CBS Minnesota » Pets

A Chubby Pet Could Be A Big Problem

Cole Premo — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:15:42 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Attention dog and cat owners, it’s time to give your four-legged friend a critical once-over. If your pet is looking a little chubby, it could be a big problem.

A nationwide chain of pet-care clinics says about 40 percent of our canines and felines are overweight or obese. In fact, Banfield Pet Hospital says Minneapolis has the most obese pets.

Watch the report above for more!

Free, Low-Cost Spay And Neuter Surgeries For Mpls. Pets

Cole Premo — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:57:02 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The City Of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) are offering free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for Minneapolis pets.

Due to a grant from PetSmart Charities, free surgeries are available for pet owners in several north Minneapolis residents, while low-cost surgeries are available to residents who qualify all over Minneapolis.

The north Minneapolis neighborhoods include Willard Hay, Near North, Harrison, Jordan, North Loop, Sumner-Glenwood and Heritage Park.

Pet owners will need to provide proof of residency and register their dogs, cats or rabbits. To schedule an appointment, residents should visit MNSAP’s website or call 612-720-8236.

The low-cost surgeries offered to qualified Minneapolis residents will be $40 to $70, compared to $250 to $450 charged at other clinics.

Residents who’d like a low-cost surgery must provide proof of participation in a needs-based public assistance program, such as Food Stamps and Medicaid.

The Secrets Of Dog Communication

Eric Henderson — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:35:10 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – If you’ve ever done it, you know training a dog requires a lot of patience. Communication is a two-way street.

Teri Ann Lapsey is a professional pet communicator. She’s been “speaking” to animals all her life and says can understand an average of 60 words, but it’s best to start with the basics.

“A good way to learn how to communicate with animal, get to know them physically and emotionally is to establish a baseline, learn how they say yes and no,” she said.

A no could be as simple as backing away, or even shaking their head. Lapsey says “yes” responses can be obvious.

“Many dogs will look right at you and blink. And that’s a very definite ‘yes’. Some dogs will nod at you,” she said.

What most owners really need to know is when their dog needs to go outside.

“Better to put something on the door. Put something that will make noise, like a bell. And when they’re smaller you need a designated place outside and it’s a great idea to get some type of lawn ornament and make sure they know that’s where they’re supposed to go,” said Lapsey. “When they final realize that you’re listening to them, they’ll try to tell you a lot.”

Lapsey will be hosting a session this Saturday at Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet in Northeast Minneapolis from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. A 15-minute session costs $20.

A Guide To A Family Friendly St. Patrick’s Day

Sara Boyd — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:00:13 +0000

By Anna Berend

You don’t have to have Irish blood running through your veins to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day here in the Twin Cities. St. Patrick’s Day is always a great excuse for a fun day of learning and exploring with the family. While green beer isn’t on the agenda for a family friendly St Patrick’s Day, there are plenty of other activities that will set your feet to dancing.

You’ll find a festival with music, dancing, lectures, food, crafts and more; a festive and entertaining parade through St. Paul, authentic and tasty Irish cuisine and even a family run. So, don your green and get out there and enjoy the Irish.

(credit: www.the-local.com)

The Local

931 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(612) 904-1000

www.the-local.com/

Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Why not start the day off with brunch at a traditional Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis. The beautiful stained glass and carved wood makes for a lovely brunch setting with some of the best pancakes I’ve had in the Twin Cities, plus there’s several traditional Irish items like bangers and mash and a breakfast shepherd’s pie as well as other American brunch favorites too. And don’t forget to give the succulent fish and chips a try.

(credit: St. Patrick's Association)

St Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown St. Paul
Noon, Saturday, March 17
http://www.stpatsassoc.org/

The parade runs from Sibley and 4th St. to Market and 4th St. through downtown St. Paul. The parade is replete with law enforcement organizations and bands, honorary Irish royalty, various clans, bands, entertainment, city officials, Irish dancers and musicians and various corporate sponsors. The parade is quite entertaining and fun for the whole family.

(credit: Irish Music and Dance Association)

Irish Music & Dance Association St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration
Landmark Center
Downtown St. Paul, MN 55102
Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
http://www.irishmusicanddanceassociation.org/stpatricksday/317irishcelebration.html

Before or after the parade, head over to the Landmark Center for the 31th Annual Irish Music & Dance Association St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration. There will be a wide variety of Irish culture represented here, including Irish dance, music, crafts, cuisine, entertainment and educational seminars. There will also be an Irish Marketplace with merchants and artisans.

St. Patrick’s Day Human Race
5K, 8K & Youth Run
Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN
Sunday, March 18 – starting at 11:40 a.m.
http://tslevents.blogspot.com/p/st-patricks-day-human-race.html

Bring the whole family down for a fun and healthy run at the 40th Annual original St. Patrick’s Day race and extend your celebration of St. Patrick’s Day to Sunday. This race starts at midday to ensure ease of transportation for racers and churchgoers in the area. Runners and walkers, young and old, serious athletes and those simply trying to stay fit are all welcome at this race. The course starts at University of St. Thomas, goes down Summit Ave. and back again to UST for the finish.

