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.

Big thanks to our co-host, the lovely Tiger Sushi 2 in Uptown (and may we take this opportunity to remind you that their expansive patio is always dog-friendly), and to our sponsors as well: Bark Busters Home Dog Training, Bone Adventure, Pampered Pooch Playground, Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, Sarah Beth Photography, ScoopyPoo and Stunt Puppy.

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.

Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.

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.

Sponsored by: Bark Busters Home Dog Training, Bone Adventure, Pampered Pooch Playground, Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, Sarah Beth Photography, ScoopyPoo and Stunt Puppy

Beneficiary: The Pet Project

By Meredeth Barzen

Photo by Sarah Beth Photography.

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.

Big thanks to our co-host, the lovely Tiger Sushi 2 in Uptown (and may we take this opportunity to remind you that their expansive patio is always dog-friendly), and to our sponsors as well: Bark Busters Home Dog Training, Bone Adventure, Pampered Pooch Playground, Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic, Sarah Beth Photography, ScoopyPoo and Stunt Puppy.

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.

Why yes it is; thanks for asking!

Newswoman MA Rosko with her oft-featured dog, Munter.

You may have seen Sidewalk Dog’s founder, owner and fearless leader Ali Jarvis on FOX 9’s Morning News show today with fellow dog fanatic and reporter MA Rosko. Ali was showing off a small selection of the super-fun pet products that are made right here in the Land of 10,000 Dog Lovers. Wondering where you can pick them up? Again, glad you asked:

• Pumphouse Creamery’s doggie ice cream can be purchased at the shop in South Minneapolis.
• Stunt Puppy’s hands-free leashes can be purchased online, at Bone Adventure, at select Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlets and at Marathon Sports in South Minneapolis.
• Nelli Designs Maggie’s Light pet candles can be purchased online, at  Bone Adventure (Edina, Wayzata and Northeast Minneapolis) or at the other local retailers listed here.
• Sojos treats can be purchased online, at Bone Adventure, at Woody’s Pet Food Deli in Minneapolis, at Lulu & Luigi in St. Louis Park, at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet (multiple locations), and at many other retailers listed here.
• Mod-Dog lockets, breed-specific note cards and posters can be purchased online.
• The Thundershirt pressure vest (not locally made, we know, but we just had to talk about this with 4th of July fireworks coming up!) can be purchased online or at 4 Perfect Pets in North St. Paul.
• Bedtime treats from Bedtime Bones can be purchased online or at Bone Adventure. (Note: These chamomile bones are currently buy-one-get-one-free if ordered from a Minnesota ZIP code!)

Thanks for watching! And if you missed it, here’s one of the segments:

Dogs are clearly welcome inside southwest Minneapolis' Marathon Sports.

Business: Marathon Sports

Neighborhood: Lynnhurst in Southwest Minneapolis

For you: Shoes, apparel, and accessories for runners and walkers, including Minnesota-based Stunt Puppy’s hands-free running leashes.

For dogs: Water bowl when the weather’s warm.

By Meredeth Barzen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mon Ami: The Deets

Date: Friday, May 14th

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Cost: Free!

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

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

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

By Meredeth Barzen

It’s official: The season of the dog is upon us. That means the reemergence of swimming, running, walking, patio dining, ball-chasing, picnic-mooching and more in your dog’s life. And since we all get a little couch-potatoey during those cold winter months, we at Sidewalk Dog wondered, “Do dogs need tune-ups to get back into shape for summer?”

No one’s comparing your Shih Tzu to your Schwinn, but … OK, we are. Just like your favorite bike, Spot might need to have his wheels greased, so to speak, to get back into the summer spirit.

Pet Crossing's Dr. Cheryl Roth with two of her fur kids.

“After six long months of hibernating, a spring physical is an excellent idea,” says Dr. Cheryl Roth, a vet with Pet Crossing Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic who’s credentialed in pain management (and one of only a handful of vets in the country to hold this distinction, though the field of pain management is growing.) “Let your veterinarian know about any changes you noticed over the winter—weight gain/loss, energy/activity, appetite, behavior—these may be related to medical problems and not just a change in the seasons.”

