By Meredeth Barzen

When we heard our good friend and pet paintress Jessie Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts was holding her very own exhibition in The Galleria, Edina’s ritziest shopping mall, we were thrilled. And we were even more thrilled when she invited us, along with six other local pet luminaries (Pampered Pooch Playground, Sarah Beth Photography, Bone Adventure, Fetch Delivers, Stunt Puppy and K9 Connection), to throw a party in her gorgeous gallery space.

We’re calling it “Mon Ami: Celebrating Our Community of Dog Lovers,” and it’s going to be a truly unique evening. Jessie’s lovely art will provide the backdrop for mingling, live music, wine, cheesecake from Muddy Paws and prize drawings—plus steals and deals for attendees from yours truly, Sidewalk Dog.

Jessie’s exhibition, “Dogs of Edina,” will be displayed from May 6^th (don’t miss her opening reception from 5-7 p.m.) through May 31^st at the Galleria. The third in a series of neighborhood dog projects, “Dogs of Edina” displays Jessie’s stylish and modern interpretation of more than 30 community pooches.

“Preparing for a solo exhibition is a long and intensive process. For me, it is also rewarding beyond words,” Jessie says. “As an artist, I am fascinated by the way dogs of particular neighborhoods reflect the people who live in them. I am also interested in the way dogs bring people together and create a common ground between those who might otherwise remain strangers. These layers of culture and community that are built around dogs and their people interest me greatly.”

“Dogs of Edina” will host a number of rock-your-socks-off events during the month of May, including:

• May 6: ”Dogs of Edina” Opening Reception—featuring wine, snacks, art and more!
• May 9: ArtBARK!—contest for kids and raffle in support of The Pet Project and hosted by Bone Adventure. Kids can turn in their best dog art on the back of an ArtBARK postcard by May 6th and have a chance to win a chance to have their submissions  framed and hung in the “Dogs of Edina” gallery during the ArtBARK! event. Top winners in each age group will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as a pack of 10 greeting cards custom designed by Stray Dog Arts—featuring the winner’s artwork. Runners-up in each age group will receive a $10 gift certificate to Bone Adventure as well as art supplies from Stray Dog Arts.
• May 13: Paws4Pets—Fundraising event for Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue hosted by Talk2theAnimals, featuring a book signing by Angel Animal authors Linda and Allen Anderson and a raffle with exciting prizes from The Galleria, Stray Dog Arts, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, The Westin Galleria Edina, and more! Remember to bring a donation for Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, a very special cause indeed.
• May 20: Diamonds, Dazzle and Dogs: Girls’ Night Out!—An evening of art, shopping, style tips, music, pampering, wine and delicious treats to benefit Top Dog Foundation, hosted by Top Dog Country Club and DNA2Diamonds. You’ll find shopping from StyledLife, Origins, ATAZ and Top Dog Country Club, wine and hors d’ oeuvres from Good Earth, informal modeling and fashion and raffles from The Westin Hotel and Top Dog Country Club.
  StyledLife, Origins, Ataz, & Top Dog Country Club
  with wine and hors d’ oeuvres from
The Good Earth
  Informal modeling and fashion
  and an evening filled with pampering, from nose to paw!
  Incredible Dog-Loving Raffle, including:
  The Westin Hotel ~ Hotel Stay & Doggy Package
  Top Dog Country Club ~ Vacation & Spa Package

Oh, and did we mention Mon Ami is free? No special invite needed, just a love for dogs and great art. Hope to see you there!

Mon Ami: The Deets

Date: Friday, May 14th

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Cost: Free!

Location: The Galleria, Edina: 69^th St. and France Ave. Exhibition space between Louis Vuitton & Big Bowl in the center’s West end.

Fun: Lovely local dog art, groovy live music, wine, cheesecake, prizes, drawings, deals and the chance to hobnob with local pet luminaries.

Sponsored by: Sidewalk Dog, Pampered Pooch Playground, Sarah Beth Photography, Bone Adventure, Fetch Delivers, Stunt Puppy and K9 Connection

Most of us would do anything to keep our pets’ bellies full and their medical needs met. For some Minnesotans affected by the economy, the only “anything” available in their situations is to give up their best friends because they can’t afford food and vet care. This grim reality is what drove Kim Carrier to start The Pet Project last July. (See “Keeping Families Together, One Bag of Food at a Time …“)

Here are a couple fun ways to help this wonderful organization feed hungry hounds (cats, too) this holiday season:

Tails Up: The Pet Project's 1st Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive, presented by The Pet Project, FetchDelivers.com and Pampered Pooch Playground

Muddy Paws Cheesecake's 17th Annual Toy Drive & Cheesecake Sampling

‘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).