Anna Berend is an attorney and the author of Motherly Law Blog. On Motherly Law, Anna writes about legal issues that affect families and offers tips and resources that pertain to those legal topics. On occasion, inspiration strikes and Anna writes about something totally unrelated to the law.You can find Anna at www.motherlylaw.com, on Facebook at Motherly Law and on Twitter @MotherlyLaw.

Family Guide To Discovering Downtown St. Paul

Sara Boyd — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:00:59 +0000

Downtown St. Paul has a lovely traditional old city feel to it, and maybe that’s because it is. The beautiful old buildings, the little well-manicured parks and green spaces, the tiny, ancient bars and restaurants all add to this sense of tradition. And yet, S. Paul is also full of new architecture and innovation. This mix of old and new makes it a perfect place for families to spend time exploring. There are a number of family-friendly places to visit in downtown St. Paul.

(credit: smm.org)

Science Museum of Minnesota

120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN
Daily 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $8.50 to $43, depending on admission type
Directory

Learn and explore with hand-on activities and programs in the five permanent exhibit galleries, one temporary exhibit gallery and the Big Backyard on the roof. One of the highlight of the Big Backyard is the 9 hole mini golf course overlooking the Mississippi River that illustrates landscape evolution, river dynamics and biodiversity. Inside find exhibits on paleontology, physical science and technology, the human body, peoples and cultures of the Mississippi River and other collections, as well as visiting exhibits like the treasures of King Tut. There is also an Omnitheater and a Science Live Theater located within the Science Museum; check site for performance times. Family members of all ages will enjoy discovering the wonders of the Science Museum.

(credit: sppl.org)

Central Library

90 West 4th St.
St. Paul, MN
Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Directory

This library has tons of programming for kids, teens and families. Each Saturday morning at 11:15 a.m. is Saturday Live! This family program changes weekly with a variety of acts, including magicians, jugglers, raptors and music. Check out the calendar for a description of week’s performance, but be sure to come early because this show draws a crowd. Check the calendar for Paw Pals; Show a Tell Book Club; and Summer Reading Programs. In addition to these special activities, there are free story times each week; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. For the older kids, the library has the Summer of Superheroes, Outdoor Film Series each Friday evening from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Kellogg Blvd Courtyard.

Landmark Center/Rice Park

75 West Fifth St.
St. Paul, MN
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free, with few exceptions
Directory

Across the street from the Central Library is pretty little Rice Park. With its flowers, trees, benches and central fountain it’s quite reminiscent of a European park, especially since it’s banded by the Central Library, the Ordway Center, the St Paul Hotel and the Landmark Center. The Landmark Center was originally the Federal Court House and Post Office for the Upper Midwest. This magnificent old building now serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums and special events. There are always a few special exhibits on display, as well as other family-friendly programming, such as the Ordway Summer Dance event. Each Thursday evening at 6 p.m., a different dance genre and technique will be highlighted with basic dance lessons and open dance after the lessons.

Minnesota History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN
Cost: $5 to $10, Free on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Monday, except on Holidays
Directory

This interactive museum has both permanent and changing exhibits, with a host of special events throughout the year, including family days, concerts and lectures. According to its website, the “Minnesota History Center has been called the finest building constructed in Minnesota since the State Capitol was completed in 1905.” The exhibits range from weather to sports to fashion to architecture to politics and go on and on, as vast as history itself. The programming is fun, interesting and entertaining. Again, the whole family will enjoy exploring this museum.

(credit: Tom Kingrey/Minnesota Children's Museum)

Minnesota Children’s Museum

10 West Seventh St.
St. Paul, MN
Cost: Ages 1-101: $8.95
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Directory

The Children’s Museum galleries open up new worlds to children; that is, Earth World, Our World, Habitot, World Works, and the seasonal, Rooftop ArtPark. This museum is designed to intrigue, entertain and educate children from six months to 10 years-old. Throughout each day there are story times, special activities, face painting and art projects. Kids will love all of the role playing and hands-on activities in each of the permanent and changing galleries. This museum is full of educational fun.

(credit: mickeysdiningcar.com)

Mickey’s Diner

36 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN
Open 24 hours a day, 365 day a week
Directory

Mickey’s is a tiny old diner serving up breakfast all day, along with soups, burgers and more. Mickey’s dining car has been open for over 70 years, serving meals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It isn’t easy to find a seat during meal times, but it’s definitely an interesting experience. There are just a couple of booths, with most of the seating at the counter. The counter seats are the best seats in the place; they’re near the action.

Cosetta’s Italian Market & Pizzeria

211 Seventh St. W.
St. Paul, MN
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website

Near the Science Museum, you’ll find this little gem. You are in for a treat here. The line often winds around the first floor of the pizzeria, but don’t worry it moves along quickly and before you know it, it’s your turn to order. Then, once you have your tray filled with Italian salads, pastas and pizza head upstairs to find a seat. This cafeteria style pizzeria is cheap and tasty. An added bonus is the Italian market next to the pizzeria chock full of meats, cheeses, olive oils, pastas and other Italian products.