Here’s how we’ve been enjoying the Summer of 2008 so far.

• Dining out on restaurant patios such as Herkimer, Cafe 28, Cafe Maude, Cue, W.A. Frost, Lucia’s To Go
  and more!
• Treat bobbing in the plastic kiddy pool.
• Weekends away to Stillwater and the North Shore.
• Sorbet at local ice cream shops, Sebastian Joe’s and Crema.
• Waggin’ through the local garden shop.
• Shopping in Minneapolis in Linden Hills and Downtown, as well as Grande Ave. in St. Paul.
• Digging in the sand at the playground up the street.
• Conducting official business at the UPS Store on 50th and Xerxes Ave. S.
• Free concerts at Lake Harriet Bandshell.
• National Night out with the neighbors and a fateful meeting with an abandoned hot dog bun.

What have you been doing with your dog? Respond here.

Then, like in a city slicker escapist fantasy novel, I was whisked away in the farm’s utility vehicle through tree-lined, winding trails on soft, mulch-covered ground that skirted horses, goats, turkeys, an outdoor stage and event area and then �?? aaah �?? three separate apple orchards that grow more than 14 varieties of apples.

We made it back to the apple store (not that Apple store), but a place where you can buy the orchard’s produce along with a variety of locally made foods such as jams, cheeses and ice cream, and locally made artisan goods like wooden magic wands made from the orchard’s apple trees and “tractor wear” created by Jay’s wife, Nora.

I was greeted by Jay’s brother Scott (pictured left with Emily, Oliver and Jay). “

This was our parents’ orchard. Jay and I pretty much planted the first orchard as boys [...reluctantly. Very reluctantly],” he said. “At the time, it all seemed like hard work to us.” Jay chimed in, “But even then,” he added, “we always thought that maybe someday we could take over the place and make a go of it.”

That day has come. Now in their second year of ownership, Jay and Scott offer a variety of regular attractions and activities including a mountain of hay for climbing, the spectacle of free-roaming goats, turkeys and chickens, a large tent for weddings and family or corporate events, children’s comedy theater performances, a corn maze and acres of wooded trails.

And everyday in the orchard leashed dogs are welcome!

When asked how dogs figure in to all of this Jay replied, “We just LOVE dogs. Oliver has a great life here, hunting and running free. We want to share that with other dogs and their owners. We welcome well-behaved, trained dogs to come and roam on-leash on our beautiful 40 acres and enjoy the day with their owners.”

Jay emphasized that weekdays are the best time for dogs. Admission is free Monday-Friday and it’s a little less crowded. He also stressed the importance of leashing dogs at the orchard due to the turkeys, chickens and goats roaming around.

They also offer specific activities for dog lovers including demonstrations from the Twin Cities Disc Dog Club on September 14 and Dog Days of Fall October 25-26 when there will be a “best dog sweater” fashion contest, dog hayrides and dog adoption.

Minnetonka Orchards opening weekend is September 5-6 when admission, caramel apples and hayrides are free! Regular cost of admission Saturday-Sunday is $4 per person. Children under the age of 3 are free.

Proud store owner Amy Waara pledges 100% of her year-end profits to a growing list of pet-related charities. (Current charities include Pleading Paws, Second Chance Rescue, Minnesota Valley Humane Society and The Wild Cat Sanctuary.)

Stop in during August and save $5 with their in-store coupon, or catch them Aug. 21-Sept. 1at the MN State Fair Pet Building (dogs not permitted at the MN State Fair).

The Dog Perk
6528 West Lake Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
763-242-0817
Hours: T-Th, 10AM-7PM; F-S, 10AM-5PM

Palma and wife Michelle are on a crusade to see pets become healthy. Their quest began with Woody.

The Palma’s adopted Woody shortly after they moved here from the Phillipines. Palma said they purchased dry kibble for him since that is what they noticed most people here in the U.S. did. They couple assumed it would be good for him. But growing up in the Philippines, Palma said their family dogs were always fed a wholesome diet of real food like meats and vegetables.