Adds Betty Waalk of Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation Clinic (TCARC), which works with post-surgical, injured, old, arthritic, and physically weak animals to help them gain or regain strength: “Depending on the level of activity during the winter, spring can make us all a little crazy to be out and overdoing things. Warm seasons tend to offer more opportunity for the average pet—outdoor wildlife, hunting, Frisbee, games of fetch, long walks with owners, and playtime in the dog park, to name a few.” TCARC, headed up by the lovely and talented Dr. Julia Tomlinson, worked with Original Sidewalk Dog Luc to strengthen his back legs.

Dr. Julia Tomlinson of Twin Cities Animal Rehab Clinic

Waalk advises that pets, just like their people, need to slowly work up to full, exuberant exercise after a winter of sluggishness (though TCARC does offer a winter exercise program to prevent that in the first place). “Canine exercise should include warm-up and cool-down periods,” Waalk says. “We generally recommend a 10-minute warm-up period of a walk or slow jog, and a five-minute cool-down walk after exercise is complete. This applies to all strenuous activities.”

And remember that swimming is a strenuous activity for your pooch, Waalk says—no matter how easy and free Fido looks while paddling after a stick. Slowly work your way into the activity, being careful to look for signs that your dog’s tired.

Dr. Roth, who was part of the team that took such compassionate care of Luc toward the end of his life, also cautions against a legion of potential summertime hazards, including heartworm. “’Heartworm season,’ as it’s known in the biz, is notoriously busy for northern U.S. vets for a reason,” Dr. Roth says. “Heartworm testing is best done at this time of year, approximately five to six months after the end of mosquitoes the year before. Heartworm is spread from one infected dog to another by mosquitoes, and treatment of heartworm positive dogs is painful, expensive, dangerous, and potentially deadly.”

Sidewalk Dog loves Minnesota-based Stunt Puppy's hands-free leashes. This duo is sporting the Stunt Runner™.

During the warm season, she runs into a greater number of “sports” injuries—ACL ruptures and sprains, for instance—as well as eye injuries, bite wounds from other dogs or wildlife, poisonings from newly lush gardens and the fertilizers that make them that way, and curiously enough, allergies, which are often spread through contact with their paw pads. “Seasonal allergies plague our four-legged friends as much as they annoy those of us on two legs,” Dr. Roth says. “Licking, chewing, or scratching could mean anything from fleas to a bacterial infection to allergies to pain.”

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Dr. Roth says. “This applies to all sorts of things in life, including muscle. The lazy lab who slept in front of the fireplace all winter is no more ready to run in his favorite 5K without working back into it, than I am …  well, maybe he is, but you get the idea. Start with some slow neighborhood walks, and work back into the crazy marathon season slowly. Some dogs know when they’ve had enough and will sit down and quit, but sadly, some just keep going and going to please us, and end up paying for it for days with bloody pads, aching joints, and sore muscles.”

So as you’re digging the running harness and the floatable bone out from storage, remember to take it slow.

Sidebar: Is your dog trying to tell you she’s in pain?

Did you know pain can even change your dog’s behavior? Dr. Roth told us a story about a Yorkie she treated who, due to pain in his spine, became “mean and bitey.” Once his illness was treated and his pain was gone, he became a happy, sweet dog again.

As an expert in pain management, Dr. Roth points out that it’s important to listen any signals your dog might use to indicate she’s in pain, such as:

• Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or unresponsive
• Limping, stiff gait, shifting weight away from one limb
• Biting
• Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body
• Acting funny and out of character, either aggressively or submissively
• Flattening ears against the head
• Having trouble sleeping or eating
• Seeking a lot more affection than usual
• Unable to get comfortable (constantly changes positions to find the most comfortable position)

If you notice any of these traits in your dog, it’s time for a visit to the vet.

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.