• Some very cool nonprofits were born, including: The Pet Project, keeping people and their pets together in hard times; MN SNAP, providing low-cost spaying and neutering; MnPAW, working to reduce euthanasia of adoptable animals; Start Seeing Black Dogs, shedding light on Black Dog Syndrome.
• We love it when dog-friendly businesses and nonprofits team up to benefit each other à la Frattallone’s Ace Hardware’s Dog Days of Summer event. For every person who brought their pup into the store during the month of August, Frattallone’s donated $1 to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. Find out how much was raised.
• More and more restaurants allowed (dare we say welcomed?) dogs on their patios. Check our map of dog-friendly patios, read about a few of our favorites and think spring!
• We got to know some famous Minnesotans and the four-leggeds that make them say “Who’s my fruffy wittle fuzzy bear?” in Almost Famous Dogs and Almost Famous Dogs: Part Deux.
• Minnesota got its first indoor dog park with the arrival of Dog City Dog Park in New Hope. (For outdoor options, check out our dog park map and read about a few of our urban and suburban faves.)
• The Sidewalk Dog Directory grew big time in 2009. From trainers to daycares to pet supply stores to animal communicators to poop scoopers, we’ve got you covered.
• Even we were surprised, delighted and a bit overwhelmed by all the dog-friendly happenings of 2009. Did you take your dog to the Saints game on Mother’s Day? Walk your dog in the Doggone Early Dog Walk at Mall of America? Dine with your dog at Sushi with Your Poochie at Tiger Sushi 2? Party with your dog at the Animal Humane Society’s Whisker Whirl? Drink with your dog at K9-Connection’s Beer with Your Buddy? Practice yoga with your dog at Zen Pooch Doga? Pose with your dog at Tails Up: The Pet Project’s First Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive? Celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day with your dog at All-American Dog Fest? Stroll with your dog at Woofstock? Run with your dog in the Monster Dash 5K-9? (Okay, we’ll stop now.)
• We learned firsthand that just like in people, dental disease in dogs can lead to heart, lung and kidney problems. In other words, dogs with healthy mouths live longer.
• We love shop dogs. After all, they can turn ordinary stores into living, breathing members of the community. South Lyndale Liquors’ St. Bernard Abbey was the quintessential shop dog—respectful, sweet, a treat for customers and a friend for employees.
• We were introduced to some particularly amazing dogs, including: Jerry, the “House Dog” at the Ronald McDonald House; Hector, a former Michael Vick dog who recently appeared at a St. Paul elementary school as part of a lesson on empathy and compassion; Sunny, assistant and best friend to autistic siblings Ellie and Ben.

Whoa, right?! And that’s just for starters!

Have a comment to make or something to add to the list? Please do so here.

Happy New Year!

That's Mike on the left--well, Cartoon Mike.

By Meredeth Barzen

Mike Frattallone hates to see a dog stuck waiting in a car while its owner runs errands. That’s why he declared this August the inaugural “Dog Days of Summer” at Frattallone’s Ace Hardware. If you bring your dog into any of the 14 Frattallone’s locations around the Twin Cities during the month of August (instead of relegating them to the boring backseat of your car while you shop for duct tape), the store will donate $1 to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue.

“Often I’ll walk up to a store and see dogs sitting in car and even if it’s not hot out, I think ‘why don’t you put it on a leash and bring it in?’” Mike says. Though dogs have always been welcome in Frattallone’s stores, he saw Dog Days as an opportunity to spread the word, and to help some down-on-their-luck dogs in the process. About Homeward Bound, Mike says, “We love the fact that they’re a no-kill dog rescue and placement organization, and we wanted our donation to make a big difference.” And Mike’s no stranger to rescues himself: He has two rescue dogs—Lucy, a 4-year-old whippet/Border collie mix, and Mabel, a 2-year-old corgi/golden retriever mix.

Mabel, Mike's rescued corgi/golden retriever mix, takes a snooze.

He says the hardware stores, which are staffed by “almost all dog people” [that’s people who like dogs, not half-people/half dogs], have seen many more dogs visit this month than they normally do. Mike adds that Dog Days has been so successful, he’d be surprised if they don’t hold it again next year.

Mike tells the story of a woman who was shopping at the Frattallone’s on 18th and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. The staff told her about Dog Days, so she drove home, picked up her dog, brought it back to the store, got her Homeward Bound donation, and then drove to the Frattallone’s on 39th and Lake Street to get a donation from that store as well.

So next time you need to make a run on duct tape, bring the dog. A hardware store is a lot more interesting than the inside of a car.

Editor’s Note: Frattallone’s Ace Hardware for raising $5,790 for Homeward Bound Dog Rescue during their inaugural “Dog Days of Summer” August fundraiser.

‘Tis the season of dog-friendly happenings, and Sidewalk Dog is here to provide the inside poop on your best bets. We think the following three events sound extra-awesome, so we’ll be at all three. Wanna join us?

Jump Into Spring hosted by Dogs and Drinks

When: May 30th, 7PM-10PM
Where: Now Boarding, the new state-of-the-art facility near MSP airport
What: Tours of the facility, complementary wine from Solo Vino and cheesecake from Muddy Paws Cheesecake, gourmet dog treats from Sojos, indoor off-leash play, ask-a-trainer/ask-a-groomer tables, photo booth and fab door prizes and gift bags.
For dogs under 15lbs (shy dogs, too!). All ages welcome; 21 to drink. Suggested donation: $10. More info.
This just in: Animal Planet is coming to film all the fun! Stay tuned to Sidewalk Dog for details.

Team Ortho’s 5K-9 sponsored by Stunt Puppy

When: May 31st, 8AM
Where: The Depot, Downtown Minneapolis
What: Run or walk with your furry friend! Then bring your pooch to the Stunt Puppy tent for some post-race TLC (treats, water, doggy massage and more). Participants receive Stunt Puppy 5K-9 tech shirt and leash. $47/person + one dog. More info.
Do some good: Run or walk the 5K-9 with Pet Haven’s team, The Fast and the Furballs! Have fun, exercise and raise awareness about homeless pets. More info.

Wine & Wag hosted by K9-Connection

When: June 4th, 6PM-9PM
Where: JJ’s Dry Dock Cafe, Downtown Minneapolis
What: A benefit for Homeward Bound Rescue. While you’re enjoying five courses of gourmet appetizers with wine pairings, your dog will also be served butler-style (grain-free Sojos courtesy of Bone Adventure)! Plus, live music, a raffle and goodie bags. $32/person. More info (including the mouthwatering menu).