“Most of our dogs growing up, all medium sized mixed breeds, lived to be more than 15 years old with almost no health problems,” said Palma. “I believe, now , that was because of their diet.”

The Raw Truth

But as Woody’s health deteriorated, the Palmas questioned whether he’d even live to be seven. After several visits to numerous veterinarians and experimentation with drug therapies and many different types of dry dog foods, it dawned on Palma that perhaps it was the food Woody was eating that was causing his ailments.

He dove into months of research about canine nutrition, reading, searching and talking to vets and other experts and slowly began to change Woody’s diet from dry kibble to all natural raw meats and vegetables.

“Almost right away there were noticeable improvements in Woody’s coat,” said Palma. “The excessive shedding and the oiliness, for example. Then, gradually, he got better. Completely.”

Canine Crusade

The changes in Woody as well as the Palmas’ other dog, Fred, were so dramatic that they felt a calling and a responsibility to help other dogs for whom diet is the root cause of health problems. They opened Woody’s Pet Food Deli (inside pictured left) in June of this year.

“All dogs’ needs are different. They are carnivores who need real food. There is no one miracle food. They, and all animals, as well as humans, need a variety of foods,” said Palma.

Consulting and Community for Carnivores

Woody’s Pet Food Deli is a place where people can go to select from nearly 10 different kinds raw or cooked whole meats, from rabbit and elk to turkey and lamb. They also provide fresh vegetables and fruit mixtures and nutritious treats and supplements.

It’s also a comfortable, community gathering spot for dogs and dog lovers where you’ll find both fun and educational events happening on a regular basis.

Palma and his staff are on hand to consult with dog owners regarding their dog’s special needs and then customize a diet for him or her.

Customers can sample the foods first before buying.

Woody’s Pet Food Deli
www.woodyspetdeli.com
3008 W. 50th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-208-0335
Hours: T-Sa: 12PM-7PM; Su: 12PM-5PM; Closed Mondays

Woody’s Recommended Resources
www.caninehealthconcerns.com
www.drmarty.com
www.doctormwfox.org

Our mission at Sidewalk Dog is to help build community through the common bond with dogs. And we’re not alone.

Everyday-people in the community understand that one of the best ways to meet people is through their dogs.

My neighbor, Jack Priley, is a great example of this.

Before he even moved in across the street I knew I was going to like Jack. Instead of the usual “Sold” sign being a clue that someone was moving in, Jack went the extra mile to tell all of us what kind of person was moving in by constructing this mailbox and converting it to a welcoming box of dog-treats. Jack doesn’t have dogs, but he loves them and he knows that, in general, most dog people are instantly lovable. So are you, Jack! Now he’s met a whole host of neighbors who stop by for a chat, a pet and a snack.

What are you doing to meet other people through their dogs or what are you seeing other people do? Reply to this blog posting and tell us about it here.

“I have always played with painting and even studied it, but I didn’t feel entirely comfortable as an artist. So I pursued a Master’s Degree in English, ” said Marianiello. In the meantime, something special happened.

While working at the garden shop in her neighborhood, Marianiello met many dogs. “They became my best friends, and everyone they belonged to became my best friends, too,” she said. “I had to paint them. Once I finally did, something clicked. I felt like I had come home. Dogs completely connected me to my style of painting like never before and my company, Stray Dog Arts was born.”

“I like painting portraits that tell a story. Dogs aren’t just dogs. They have big beings inside of them. I want my paintings to tell the story of who that being is,” said Marianiello.

Inspired by a trip to India a few years ago, she has begun developing a new idea to paint the stray dogs of India. Her hope is that her paintings will bring help and comfort to those animals. One day, she would also love to paint the dogs of Oprah Winfry and dog trainer, Tamar Geller.

Marianiello’s love of dogs doesn’t stop with the canvass. She and her husband are dog parents to two dogs: Anu, age 10, a husky/wolf mix and Louie, age 1, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They all live together in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis where Marianiello said she feels especially inspired by a balance of nature and city.

