By Meredeth Barzen

Maximus takes a ride in a zippy red Subaru. We've been told he's really good at parallel parking.

Folks, we here at Sidewalk Dog don’t like to say “We told you so,” but when we founded this company based on the fact that our nation’s dogs are becoming a bigger and bigger part of our lives, from eating to playing to shopping, well … We told you so.

Case in point: You can even bring your dog with you while scoping out a new set of wheels at Burnsville’s LEED-certified Walser Subaru. “Walser Subaru is absolutely dog-friendly! Bring them along for a test-drive, as long as there’s a bathroom break before,” says Walser Autumotive Group’s Andrea Kopfmann. The dealer supported local rescue Homeward Bound by collecting supplies for them last November and December, and has hosted events for Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM).

Dog-friendly design is nothing new for Subaru—Andrea points out that the company’s hatchbacks make loading and unloading Fido a breeze, and that the cars’ high ceilings and roomy interiors mean he can stand up in back or snuggle into a crate during the ride.

Supplies collected for Homeward Bound Rescue by Walser Subaru.

And Subaru is really taking advantage of its canine-centric image with a handful of new “Dog Tested” commercials starring pups with some seriously advanced motor skills (see video below—and keep an eye out for the black lab’s snazzy collar from Minneapolis-based Stunt Puppy).

If you’re in the market for a new ride, take Spot down to Walser Subaru in the next couple of weeks—in conjunction with the Twin Cities Auto Show from March 6-14 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the dealership will be rolling out some soon-to-be-announced promotions.

By Meredeth Barzen

“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.

Okay, so we copied Animal Planet’s idea.

But what makes the Twin Cities Puppy Bowl different is that the star players are from local rescue groups like Safe Hands Rescue, Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, Secondhand Hounds, All Dog Rescue, Minnesota Boxer Rescue, Pet Project Rescue, Rice County Humane Society and Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue.

“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!

By Meredeth Barzen

If you asked a dog what its ultimate gift idea was, it would probably say “bacon.” But when it comes to dog owners, those flummoxed by the idea of picking the perfect present for the dog lover in their life need look no further than home. Minnesota is a breeding ground for great gift ideas, both practical and far from it, that any canine caregiver would be thrilled to find in their stocking come December. So get a jump on your holiday shopping and support local businesses by checking out a few of the less meat-inspired ideas below:

A Cosmo's Collar.

Cool Collars and Leashes Dogs can trot around town in style with collars and leashes from local companies like Bark + Biscuit, Cosmo’s Collars and Stunt Puppy.

The Tahoe line from Bark + Biscuit.

You might have trouble choosing just one fun design from Bark + Biscuit and Cosmo’s Collars, and Stunt Puppy’s stretchy, hands-free Stunt Runner™ leash is perfect for runners who like to take their dogs along.

Stunt Puppy's Stunt Runner™

Where to find it: Online at Bark + Biscuit, Cosmo’s Collars and Stunt Puppy and at local boutiques like Bone Adventure, Urbanimal, CorAzoN, Shoppe Local and Don’t Make Me Beg.

Mod-Dog's Scottie note card.

Breed-specific Note Cards by Mod-Dog Stylized silhouette prints of dozens of dog breeds make for some very cute note cards (the better to thank you with after you give the best gift.) Mod-Dog also makes wall prints from their designs, as well as chic ID tags and customized jewelry.

Where to find it: In St. Paul at Don’t Make Me Beg, online.

Available in Rolling in Grass, Daffodils, Saddle and Unscented.

Maggie’s Light Candles by Nelli Designs These hand-poured EcoSoya™ candles are a great way to honor a dearly departed doggie as a memorial, or to celebrate the pets who are still a part of our lives. Available  in 12.5 oz and 21 oz. A dollar of each local sale goes to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue.

Where to find it: Petunia’s, Bone Adventure, Ataz, Fresh Seasons Market, online.

Sarah's take on sweet Stella.

Portraits and Holiday Cards by Sarah Beth Photography The local legend in fresh, modern pet photography is offering holiday photo sessions and greeting cards this year—or, give a gift certificate in any amount and your giftee will have a lovely likeness of Fido’s face forever.

