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.
Proud dog moms and dog dads parade their pups during last year's event.
Northeast Minneapolis, long known as a hub for hipsters, artists and creative types of all stripes, would like to add another cultural subgroup to its resume of residents: dog lovers. The neighborhood is a welcoming enclave for dog owners and dog-friendly businesses—and this facet of the community will be put on display this Friday, July 30, with the fourth annual Northeast Dog Parade.
The festivities start at 5 p.m., when you and your pooch (owners are encouraged to dress their dogs up in fun costumes or outfits) can picnic in Chute Square. At 6:15 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department will escort the parade from Chute Square through the Northeast Business District to a final destination near the Red Stag Supperclub. But don’t disperse quite yet: There’s a special “Dogtail” happy hour and flea market where you can socialize and shop with fellow dog lovers.
Bone Adventure's Brian Fulmer passes out some neighborhood-branded goodies.
Northeast’s growing core of dog-friendly and pet-related businesses started the parade four years ago, says Brian Fulmer, owner of one such business—Bone Adventure pet boutique. He adds that last year’s parade drew more than 300 dogs, and with the way Northeast’s dog population is growing, organizers are anticipating more than 500 dogs this year.
But you don’t have to be a Northeaster to join in the fun. Dog owners from all neighborhoods are welcome.
And while you’re there, stop by the Red Stag parking lot where Sarah Beth Photography will be snapping some photos, then hop over to Bone Adventure to get a last look at her “Style Hounds” display before it closes.
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.
Elizabeth Ries and her Westie, Henry. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
By Meredeth Barzen
Savvy Minnesotans will recognize Elizabeth Ries‘ smiling face from “Twin Cities Live,” the Minnesota-centric show she hosts weekdays at 3 p.m. on Channel 5 with John Hanson. They might even recognize her voice from myTalk 107.1, where she dishes the latest celebrity news and gossip on “The Dirt Alert,” weekdays at 8:20 a.m. and 5:20 p.m.; hosts “The Waiting Room,” a health show, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings; and fills in for the occasional missing host.
But dedicated viewers of Twin Cities Live will also recognize Elizabeth’s TV-ready Westie, Henry, who helps out from time to time with his own series, “The Adventures of Henry.” The little pup recently visited Minnesota Oncology’s Maplewood Cancer Clinic to get the skinny on pet therapy for cancer patients (click here to watch the story). When they’re not working on their tag-team reporting skills, Elizabeth and Henry can be found hanging out at their favorite local dog-friendly haunts. Here’s the full story:
Henry hangs out at Cupcake in St. Paul. Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.
Dog’s name: Henry Dog’s nicknames: Bug, Buggy, Baby Bear Breed: West Highland White Terrier (Westie) Age: 6 Favorite toy: Anything with a squeaker Favorite treats: Cheese and peanut butter Favorite place to hang out: On the back of the sofa Favorite dog park:Alimagnet Dog Park in Burnsville Favorite dog-friendly restaurant: Birchwood Cafe Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Cupcake in St. Paul Favorite pet store:Stone Mountain Pet Lodge in Blaine Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Any cabin up north Best trick: He will kiss on demand. Dog’s best friend: Gwendolyn, my 7-year-old neighbor Dog’s nemesis: Squirrels and rabbits! Favorite way to get attention/treats: He stares me down and makes a little “haarruummph” noise. Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Rolling in dead things. Seriously. It’s so gross. Sleeps: On my bed, of course. But if he’s rolled in something dead, he definitely gets a bath first. Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? Absolutely. It’s mortifying, but I can’t stop. Is your dog friends with any other celebrity dogs? No dogs, but he’s pals with [KSTP reporter] Rusty Gatenby’s children. Does that count? What are you working on over at Twin Cities Live? At TCL we highlight the people and places of the Twin Cities. It’s an awesome unique local show! Coming up in June we’re working on a “Mommy Moneymakers” series where we meet moms in the Twin Cities who are raking in the cash in unique ways. We also have a live studio audience every Friday and we’d love to see you there! Check out www.twincitieslive.com for details on free tickets!
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.
Luc, sleeping peacefully in his mom's lap on his last day.
Once upon a time there was a little red doggie who wasn’t very good at playing fetch, going for walks or roughhousing with other doggies. He was very, very good at cuddling, though, and he gave his mom joy every time she looked at him. She didn’t care that his chronic illnesses slowed him down or that she had to give him medication throughout the day, or that when he wanted attention, he danced like Elaine from Seinfeld: limbs akimbo, enthusiasm unfettered. She loved him very much.
His name was Luc (a.k.a. “Lemon”), he was the original Sidewalk Dog, and he had to move on to the big dog park in the sky last weekend—a place where he can always catch a tennis ball, where he has super-smooth dance skills, and where—just as on Earth—all the girly dogs have big crushes on him.
