By Meredeth Barzen

It’s a business model that’s been around since the 1950s: Some gregarious person comes to your house, offers you a wide array of products, and helps you purchase the ones that interest you.

These direct selling parties are still going strong, but the product in question usually falls into one of two categories: A) Tupperware, or B) the type of toys that kids don’t play with. Think about what a direct selling party might offer at a bacherlorette party, and you’re on the right track.

For those among us who have little need for Tupperware or “unmentionables,” a fun way to partake in this experience is through a direct selling company that carries pet products, like Chicago-based Shure Pets.

Stephanie and Cassanova, her 9-year-old cocker spaniel.

Stephanie Thompsen, a Shure Pets consultant (i.e. the nice lady who comes to your house to show you all of the snazzy pet items), says that top sellers at her parties right now are Huck & Hurley toys, oatmeal conditioning shampoo and pet health record books. “I was looking for a way to earn some extra income while getting to interact and share some great pet products with other pet lovers,” she says of her decision to start working for the company.

What can you get at a Shure Pets Party? Treats, toys, apparel, grooming items–you name it, and your dog can sniff them all out and decide if he likes them before you buy.

By Meredeth Barzen

We here at Sidewalk Dog had a problem. Sadie the Wonderdoodle had the most wonderful time swimming and rolling around in the dead leaves, pine sap, mud and general unpleasantness Up North over July 4th weekend. That wasn’t the problem.

The groomer was booked a month in advance. That means that Sadie, whose doodle hair forms mats like an aspiring Rastafarian, wasn’t likely to see a professional bath until August-ish. It was time to take matters into our own hands.

The Product:

Enter Topline Canine. The natural, organic ingredients in their doggie bathtime products are meant to calm nervous pups (an absolute must for Sadie, who considers baths the worst punishment possible for a crime she never committed.) The line has a lovely, light, clean scent, and they offer not only shampoo but a separate conditioner (remember the dreadlocks? Shampoo alone won’t do the trick.) There’s even a UV protectant built right in–perfect for white-haired pooches who are prone to doggie sunburn–and for the rest of the spectrum of dog hues; hey, it can’t hurt.

The Test:

What can we say? The dog really, really hates baths. Loves swimming, but hates being wet. Go figure. We tried to make it a happy experience with a nice doggie back massage post-shampoo, pre-conditioner, but still–probably not her idea of a fun way to spend an evening. We, however, loved Topline’s high suds-factor and nice scent.

The Result:

Fluffy, pettable, matt-free and non-stinky once again. You can tell she’s happy about it, too. Or maybe she’s just happy to be dry. Groomers? We don’t need groomers–at least not until August.

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

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

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

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

Send us your comments right here through the blog!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear [Name of City Representative],

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely…