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!
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.
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.
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.
Summer is a great time to grab a drink, meet people, network and enjoy our cities’ awesome restaurant patios. But if you have to leave your dog behind, it can mean a heavy bummer hangs over your afternoons out. Luckily, Angie Gwiazdon has been hosting Beer With Your Buddy events for the past few years through her dog-friendly events company, K9-Connection.
“It’s like a dog park with a bar!” Angie says of her popular nights out. “People mingle, drink and socialize, and the dogs do the same. It has a laid-back feel; comfortable, casual and inviting. It’s a diverse crowd of people (and dogs) ranging in age from 21 to one of my regulars, who is 81! Couples, singles, friends, people in the dog biz trying to network: You name it, it’s there!”
Here’s how it works: Once a month, a local bar opens its doors to Twin Cities dog lovers and their four-legged friends for an afternoon of socializing, schmoozing and sipping (water for them; maybe a nice Flying Dog Classic Pale Ale for you?) The events are open to anyone who loves dogs—whether they have one or not—and this year, each BWYB event will be held one of a rotating schedule of bars, a change from the series’ previous permanent residence at the Nomad World Pub. “We are excited about traveling this year,” Angie says of the change. “A lot of people requested changing venues to mix it up a bit, so I am honoring that request.”
Another change this year: Since Angie’s pregnant with her second child, Beer With Your Buddy events will be held once a month (they used to be held twice a month). That’s not for lack of popularity, of course—the events are generally brimming with lots of lovely locals.
A BWYB participant enjoys, well, a beer with his buddy. Photo by Just Pawsitive Photography.
At each K9-Connection event except for Doga (yes: dog yoga—see list below for details), there is a charity present (usually dog-related but not always) who be raising funds and awareness with a raffle, silent auction, game or activity.
So when the first official Beer With Your Buddy kicks off the season at the Nomad this Saturday, take your pooch out for a drink.
Beer With Your Buddy Schedule (stay tuned for more info on later dates):
Sat., May 15, 4-6:30 p.m. Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis—this location is definitely off-leash! Tickets are sold out at indoor capacity; if the weather is dry, additional tickets will be available at the door. This month’s charity is Underdog Rescue.
Wed., June 23 at Club Jäger, Minneapolis—another off-leash location! “A fabulous bar with a great patio, dog-friendly, and they are just fine with the dogs being off-leash,” Angie says of Club Jäger.
Thu., July 22 at Darby O’Ragen’s (formerly JJ’s Dry Dock), Minneapolis. “They have expanded their deck and it is fabulous,” Angie says of the new and improved bar.
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 6th (don’t miss her opening reception from 5-7 p.m.) through May 31st 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: 69th 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.
Grete getting some TLC at Westgate from Hannah Evans, CVT.
By Meredeth Barzen
Grete (pronounced “Greta”) the black lab was hanging out in her usual spot on a pillow in the back hall on a perfectly normal Tuesday in February. Mom was at work, Dad was in Europe on a business trip, and the two girls were at school and Grandma’s house. Like so many retrievers, Grete can be rambunctious and sweet, lively and calm, depending on the moment. “We’ve consistently said she’s 9 years old going on 9 months,” says Grete’s owner, Matt Augustson. When she’s calm, Grete likes to strategically place herself precisely in the center of the family’s activities for a nap. During her livelier moments, Grete likes to show off her tennis-ball-chasing skills in the big yard behind Matt and Jen Augustson’s Edina home. And when someone comes to the door, “Look out,” Matt says. “Barking, jumping … all of the bad habits that dog owners struggle with, and we are no exception. But it’s just who she is. It’s never violent, aggressive or scary—just her way of saying ’hello.’”
But Grete’s mostly a mellow dog, so 2:40 in the afternoon was probably right in the middle of nap time for her that Tuesday, as her family went about their daily business out in the world.
Then, BOOM.
“As far as we can tell from the Edina Fire Chief, a gas leak caused by a utility contractor laying cable in the neighborhood caused natural gas to leak into our house via the sewer line,” Matt says. “From there, it found an ignition source—most likely the water heater or furnace—and caused an explosion.” Grete was the only one at home. She must have been launched out of the house by the force of the explosion, most likely straight up.” The house was a total loss. Grete was the only thing that remained intact.
A person Matt describes as a “Good Samaritan” followed the shaken dog across 50th Street and through the neighborhoods for a half-mile, then loaded her into her car at 44th Street and Wooddale Avenue and brought Grete to Westgate Pet Clinic, where Dr. Ben Porter treated her injuries—which were miraculously minor, considering she had just survived a massive gas explosion. “Grete was very nervous immediately after the explosion,” Dr. Porter says. “I suspect that she was not able to hear anything. Since the Augustsons were already clients, we were able to quickly contact them so they knew her location and that she had survived. [Grete] walked into the clinic, and was not afraid or nervous at that time. She allowed our staff to examine her thoroughly, finding surprisingly no broken bones, no lacerations. Many dogs would be fearful after such a terrifying event—her gentle personality and ability to roll with the punches is probably very typical for a Labrador Retriever.”
But even though she escaped major injuries, Grete was a little worse for wear. Dr. Porter says her hair was singed “and she smelled like a campfire times 10. Burns were immediately evident on the pads of her feet, and over the next four days, burns because evident around her nose, muzzle and chin … Her eyelids were damaged from the explosion and have been red and uncomfortable and slow to improve.” Luckily, Grete’s burns were superficial, and most responded to topical treatment and improved over the next five days.
Dr. Porter says the only likely long-term damage to the resilient lab is to her tear glands—she’ll need eye medication for a while—and a couple of burn scars will mean she’ll need to wear sunscreen on the bridge of her nose when she’s out in the sun.
When the Augustsons first saw Grete after the accident, though, Matt describes her appearance as “shocking.” “She looked like a chocolate lab instead of a black lab,” he says. “Her fur was singed around her head and shoulders. She had open sores on three of four paws and her ear. She limped and wobbled along. Her eyes were red and cloudy. The Augustsons’ two daughters, ages five and two, were happy to see their dog, “but it was hard for them because she didn’t look the same,” Jen says.
But things are looking up for Grete and her family. As of last Monday, she no longer needs daily treatments at Westgate. The family is moving into a town house this week; “We can’t wait to get settled again,” Jen says. And members of the Twin Cities pet community are helping out on that front, with an outpouring of support and donations. Sarah Beth Photography, Bone Adventure and Pampered Pooch Playground all gave the Augustsons gift certificates to their businesses. Pampered Pooch also set the family up with a dog bed and some toys and treats to replace what the Augustsons lost in the explosion. Fetch Delivers donated a travel crate, treats and bones; Solid Gold gave a bag of food and Tracie Jacobson of Animal Humane Society sent over a gift certificate to Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet. And to help Matt and Jen let go of some stress, Omni Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is donating massages.
“I cannot believe the amount of support and generosity [shown by] our family, friends and the community,” Matt said. “This is stunning. We cannot express enough how much Grete means to us or how the community has rallied around her and us.” And to his “thank you” list doesn’t stop there. “We can’t thank that Good Samaritan enough. We can’t thank the great vets, techs and staff at Westgate enough—they have adopted Grete as their special canine, and have reached out with concern for our family as well. Dr Porter has been especially thoughtful. It has been amazing watching the care Grete has received and the compassion we have been shown.”
At the end of the day, the fact that the Augustson family—Mom, Dad, kids and dog—are all safe and sound is all anyone could ask for. Grete’s miraculous survival will remain a mystery. “We’ll never really know for sure how she got out of the house, debris, and fire alive,” Matt says. But that doesn’t matter. “She’s our wonder dog!” Jen says. “We’re thinking about getting her a red cape.”