Marianiello’s work is now on display at Dunn Bros in Linden Hills through July where she is also offering 30% off of a portait through December 2008 (or while spots are available) for dogs who live, work or play in Linden Hills. She is also being featured in the July 2008 issue of local Edge Life magazine, the Fall 2008 issue of Modern Dog and August issue of Urban Animal out of Australia.

You can see her work now online at www.straydogarts.com.

The contest was created to increase awareness around the importance of keeping small spaces shared by multiple dogs free and clear of dog waste for the health and safety of dogs and humans.

To nominate a condo, entrants must be a current resident of a condominium building located within the I494/I694 loop of the Twin Cities Metro area that has five or more dogs in residence.

Nominations are being accepted between July 1 and July 27, 2008 online and via U.S. Mail. For complete rules and address, interested parties can visit: http://www.scoopypoo.net/contest. Four winners will be chosen and each will be notified the week of July 28. Scooping will begin in August.

Among our honored guests were:

1. Top sponsor, Scoopy Poo, the Twin Cities’ most fashionable dog waste removal service demonstrates how they do the doo-doo in style (Robin Keller, left), and drop off their VIPs in style int ehir MIni “Scooper” company car (below). Scoopy Poo announced at the event they are accepting nominations for their new Adopt-A-Condo project to keep downtown dog owners’ condo properties clean. Nominations being taken through July 31 and scooping will happen for one new condo each week in August.

2. Carrie and Brian Ehlers (above and below) owners of 2 Dunn Bros in Linden Hills and 50th and Xerxes) and their dog Sugar, who were chosen as the Sidewalk Dog VIPs and VIPet of the night and chauffeured to the event in the Scoopy Poo Mini “Scooper.”

3. Also in attendance were M.A. Rosko from Fox9 News and her dog Munter, along with Alexis Walsco of Lola Red PR and FM107 Shopgirls with her dog, Lily (both pictured below).

4. Bethany Hermel of Minneapolis-based Who Let the Dogs Out dog walking and pet sitting service reveals her frequent walker program.

5. Michelle and Tim Burt of Well Pet Foods show off their dogs and their healthy tasting menu of food and treats for dogs that not only look tasty, but also pack in a lot of healthy ingredients into every bite.

6. Brian Fulmer and Graham Fulmer of Bone Adventure show off their summer farmers market fare of dog toys ranging from squeaky artichoke toys and plush ice cream cones to Poochie Sushi. and cupcake squeeze toys.

7. Pampered Pooch Playground power couple, Patrycia and Keith Miller wowed the crowds with news of the nine doggy web-cams available at their dog daycare. Non-stop doggy-tainment!

Jessie Marianello, founder and artist in residence of Stray Dog Arts, displays her lovingly crafted fine pet portrait works on canvass and cards.

Small dogs enjoyed Pint-Sized Play on K9 Grass with a glorious view of the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mississippi River.

George (with owner Susan Davis of Cue) looks up to the canine creations from Cue Executive Chef, Michael Delcambre.

Get the full parameters of the permit process. (From the Minneapolis City Council.)

In August, Sidewalk Dog will launch the first directory of dog-friendly establishments in the Twin Cities. For all of you chomping at the bit to dine with your dog, this will be your first stop to find out who is open for canine customers!

While this appears to be a well thought out program, traveler be ware! Not every Hilton Hotel franchise or hotel has implemented this program. I called the Minneapolis Hilton today and the 4 people I spoke with did not know about this program. Currently that hotel adheres to a long-standing policy that allows dogs and cats 35lbs. or less only and those pets must be in a crate when the pet parent leaves the room. No perks, no conceirge service, no special training for the staff that you would get from the new program.

For Hilton Hotels that do participate, a select amount of Pet Friendly rooms are designated pet-friendly so space could be limited.

My main message here is call ahead before making any plans or assumptions.

For those hotels that do adopt the policy, there will still be some restrictions (weight limit of 75lbs.), but for the most part, it’ll be full of perks such as a creature comforts welcome package that includes organic treats and bio-degradable poop bags, no crating required when you leave the pet alone in the room, and access to a pet concierge for any needed pet items or services. The rooms will include Crypton Clean pet pillows designed by William Wegman, and pet bowls.