1. CANINE CARE
It really is a dog’s life at Pampered Pooch Playground. The eco-friendly doggie daycare limits the number of pets they take each day, so tail-waggers have more room to nap and chase bubbles. Check in on the 11 webcams (online or on the Poochvision iPhone application) and stay once a month for dog/owner yoga—a.k.a. doga. âž¼ 7020 Walker St., St. Louis Park, 952-922-8183, pamperedpoochplayground.com
2. STYLISH SLEEPOVERS
When you head off on vacation, let your dog/cat/gerbil/snake chill out at Now Boarding. With three suite sizes to choose from, a water-workout facility, plus 30 minutes of complimentary play or cuddle time, this is a pet hotel to drool for. âž¼ 6002 28th Ave. S., Mpls., 612-454-4850, nowboardingpets.com
3. BONE UP
After more than 20 years, Bone Adventure is still the pet store to beat, with an emphasis on locally based suppliers, including gear by Stunt Puppy, clothes by Bark & Biscuit, and cat toys by Meowie Wowie and Rom Designs. The store recently added an exclusive line of maroon-and-gold Gopher gear. âž¼ 726 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-473-0227; 5045 France Ave. S., Edina, 612-920-2201; 312 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-378-0211, boneadventure.com
4. FUR-FRIENDLY SHOPPING
The “Pooches & Pups Welcome” sign at Corazon is an understatement: Dogs can enjoy water and a homemade treat while the two of you browse locally made gifts or check out an art opening. The store also hosts regular pet events. âž¼ 1026 Washington Ave. S., Mpls., 612-333-1662; 4646 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-276-0198, corazononline.com
5. STAY-HOME SPA
The worst part of going to the groomer may be the anxious drive over, so At Home Mobile Pet Grooming pulls up to your place. It’s pricier than usual, but it’s an especially thoughtful option for elderly and special-needs pets. Canines and felines are washed, clipped, and blown out in a state-of-the-art grooming van—before going right back to getting dirty in an hour. âž¼ 952-922-1499, mobilegroomers.net
6. RUN WILD
You’d expect a place that runs dog-sled trips to embrace canines, and Gunflint Lodge delivers. The remote resort offers periodic Dog Lovers’ Weekends, featuring such on-site experts as a canine masseuse, a veterinarian, and an animal communicator. There are even naturalist-led dog hikes and introductions to skijoring, along with plenty of treats. âž¼ 143 S. Gunflint Lake, Grand Marais, 800-328-3325, gunflint.com
7. SELF-SERVICE SUDS
Bathing the dog at home can stick you with just another furry mess to clean up. But now you can bring your dog over to the brand-new Ollu, a self-serve dog wash. Pull up to one of five stations, don an apron, and lather up using natural shampoos. After a blow dry with professional-quality equipment, you can finish up with a tooth cleaning, ear cleaning, and a spritz of canine cologne. âž¼ 221 Main St. SE, Mpls., 612-331-1025, olludogwash.com
8. INDOOR FROLICS
At the new Dog City Dog Park—the first indoor dog park in the state—your unleashed pup can cruise around 20,000 square feet of indoor play space, with separate areas for large and small dogs. You join like it’s a gym, and an on-site animal behavior expert can help teach your pooch to play well with others. âž¼ 5701 International Pkwy., New Hope, 612-250-8149, dogcitydogpark.com
9. HEALING TOUCH
When your pet isn’t running around like it used to—and appears to be in pain—call Annie Seefeldt, the state’s first board-certified animal chiropractor. She’ll use the same techniques chiropractors use on people to restore function and eliminate discomfort for dogs, cats, and even horses. âž¼ Several locations, including Animal Medical Clinic, 234 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, 952-484-5460, chiropracticforeverybody.com
10. PET PORTRAITS
Sarah Beth Photography eschews the cheesiness of many portraits for a realistic, modern look, capturing cats, dogs, horses, birds, and even flying squirrels so well you might expect the resulting image to bark at you. âž¼ 481 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, 612-804-2518, sarahbethphotography.com
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For the complete version of this article, please visit your nearest newsstand to purchase Minnesota Monthly‘s December issue.