***Editor’s note: If you’d like to help Grete and the Augustsons out yourself, donations can be made to the Auguston Fund in care of North American Banking Company, 4999 France Ave., Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55410. Please write “Auguston Fund” in the memo line of the check.
“THIS JUST IN: Tens of thousands around the Twin Cities metro area were reduced to uncontrollable fits of hugging after the Internet release of the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl’s full-length footage.”
Don’t be surprised if you see that headline flit across the Star Tribune’s front page this week—the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl is coming, and trust us: It’s going to be huge. Hugely endearing, that is.
Clarence of Red Lake Rosie's Rescue takes a time out.
It all started when Lisa Weikle, general manager of Fetch Delivers, was struck with inspiration—to team up with Sidewalk Dog, Sarah Beth Photography and Pampered Pooch Playground, creating a Fantastic Four-style super-squad with only one purpose: put a bunch of puppies in a room and film the inevitable explosion of cuteness that ensues. “I wanted to bring these four groups together, since I know we share the same passion for animal rescue,” Lisa said.
“It’s great exposure for a new rescue like Secondhand Hounds,” said the group’s founder, Rachel Mairose. “It shows that there’s a need for adoptive parents out there, and there are always puppies available for adoption.” She added, “Who doesn’t like cute puppies?” Answer: no one we want to associate with, that’s for sure.
Check out each pup's personal trading card, designed by Sarah Beth Photography.
“We all have a vested interest in making sure these guys get placed with good families,” said Suzanne Grindle of Safe Hands, a 3-year-old rescue that gets many of its puppies from the high-kill Harlan County Animal Shelter in Kentucky. Some TC Puppy Bowl players came from as far away as Mexico, like Pete from Pet Project Rescue, which works with a Mexican shelter to place puppies and encourage spay/neuter initiatives.
And so, last Saturday, Pampered Pooch Playground was filled to the gills with adorable rescue puppies, pouncing and frolicking and donning adorable, hastily-knitted (but unfortunately, not prescient) Vikings sweaters.
Molly Feeney of Just Paws Puppy Training (shown here with Aldo—not a TC Puppy Bowl player, but a football fan nonetheless) played ref.
Molly Feeney of Just Paws Puppy Training put on her referee shirt to make some tough calls, Clyde’s K9 Cuisine (formerly Well Pet Foods) whipped up some special football treats to re-energize the noble athletes, and The Dog Perk outfitted players in jersey bandanas. Stunt Puppy, Topline Canine, ScoopyPoo and DoodyCalls also helped the day go off without a hitch, and the pups (and people) went home tired and happy.
Pete runs the controversial somersault play.
The result debuts this week on TC Puppy Bowl’s Web site and Facebook page, complete with insightful commentary from Tom Scott and George Scot McKelvey. You can also catch it on Super Bowl Sunday before the big game at “the official veterinary clinic of the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl”—Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, which is throwing a big dog-friendly fundraising shindig complete with food, activities, a silent auction, and a screening of Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl VI. Proceeds from the bash benefit the clinic’s Pet Protection Program for Cornerstone Women’s Shelter, and Sidewalk Dog readers get $5 off if they RSVP by Feb. 4th.
When you watch it for the first time, you may want to don protective headgear—you’ll be hit square in the face with fuzziness, after all. Until then, here’s a teaser to tide you over until the big day!
Saturday, 1/30 – Shure Pets at the Ladies Shopping Expo “Shop to Your Heart’s Content” event. Visit Shure Pets “Puppy Love” booth and buy direct from local consultant Stephanie Thompsen (i.e. the nice lady who comes to your house to show you all of the snazzy pet items). The expo runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m at the Andover Community Center, and Stephanie will present her products at 12:25 p.m. For more info, contact Stephanie via her Web site.
