What’s more comforting than a dog? When you’re tired, upset or sick, is there anything better than a warm, unconditionally loving pile of fur cuddling up next to you?

Jerry, the Ronald McDonald House's "House Dog."

Comfort is never in short supply at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest (RMH) in Minneapolis. The organization  aims to “create a home-away-from-home for families with children living with life-threatening illnesses,” according to its Web site, and Jerry—a 3-year-old labradoodle and the RMH “House Dog“—does his fair share of that work.

Jerry helps out where he can—which is almost everywhere. “He has a great temperament with the families and kids and is hypo-allergenic, which is a great fit for the 48 families staying with us,” says Josh Williams, an RMH staffer. He was generously donated to the House in 2006 at our annual Fam Glam Gala and has been a full-time staff member ever since. He works a regular 9-to-5 work day and then goes home with one of our staff members. He pops in quite frequently on the weekends as well and makes appearances at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet (they graciously donate all Jerry’s food and toys) about 15 times a year. He’s our little rockstar!”

Jerry provides his patented pillow service.

Jerry’s next celebrity appearance at Chuck & Don’s is scheduled for Friday, October 23 from 5–6:00 p.m. at the Northfield/Dundas location. Last winter, Chuck & Don’s collected almost $9,000 in cash donations for RMH from the sale of plush “Jerry” toys at its stores. The pet food purveyor also participates in RMH’s popular pop tab fundraising program.

Jerry cuddles up with a friend at the House—she's holding one of the "Jerry" toys sold by Chuck & Don's.

Chuck & Don’s isn’t the only local pet-related business jumping on the Jerry bandwagon. In 2008, local pet photographer Patrick Nau took a very handsome portrait of Jerry, and last winter, local artist Amy Brazil unveiled her painting of Jerry’s lovable mug. “I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald House this spring, and I was amazed at what I saw and how Jerry was a blessing to the children staying there,” Brazil said at the time of the unveiling. “As I was visiting, I met a young girl going through chemotherapy, and her mom said to me, ‘Seeing Jerry is the one time each day I know she’s genuinely happy.’ This dog brings smiles to these kids’ faces amidst all they are going through.”

Local artist Amy Brazil's painting of Jerry.

“A typical day in Jerry’s world is made up of playing with kids, napping, listening to troubles, getting his head scratched and visiting people all around the House—he is a true social-butterfly,” Jerry’s page on the RMH Web site says. “Social butterfly” is no overstatement—he even has his own Facebook page. But Jerry’s primary purpose, like so many pets, is to be a comfort: “His gift is something no doctor, medicine, or treatment can offer—putting a feeling of home into the House.”

By Meredeth Barzen

If you’re anything like the dog moms here at Sidewalk Dog, your laptop’s “Pictures” file is bursting at the seams with lackluster photos of your dog. ‘I’ll just take as many as I can and hope one turns out,’ you think, as Buster blinks, shifts and ducks his way through an entire memory card of boring pictures. It’s time to call in the professionals.

Olive Juice Studios, noted throughout the Twin Cities for wedding and baby photography, recently expanded into four-legged territory. The business’s owners, husband-and-wife team Scott and Kelly Schoeberl, have dubbed their pet portraiture project “CoCo Couture: DOGumentary Photography,” and shoot entirely on-location (i.e. local coffee shops, lakes and restaurants.) The pair describes their style of photography as “not traditional in any sense.  No backdrops, no studio lighting, no sitting still. We’re on-the-town, on-the-go photographers documenting the daily life of dogs in a refreshingly candid, often hilarious way.” And sometimes, their quest for the perfect picture takes a physical toll: “We follow dogs around (sometimes on our hands and knees) and take pictures of them as they eat, play and rest in the comfort of their favorite surroundings. We work hard to capture all the little things you love about your dog,” the couple says.

Olive Juice Studios offers “Dogumentary” Photography.

