Best Places To Take Your Dogs
In no particular order...
Bits of Love Pet Massage
Located at The Dog Haus
4402-1/2 France Avenue
Edina, Minn. 55410
(612) 735-0636
www.bitsoflovepetmassage.com
Looking to pamper your pooch? Head to Bits of Love Pet Massage for the full treatment. The certified masseuse will treat your dog to an experience that is said to promote optimum health and longevity. For your older furry friend it can ease joint pain and discomfort, since they can't exactly tell us what hurts. Or take a class to learn how to give your dog a great massage at home.
Downtown Dogs
821 2nd Avenue North
Minneapolis, Minn. 55405
(612) 374-3647
www.downtowndogsminneapolis.com
Need a break from the dog but still want him/her to get some exercise and attention? Downtown Dogs is the place for dogs to get the physical, mental and social needs meet your for pet. Daycare gives dogs the exercise they need by playing with other dogs, toys or the animal-loving staff. If you have to be gone for longer, they also offer overnight boarding. And if you miss your pet, login to the web cam to see what they're up to!
Woofstock in Linden Hills
Linden Hills Neighborhood
www.dogsmn.com/woofstock
This annual event gives dogs, and their owners, the chance to prance around the Linden Hills neighborhood in Minneapolis. Woofstock entertains both canines and humans with live entertainment, dog trick contests and local places to shop for and with your pet. The tree-lined sidewalks are a beautiful back-drop for a day outdoors with man's best friend -- and don't forget to invite all your animal-loving friends for a true pooch party!
LuLu and Luigi Pet Boutique
3699 Joppa Ave
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 929-1200
812 East Lake Street
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 249-0330
www.luluandluigi.com
If your dog needs to be in the latest duds, LuLu and Luigi, named for two rescue dogs, offers "unique, high-end gifts and accessories "for discriminating pets and the people who love them," according to their website. But it's not only a place to shop, it's a place to entertain! Check out their events like Pint Sized Play Time for smaller dogs and Yoga with your Dog.
Coffee & Tea Limited
2730 West 43rd Street
Minneapolis, Minn. 55410
(612) 920-6344
www.coffeeandtealtd.com
This store might be not specifically for dogs but they're definitely welcome. Shop for your favorite hot drinks at this local coffee roaster and tea importer while also supporting a place that loves animals. Coffee & Tea Limited developed a blend of coffee for Animal Ark. If you buy Barney's Blend, named after a dog named Barney, a portion of the sale coffee benefits Animal Ark. They also sell Rhodesian Ridgeback Blend and a portion of the proceeds to Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue. Because the owners are animal lovers, they say, "Dogs Allowed But No Wifi!"
Lucia's
1432 W 31st St
Minneapolis, Minn. 55408
(612) 825-1572
www.lucias.com
In 2008, this Minneapolis restaurant and wine bar opened a Dog Bar where all dogs are welcome, no reservations are required and, of course, no fighting is allowed. Of course this isn't the place for dogs to get tipsy, but a gorgeously decorated fountain-like trough for dogs to get their favorite drink -- fresh, cold water. For the humans, enjoy a menu of seasonal flavors from local sources and the wine bar. Or pick up your favorite fresh items to go.
Pumphouse Creamery
4754 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minn. 55407
(612) 825-2021
www.pumphouse-creamery.com
After a long walk or big meal, satisfy that sweet tooth with homemade ice cream from the Pumphouse Creamery for you and your dog! The Pumphouse makes their own gourmet doggie ice cream, that's named after two neighborhood dogs -- Bella's Tracks (plain) and Bruno's Tracks (peanut butter). It has half the fat and sugar as human ice cream, which will make it better on your pet's tummy.
Renaissance Festival Pet Fest
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
www.renaissancefest.com
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival isn't just for knights and princesses (that is if your dog is named either). The Renaissance Pet Fest held one weekend during the festival gives pet lovers, and their four-legged friends, the chance to learn more about taking care of their animal. There's also entertainment like agility skills and disc shows. New this last year was the Great Dane Jousting Show.
Paws on Grand
Grand Avenue
St. Paul, Minn. 55105
(651) 699-0029
www.grandave.com
Another annual event for both humans and canines to shop, dine and learn more about what Grand Avenue has to offer for you and your dog. Paws on Grand includes a sidewalk sale and lots of opportunities to pamper your pooch including pet tags, treats, toys and pictures. Some businesses even let you shop inside with your pet in tow.
Pampered Pooch Playground
7020 Walker Street
St Louis Park, Minn. 55426
(952) 922-8183
pamperedpoochplayground.com
You'll not only find a great place for puppy pampering at the spa, but the Pampered Pooch Playground offers a doggy day care to get out all the energy and a pooch hotel for the times when the owners might need to get away. Keith and Patrycia Miller opened the playground in 2008 after they decided to go into business soon after they got their first dog, Roxy. During day care, the dogs can take "group nap" instead of the dogs being put in cages. They also strive to be green from their poop bags to their flooring.