Sunday, 1/24 – Animal communication/TTouch workshop. Get in touch with your dog! For just $25, you’ll receive an animal communication reading from Ilga Cimbulis and learn relaxing and calming TTouches from Lisa Sellman. 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Auntie Ruth’s Animal Care & Wellness Center in Minnetonka. More info.
http://www.ilgacimbulis.com/classes.html
Saturday, 1/30 – Canine Inspired Change info session. The Canine Coach is offering a new course called Canine Inspired Change in which pet partner teams will learn to foster emotional growth and teach social skills to people of all ages in various educational settings. Attend for free or make an optional donation to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue. More info.
For more info, click here. To register, click here.
Sunday, 1/31 – Peaceful protest at Petland. Join the Animal Rights Coalition for a peaceful demonstration from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. outside St. Paul’s Petland, a store that sells puppies obtained from commercial breeders who mass-produce animals. Some posters will be available. Better yet, make your own from artwork obtained here. (See “Saying No to Puppy Mills: Peaceful Protest at Petland” for a photo from a recent demonstration at Shakopee’s Petland.)
Thursday, 2/4 – Dog Day at the Metrodome. Indoor, off-leash play plus pet-related vendors in the concourse from 5-9 p.m. Only $1 per dog and FREE parking (enter at Gate B). Dogs must be licensed and tagged. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will sell licenses on-site. Questions? Email or call Adam Kocinski at 651.238.2651.
If you’re looking for dog-related or just plain dog-friendly events in the Twin Cities, then you’ve come to the right place. From the Events page on our Web site to our monthly newsletter to our Facebook page to this very blog, we’re constantly telling you what you and your dog should be doing. (Hope that’s okay!)
Below is a sampling of what’s happening over the next couple of weeks.
Various dates/times/locations – Play groups. Each one has a unique spin, so be sure to check out a few before taking your pick: Just Paws Puppy Training’s Mini Paws, The Canine Coach’s Playtime, Pampered Pooch Playground’s Tiny Tails and Fresh Air Training’s Pint-Sized Play.
Thursday, 1/21 – Talk2theAnimals Wisdom Behind the Whiskers radio show. Have you ever had the feeling your pet was trying to tell you something? Join animal communicator Janet Roper of Talk2theAnimals as she defines and talks about the benefits of animal communication. 1-2 p.m. on Diva Toolbox Radio.
The Canine Coach's newest course: Canine Inspired Change
Saturday, 1/30 – Canine Inspired Change info session.The Canine Coach is offering a new course called Canine Inspired Change in which pet partner teams will learn to foster emotional growth and teach social skills to people of all ages in various educational settings. Attend for free or make an optional donation to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue. For more info, click here. To register, click here.
Saturday, 1/30 – Shure Pets at the Ladies Shopping Expo “Shop to Your Heart’s Content” event.* Visit the Shure Pets “Puppy Love” booth for a special opportunity to buy direct from local consultant Stephanie Thompsen (i.e. the nice lady who comes to your house to show you snazzy pet items). The expo, which will be held at the Andover Community Center, starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. For more info, contact Stephanie via her Web site. (See “Pet Parties are a Fun Night In.”)
Sunday, 1/31 – Peaceful protest at Petland. Join the Animal Rights Coalition for a peaceful demonstration from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. outside St. Paul’s Petland, a store that sells puppies obtained from commercial breeders who mass-produce animals. Some posters will be available. Better yet, make your own from artwork obtained here. (See “Saying No to Puppy Mills: Peaceful Protest at Petland” for a photo from a recent demonstration at Shakopee’s Petland.)
Thursday, 2/4 – Dog Day at the Metrodome. Indoor, off-leash play plus pet-related vendors in the concourse from 5-9 p.m. Only $1 per dog and FREE parking (enter at Gate B). Dogs must be licensed and tagged. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will sell licenses on-site. Questions? Contact Adam Kocinski at adam@podiumsportsmarketing.com or at 651.238.2651.
*Note: The Ladies Shopping Expo “Shop to Your Heart’s Content” event is not dog-friendly.
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
“THIS JUST IN: Tens of thousands around the Twin Cities metro area were reduced to uncontrollable fits of hugging after the Internet release of the 