Where to find it: Online.

"Does this bandana make my butt look big?" bandana from The Dog Perk.

T-shirts and Bandanas by The Dog Perk For the dog lover who wants to wear his heart on his sleeve, The Dog Perk makes more than 40 different designs of canine-centric T-shirts and sweatshirts for two-leggeds and cheeky bandanas, blankets and biscuits for four-leggeds. Plus, they’re passionate about supporting local rescues, so your gift helps more than your reputation.

Where to find it: Online.

Pug pill case from Personalized Pooch.

Custom Gifts by Personalized Pooch Some people (Sidewalk Dog included) never get sick of looking at their mutt’s mug. Personalized Pooch will plaster it all over purses, pillows, plush blankets, pill cases, playing cards—you name it, they’ll Poochify it.**Special deal for Sidewalk Dog readers: Personalized Pooch is offering 10 percent off one item until December 5th. Just enter the code “SIDEWALKDOG” on the Web site when you order!

Where to find it: Online.

The Christmas capelette from BugDuds.

Cute Capes by BugDuds When Dorothy Grinolds’ miniature dachshund, Ladybug, got cold, she didn’t get mad—she got crafty. The result? Elegant little doggie capes that are warm and whimsical. Check out the Christmas capelette, more decorative than functional, but sure grab some “awww”s at the holiday party.

Where to find it: At the No Coast Craft-O-Rama, 12/4-12/5; online.

A doggie kimono by Wahssie.

Canine Couture by Wahssie The depth and breadth of these designer doggie duds is truly amazing, from sweatshirts to raincoats to Asian-inspired kimonos (we kid you not). Part of the sales benefit Underdog Rescue. And the best part? It’s all very reasonably priced.

Where to find it: Online.

A jacket by Grand Marais' Arrowhead Trading Co.

Winter Jackets by Arrowhead Trading Co. Designed and tested by “people who spend their days and nights [outdoors] in the north country,” these practical jackets are easy-fitting, comfy and warm. They can also withstand multiple washings without losing their shape.

Where to find it: Urbanimal, online.

Six of Marianiello's cubes.

Portraits and Art by Local Artists Present your pal with a Stray Dog Arts gift certificate and their pooch can pose for a painting by local artist Jessie Marianiello. Or, for a less expensive and more immediate art gift (i.e. last-minute stocking stuffer), grab one of the artist’s fun, dog-themed miniature “cube” pieces or greeting cards.

Oil pastel by Thornton.

Also check out Lintu Art’s Sarah Thornton of the famed “Dogs by the Lakes” poster series. For the holidays, Thornton’s offering a 10 x 10 portrait for just $125. She works with oil pastel, soft pastel or graphite, and each portrait includes a free 20-minute outdoor photo shoot. (Says Thornton, “The photo shoot can be used to capture the perfect pose for an additional gift or for creating Christmas cards or family memories.”) Gift certificates available.

Where to find it: Stray Dog Arts: Online, at Etsy, at CorAzoN and at her booth in Gaviidae Market every Friday 11/20-12/18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Lintu Art: Online.

A pet reliquary by Lisa Havelin.

Pet Memorial Jewelry by Lisa Havelin For a friend who’s lost a dog around the holidays, a pet reliquary is a beautiful way to keep Spot close to the heart and alive in memory.

Where to find it: Online.

Klecko's new book.

Dog Treats by Local Bakeries Delight humans and hounds with gourmet goodies made from all natural, human-grade ingredients and lots of love. Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog, goes nuts for the beef jerky from Clyde’s K9 Cuisine (formerly Well Pet Foods). He’d also dig Jack & Dakota’s treats, which are made from organic ingredients and include such flavors as Apple & Peanut Butter, Chicken & Rosemary and Beef & Sage. And he’d be beyond impressed if the gift giver was also the gift maker (or baker). Check out local master baker/dog dad Klecko’s K-9 Nation Biscuit Book: Baking for Your Best Friend for ideas and inspiration.