Ali Jarvis, Luc’s mom and Sidewalk Dog’s founder and owner, was used to Luc’s health problems. He came from a puppy mill posing as a reputable breeder, and since puppydom, his list of ailments grew to such unpleasant things as genetic neuromuscular disease, advanced dental disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But through medication, he was able to stay comfortable and happy for most of his 5-year life. Unfortunately, his little lungs were ravaged by disease, and he had to be euthanized last Friday. Immediately, members of the dog community, both local and national, expressed their sympathies. Local artist WACSO even immortalized Luc in one of his signature line drawings.
Local artist WACSO captured Luc's essence perfectly, down to his little skunk stripe.
Luc was the inspiration for Sidewalk Dog. Because he needed medication every few hours, Ali had to bring him with her wherever she went. The warm welcome that stores, shops, businesses, offices and restaurant patios gave Luc opened Ali’s eyes to the wealth of dog-friendliness that Sidewalk Dog was founded upon.
“The night before [an ultrasound that determined Luc’s condition couldn’t be treated], I had a couple little talks with him, like I’ve often had, asking him to let me know if he wanted to be done and that it was okay,” Ali said. The next afternoon, after they got the bad news, Luc’s breathing went downhill rapidly. “That felt more than coincidental, like he’d heard the news about his lungs and decided he needed to be done. It might sound weird, but I hear stories like this all the time—of animals giving clear signs when you ask for it—and it seems like that’s what Luc did.”
“Some patients flicker through a hospital without making much impact, but Luc has touched Pet Crossing and its staff in ways not explained with words,” Dr. Roth said.
Even though our Lovely Luc is gone, we at Sidewalk Dog know that his legacy lives on with the company, with each happy dog that gets to hang out with its owner at a restaurant patio, a dog park, or a shop.
“He was such a sweet little companion for me for these past five years,” Ali said. “I never minded all that I had to do for him—I got so much more in return.”
—Meredeth Barzen
**Editor’s Note: Ali would like to thank her friend Lisa Weikle, who stayed with her all weekend, providing support, transportation and friendship during this hard time, as well as everyone at Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic for the loving care they’ve shown Luc over the last year, especially Dr. Kate Knutson, Luc’s primary vet, who consulted with Dr. Roth toward the end. She’d also like to thank Bob Dalton of Pet Cremation Services of Minnesota, who came in on his day off to personally attend to Luc, Michael Trautner, who helped with Luc’s health problems during the first few years of his life, and Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography, who dropped everything to take some last-minute photos of him.
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.
Melinda Jacobs taking in some quality cuddle time with Crosby.
Growing up as daughter of billionaire businessman Irwin Jacobs, entertainment reporter/radio personality/blogger Melinda Jacobs wasted no time ingraining herself in the local pop-culture consciousness. She’s been referred to as “the Twin Cities’ only real socialite” by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, and though she and husband Howard Grodnick have been married nearly 20 years (“yes, I got married when I was 12,” she says with tongue in cheek in her blog) and have two teenage children, Jacobs—a.k.a. “Melly J.”—certainly hasn’t settled down. The committed dog mom is working on “The Adventures of Melinda Jacobs,” “a satirical look at many of my silly and hopefully funny experiences I’ve encountered through my years in the media world,” and keeps loyal fans updated via her blog. And judging from the videos of her dogs she posts on YouTube (see below), her home life is just as silly and funny as her time out on the town. As part of our locally acclaimed series “Almost Famous Dogs,” here’s a glimpse inside The Adventures of Melinda, Crosby and Ernie Jacobs.
Dogs’ names: Crosby and Ernie
Dogs’ nicknames: “Monkey Man” and “Baby Boy” for Crosby, and we call Ernie “Ernsky” and “Big Man”
Dogs’ best tricks: Crosby sits on Ernie to take away his bone. Also, the dogs like to snuggle up on top of the couch and chew on my cashmere blankets.
Ernie and his younger brother/best friend, the snaggletoothed Crosby.
Dogs’ best friend: Ernie’s best friend is his brother.
Dogs’ nemesis: For Crosby, it’s feet with socks on.
Favorite naughty behavior or bad habit: If you raise your voice or yell at Crosby, he barks back at you.
Favorite way to get attention/treats: Crosby takes things out of my purse and wants me to chase him to get it back.
Sleep on bed, couch, dog bed, floor, or outside: They sleep in a big bed with each other.
Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dogs? All the time
Are your dogs friends with any other celebrity dogs? We meet new friends at the dog park all the time, and many of the dogs should be celebrities if they are not already.
Anything else we should know about your dogs? We are not completely convinced that Brussels griffons are entirely canine—we think they are actually part monkey and cat as well. Also, Crosby likes to run around with a bottle of water in his mouth, and Ernie only has seven teeth, but can eat like a horse.
Presenting Crosby Jacobs in “Brussels Griffon and the Thong”:
“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!
“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 
