay for a treat with hand signals until I say ‘OK.’
Best friend: Our late Weimeraner, Sophia. Our cat, Lester. They play together and he will grab her face and lick her eyes. They love each other. Also, her cousins Willie the cow dog and Bjork the pug at the farm.
Nemesis: The lake. She can’t stay out of it. She is VERY obsessed with biting the water. She also hates the rain.
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: She sometimes doesn’t play well with others …
Favorite way to get attention/treats: She will sit very, very close to you and make a very loud sighing, breathing sound. We say she swallowed a bullsnake. Or, she will jump her front feet down onto the ground and bark until you play with her.
Sleeps on: Bed
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Almost always
Anything else we should know about your dog? She loves kids, and gets really excited when we have company. She loves people in general.
What are you up to these days? Andrew and I are both going to be performing guests on the A Prairie Home Companion 2010 Western Caribbean Cruise in March.

Brian Lambert (writer, blogger, talk radio host)
Name: Ernie. She’s a girl. But every animal we ever bring home—lizards, birds—we call Ernie, (for Cubs great Ernie Banks) so we don’t get confused.
Nicknames: The Living Rug, Rugball
Breed: Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frisee … we think. White, anyway.
Age: 14
Favorite toy: Has always been annoyed by or afraid of toys, especially after that mechanical rubber mouse episode
Favorite treats: Anything that says “bacon” on the package
Favorite place to hang out: An ottoman, on a gold quilted blanket, looking out the front window like a damned queen
Favorite dog park: The neighbor’s back yard
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: I’d say Manny’s Steakhouse, but I’d be lying. The closest she gets to a restaurant is the bag of bones I tote home from Famous Dave’s.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: The Starbucks at 50th & France in Edina … tied to a sign post
Favorite dog-friendly store: PetSmart, St. Louis Park
Favorite pet store: Ditto, especially the packaged bacon treats aisle
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: The cabin, in northern Wisconsin. 11 acres of woods, deer and ticks
Best trick: Trick? She whines for bacon. Is that a trick?
Best friend: Whoever is slipping her people food under the table
Nemesis: Other than the mechanical mouse, any dog that gets to the bacon before her. Oh, and any squirrel.
Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Licking plates in the dishwasher
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Whining, scratching at doors, “herding” humans toward the bacon treats in the pantry
Sleeps on: My side of the bed … and on my legs
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? No. I save that for my 28-year-old.
Anything else we should know about your dog? If you put a chipmunk in a rain pipe, Ernie will bark at it for four hours.

Hip-hop artist Sims

Sims (hip-hop artist, Doomtree)
Names: Lola, Superbowl Champion
Nicknames: Lola, Champ
Breeds: Pit Bull
Ages: 11, 3
Favorite toys: Tennis ball, rubber football tied to a rope for tug-of-war
Favorite treat: Meat. Anything but vegetables, although the look of betrayal on their faces when given a vegetable is pretty amazing, so that’s my favorite treat to give them.
Favorite place to hang out: Outside, anywhere we can play ball. And in the car.
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Muddy Waters
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Muddy Waters
Favorite dog-friendly store: The Alt bike and board shop
Favorite pet store: Petco
Best trick: Sit
Best friend: Me
Nemesis: Brooms and thunder
Sleeps on bed, couch, dog bed, floor, or outside: Yes
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? No. But they get treated as if they were my kids … maybe that’s worse.

Jenkins' Helen

Kathie Jenkins (restaurant critic/food editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Name: Helen
Nickname: Helly Belly
Breed: Bouvier
Age: 5
Favorite toy: A wool lamb
Favorite treats: Bananas and dried sweet potatoes
Favorite place to hang out: On the living room sofa
Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Dairy Queen; she loves the cones but she doesn’t go overboard because she knows she has to watch her figure.
Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: She doesn’t like coffee shops; she’d rather be at home lounging on the sofa and watching “The Dog Whisperer.”
Favorite dog-friendly store: She doesn’t like stores, either. She has fear of floors and most places are just too slippery for her.
Favorite pet store: Pet Junction
Favorite dog-friendly vacation: She’s a homebody
Best trick: Laying down on command
Best friend: Josie, a three-legged golden retriever that gives her a good run.
Nemesis: Fivel, an autistic German shepherd. She just won’t have anything to do with him.
Favorite naughty behavior/worst bad habit: Dripping water all over the entire kitchen floor every time she takes a drink
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Just looking like she’s about to chase a squirrel
Sleeps on: Couch
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? I call it ‘dog talk.’
Anything else we should know about your dog? She loves to have her teeth brushed. Every morning she comes out in the kitchen and doesn’t leave until I brush her teeth.

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.