Where to find it: Clyde’s K9 Cuisine: Online. Jack & Dakota: Online. K-9 Nation Biscuit Book: Baking for Your Best Friend: Barnes & Noble, online at Amazon and at Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Paper dolls by Hungry Dog Designs.

Paper Dolls by Hungry Dog Designs Charm both children and adults with these whimsical, handcrafted paper dolls. Inspired by artist Paula Fynboh’s love of color, Mexican folk art, and her Boston Terrier, each doll is handmade using decorative paper and recycled trinkets and includes a small envelope, note and magnet for display. Custom orders available.

Where to find it: Online and at local boutiques like CorAzoN, I Like You, Gallery 360 and Karma.

And when you’re truly stumped on what to get someone? You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate for a pet service—check out the Sidewalk Dog Directory for the top trainers, walkers, sitters, daycare providers, pet food deliverers and more—or a donation in your giftee’s name to a rescue or animal-related nonprofit like The Pet Project, Pets on Wheels, R.E.A.D. Dogs Minnesota or the new Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP). Because nothing makes the holidays warm and fuzzy like knowing you’ve helped pets in need.

Ben, a Home for Life dog who was blinded by abuse but now lives happily at the sanctuary.

By Meredeth Barzen

At 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 22, before shopping hours commence, the Mall of America will be taken over by hounds and their humans at the first annual Doggone Early Dog Walk, benefiting Home for Life Animal Sanctuary. Dog owners will be able to walk ’til they drop (or at least until they get to the refreshments table) to support the animals that Home for Life cares for and the community outreach programs it organizes.

Sponsored by yours truly and a host of other big names* in the Twin Cities dog world, the walk kicks off “The Art of the Dog,” Home for Life’s holiday display of dog statues and doghouses designed and adorned by local artists. For example, Jessie Marianiello of Stray Dog Arts will be creating a MoMDA—Museum of Modern Dog Art—doghouse, which will feature painted portraits of Marni Hughes’s and Keith Marler’s dogs from FOX 9 News. “This is a house for dogs with a refined sense of taste and an appreciation for art,” Marianiello says.

A decorated Art of the Dog statue from holidays past.

If you see a work of art that tickles your fancy, proceeds from the sale will benefit Home for Life. And given the talent that’s working on these pieces, chances are you will.

But back to the main event—walkers will be able to get Fido’s photo taken with Santa; enter contests for oldest, youngest, smallest, biggest, best-dressed and most owner-resembling dog and meet some of the Home for Life pooches and FOX 9 Morning News’ M.A. Rosko, the Grand Marshal of the dog walk.

M.A. Rosko with Munter, one of her two dogs.

Registration is $25 per four-legged accompanied by up to two two-leggeds. Each additional human is $25 and kids walk for free. Don’t miss this historic opportunity—this is the first-ever large-scale indoor dog walk—to support Home for Life, a truly compassionate organization that provides lifetime care to dogs and cats who have special needs and can’t find a traditional home.

You can build your own Doggone Early Dog Walk fundraising page here to e-mail others about the event and collect money for Home for Life. Or, if you’re just not an early bird and need to sleep in that Sunday, you can still support Home for Life by making a general donation here.

*In alphabetical order: Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training, Bark Busters, Bone Adventure, DoodyCalls, Fetch Delivers, Lena Swanson (animal communicator), MadDog Delivers, Pampered Pooch Playground, Personalized Pooch, Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Pets Are Inn, Sarah Beth Photography, Stray Dog Arts, and Stunt Puppy.

Attendees really got into the "spirit" of the event at last year's Monster Dash 5K-9.

By Meredeth Barzen

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween with your dog? Team Ortho is holding its annual “Monster Dash” 5K-9 on the spookiest day of the year—this Saturday, October 31.