Those looking for a more traditional photo of their pets might visit Patrick Nau of Patrick Nau Photography, who generally shoots indoors at his South Minneapolis studio. “I love to capture the dignity, playfulness, beauty and spirit of the dogs I photograph,” Nau says, and adds that he specializes in helping clients who would like to memorialize their pets with a beautiful photo.

Patrick Nau pet portraits.

Finally, Sarah Ernhart of Sarah Beth Photography aims a whimsical, modern lens at her furry subjects, staying away from what she calls the “arm around your golden retriever” shots. The award-winning photographer works best in her studio, but also shoots on location if it suits the client. “My style focuses on the animals themselves” Ernhart says, “and captures what you love best about them—their quirky expressions, their tricks, their soulful eyes.”

Sarah Beth photography.

So stop trying to maneuver Spot into a photogenic pose. Call up one of the area’s many talented pet photographers. It’ll be easier on both of you.

This holiday season you don’t have to leave any dog or dog lover off the list because there’s no shortage of inspired gifts from local artists, manufacturers and shops. Here are a few of our favorites for you to check out as you check off your list.

Clothing

For doggie clothing that has it all — style, attitude and an eco-friendly twist — visit the Climutt online boutique. All pieces, conceived and created by local designer Sydney Holcomb, are made from pieces of fabric that were formerly parts of human fashion statements. (**Mention Sidewalk Dog in the notes portion of your online order and save $5 through Dec. 31, 2008.)

Hip clothing from Climutt.

Gear

Now every dog — big dogs included — can look fashionable with collars and leashes from bark+biscuit. Everything is created by local designer, Alisha Zavadil, and is heavy duty enough for everyday wear.

Designer collars for big and small dogs from bark+biscuit.

And, no parent of a Sidewalk Dog should be without the Stunt Runner leash from Stunt Puppy created by local Ken Goldman. The versatile leash is perfect for running, walking or shopping with your dog, tethering them outside at a pit stop or when you need a short lead to get to and from the car to the dog park.

The versatile Stunt Runner leash for running, walking and shopping, from Stunt Puppy.

Art

Give the dog lover in your life a lasting memory of their dog by gifting a painted portrait from artist Jessie Marianello, founder of Stray Dog Arts, or Sarah Anderson of Lintu Art. All you need to commission a portrait is a photo for the artist to work from.

Print and photography from Lintu Art that capture’s your dog’s personality.

Commissioned art from Stray Dog Arts that capture’s your dog’s spirit.

For any pet lover who has lost a pet or whose pet is experiencing a serious health issue, Pet Reliquaries, by local designer Lisa Havelin, creates custom lockets and pendants to  help dog parents keep their loved one close to their heart at all times.

Pendants from Pet Reliquaries.

Also creating beautiful stone sculptures to celebrate and commemorate past and present pets in our lives is local artist Mark Clements of Follow The Muse. His sculptures can be personalized and are great for outdoor or indoor display.

Follow the Muse hand-sculpted stone to commemorate your pet.

Photo Sessions

And though no dog lover I know is void of photos of their dog, you may consider a professional photo session that can function as family art. Consider gifting a photo session with Patrick Nau or for family-oriented flair, Sara Beth Photography if it’s all about the dog, or Olive Juice Studios for their unique “dog-umentary” approach.

What dog lover wouldn’t love a professional photo featuring their dog, like this one from Olive Juice Studios?

Give Back and Save a Pet

More than 100 shelters and rescue groups around the Greater Twin Cities area are in need of food, toys, treats and monetary donations. Why not consider gifting a donation, in the name of a dog lover on your list, to his or her favorite animal welfare group? For a list of groups throughout the Minnesota visit Petfinder.com. You can also check out their Sponsor-A-Pet Program where you can also see a list of local shelters who have individual pets who need sponsors to provide food and care.

More Ideas

Leave no dog off your list! For more gifts and ideas be sure to visit local stores Bone Adventure, Lulu and Luigi and Corazon.