The 5K-9 is the dog- and costume-friendly (for people and their pets!) portion of the Monster Dash race, which also includes a half-marathon, a 10-mile race and a regular 5K race—more than 7,000 runners are expected to participate this year. The 5K-9 will take place around Lake Harriet, and for your noble exercising efforts, you’ll receive a long-sleeved tech shirt and a collar or leash from the event’s sponsor, Stunt Puppy. Sidewalk Dog will be enjoying the festivities from Stunt Puppy’s tent. Plus, Fetch Delivers will be there to refuel your dog with treats and free one-pound sample bags of Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance dog food (great for active dogs) and to hand out coupons for any food in the the Now!/Go! lines, which can be redeemed at any retailer. ScoopyPoo will take care of anything your dog—ahem—leaves behind, Bits of Love Pet Massage will be providing mini-massages for your four-legged athletes and Pampered Pooch Playground will be on hand to simply love up all the pups.

Registration is $47 for one adult and one dog. If you haven’t pre-registered, registration for the 5K-9 opens at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning, and the race starts at 10:35 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

There will be three water/trick-or-treat stops along the way, and remember: There’s no shame in walking if you get tired—you can always blame it on your dog.

Here’s some important info from the pooch lovin’ people behind the race:

1. Race Guide: The entire guide can now be downloaded at www.teamortho.us. In the guide, you will find detailed schedules and start locations for runners, information on parking, great suggestions for spectators and where you can pick up awards for running and costumes. We encourage you to read this document.

2. Packet Pickup is Friday, October 30 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Please note that packet pickup has moved from Marathon Sports to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Time for packet pickup: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. in Ballroom B. Please bring a valid ID and your confirmation card. If you didn’t receive a confirmation card yet, never fear; come to packet pickup with your photo ID and we’ll get your bib number for you. Note: There will be no packet pickup on race day for the Half Marathon and the 10 Mile.

3. Registration is still open for the 5K-9: Online registration (highly encouraged!) shuts down Wednesday night. You can register at packet pickup on Friday or on race day; registration fee will be $47.

Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts dog waste in the same category as oil and toxic chemicals? That’s why this past June the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) launched the “Canines for Clean Water” summer movie series—the most enjoyable way to crack down on improperly managed dog poop ever conceived.

Next up? MPRB and Sidewalk Dog are teaming up to host a super fun contest!

We’re looking for ten valid yet funny reasons to pick up after your dog. If you’re among the ten winners, your reason will appear on a poster along with a photo of your dog. (Not just any photo—a Sarah Beth Photography photo!) Posters will be displayed throughout the Minneapolis park system and featured right here on our blog. Plus, all winners will receive cool gear from Stunt Puppy, and the grand prize winner will also receive a $50 gift card to Pampered Pooch Playground.

Enter to win: Email us by 9/30/09 (fall/winter themes welcome). Ten winners will be chosen and notified shortly thereafter.

May the poo be with you (i.e. good luck)!

By Meredeth Barzen

Most dogs love fish. But who knew they loved sushi restaurants so much?

Recently at Sidewalk Dog’s “Sushi with Your Poochie,” more than 200 local dog lovers and their dog lovees hung out on Tiger Sushi 2’s lovely Minneapolis patio, tried their hands at Stunt Puppy’s hands-free leashes, got training tips from Bark Busters, noshed on Tiger Sushi 2’s happy hour menu and got a break from plastic-bag duty courtesy of ScoopyPoo.

And that was just the human-oriented fun! Dogs were treated to Tiger Sushi 2’s homemade biscuits and massages and pawdicures from Pampered Pooch Playground, and took home doggie bags loaded with goodies from UrbAnimal.

The always-lovely Sarah of Sarah Beth Photography was there to capture the rampant adorableness: Click here, then select “Access Gallery” and enter code “sidewalk” to see if she snapped your dog’s mug (and chances are, she did!)

The best part? As those of you who were buying charitable sake bombs know, the event raised money for MnPAW, a coalition of Minnesota animal welfare organizations. The ticket sales alone raised almost $1,000 for the organization, so instead of “Sushi with Your Poochie,” perhaps we should have called it “Sushi for Poochie … in Need.” We’ll work on the name. In the mean time, thanks to all who came and made the event such a hit!

By Meredeth Barzen

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.