Pet Project
Volume One's fuzzy, housebroken resource for pets and their owners
Get ready to wag that tail in excitement, purr in gratitude, chirp in sing-song, or just go hog wild. Volume One’s first-ever pet section aims to be the long-awaited void-filler in your domesticated companionship. For you pet owners, this guide includes training tips, uncommon pet owners, pet athletics, pet laws, animal mischief stories, specialty businesses, and loads of “awwwww”-inspiring cute pet pictures. Plus, at the request of many of the pets in the Chippewa Valley, we’ve included a portion for “pets eyes only,” including vacation spots, cool mail carriers, popular fire hydrants, and the Valley’s most famous residents on four legs. If you or someone you love has four legs, feathers, and/or a tail – you’re gonna love following pages. So go on and paw through it. – Trevor Kupfer
Editor/Writer/Photographer: Trevor Kupfer
Contributors: Connor Henson and Claire Jeffries
Design: Brian Moen
BEASTS OF BURDEN
Employees at pet businesses let the cat right out of the bag and reveal their funniest encounters with pets and pet owners. These are the very best.
We came into work one day and found a field mouse snuggled up with one of our cats in the kennel. The mouse was nestled between the front leg and chin of the cat. We woke the mouse and put him back in the field, without one hair harmed on the mouse. – Chippewa County Humane Association
A Cocker Spaniel came into the shelter as a stray and was in need of a grooming. As we began shaving the pooch, we discovered a nest of pinky mice in one of the mats on the side of the dog’s body. The dog didn’t seem to mind carrying around extra passengers. – Chippewa County Humane Association
I used to teach classes years and years ago. When a dog comes “into season,” I told students that we can’t have them in the class because it’s distracting to the other dogs. Well one guy raises his hand and asks what are the signs of a dog “coming into season.” So I delicately explained it to him, and provided the age at which this arises. He responds, “Well my dog, he’s a year-and-a-half and he’s never had that happen.” – Lisa Van Fleet, Birdstone Labradors
One day I gave all my labs big bones and let them out in the yard. Well every so often Wilson, a black lab of mine, would make a wild grab for something near his leg. So I looked a little closer and realized it was a baby duck and every time it tried to walk away he’d grab it and put in under his legs. So I called him and here he comes with this tiny duck in his mouth. So I put it in the pond out back and, lo and behold, the next day the baby duck was following him around. – Lisa Van Fleet, Birdstone Labradors
Something happened to the mother of some kittens and so I took them in. Well Casper, a tough German Shepard, would never leave the kittens and their basket. As they got older the kittens would start running around, and Casper would get distressed and cry and one-by-one would pick them up and put them back in the basket. It got so bad that we had to keep him in another room. – Lisa Van Fleet, Birdstone Labradors
After spending several weeks in one of my classes with her beagle puppy, one student came up to me thanking me for all the things she learned. She just had one question; “Could you tell me the sex of my puppy?” – Heather Mishefske, The Beastro
A lady came in to surrender her dog a while back because they had remodeled their living room and the dog no longer matched the décor. – Eau Claire County Humane Association
Someone adopted a toy poodle and returned it because he decided it was too small. When we asked what he meant by that, he said he likes to have a few beers at night and is afraid of stepping on it. – Eau Claire County Humane Association
We had a goat that was born with a malformity in front legs and walked on its knees. When we’d bring him in the lobby, he loved the rugs. He would hop around like there was a party. – Eau Claire County Humane Association
People have asked for thongs for dogs. – Susan Merten, Petco
We’ve had animals here that have ate three pairs of underwear, a Barbie, Nemo, Cinderella, and a butter knife. – Eau Claire Animal Hospital
I had a cat that was compulsively eating hair ties. The owner responded with, “So that’s where those have been going!” – Eau Claire Animal Hospital
I always told people that I’ve never lost one, and I never thought I would, until about a year ago. There was a dog that was never separated from its owner and never been to this kennel. Well it went through four of my kennels and escaped. I thought we’d never see the dog again, but he crossed the Red Cedar River and went back home to Downing, about 25 miles away. – Carolyn Shane, Brittany Hills Kennel
I had a bulldog that jumped in the river and lodged a 20-inch stick between his skin and ribcage. When he came in his tail was wagging like nothing happened. – Eau Claire Animal Hospital
We have a tortoise named Leonard that we reported stolen a while back. We tore the store apart for nearly a week looking for him. Well one day I opened up the door to the storeroom and there he was staring back at me. Two or three weeks later he turned up missing again. We waited four or five days before we posted up a sign, but we never called the sheriff. It ended up being that he escaped from our patio, crossed two parking lots, a street, and went two blocks without being seen or killed. So a lady called in to say she found a tortoise living under her deck and eating her buffet of flowers. Let’s just say we keep a closer eye on Leonard now. – Tropic Waters Pet Center
Being an expert in the fine art of poop scooping, I can tell you some strange things that have come out on the dark side, if you know what I mean. I have seen full intact Miracle Whip packets, buttons, barrettes, refrigerator magnets, Q Tips, pennies, thumbtacks, Wal-Mart bags, various parts of stuffed toys, paper clips, pen caps, whole Twizzlers, Lego’s, and watch batteries in dog poop. Maybe my next entrepreneurial venture will be an “Excrement Pawn Shop” to sell all this stuff. Or not. – Heather Mishefske, The Beastro
TEACHNG AN OLD PET NEW TRICKS
*Training experts provide tips on everything from obedience and housebreaking to biting and hunting.
Obedience
• Your pet will not obey when you say “come” if they were not taught what it means.
• It will also not obey if “come” always means something negative (you’re angry, time for bath or kennel, etc.).
• Build desired behaviors (commands such as “come”) by using positive reinforcement such as rewards and praise.
• There is no need to physically correct a dog. Observe how a trainer or instructor interacts with a dog and builds a relationship.
• Behaviors may fade over time if not reinforced.
• Be consistent. Everyone in a household needs to send the same message.
Barking & Biting
• Treat a puppy like an adult. Don’t let puppies bite, thinking it’s cute or normal, they will not respect you.
• If your pet does bite, hold their mouth shut and firmly say “no bite.” Do not give a pet a treat or toy after they bite, as they will come to expect it.
• If a pet bites out of aggression or fear, a professional is recommended.
• Let a playful-biting dog know early on how much biting can hurt by stopping the activity and saying “no.”
• Don’t roughhouse or play tug-of-war, as it reinforces aggressive behavior.
• Do not immediately respond to a bark, as they’ll learn that it will always get your attention.
• Be firm in training against barking; use commands and reinforcement (positive and negative), and examine the environments/situations during which barking occurs.
• Can use lemon juice, lime juice, or Tabasco Sauce when a dog barks, followed by saying “quiet.” These products will not harm the animal.
Housebreaking
• Dogs are den animals that naturally want to stay clean, so a puppy’s best friend is a crate that is big enough to sleep in and that’s about it.
• You must supervise them when they’re young and they will show you when they need to go (they circle, whine and carry tail awkwardly).
• Carry around a rolled up newspaper and, when your puppy pees of the floor, hit yourself with it because you weren’t watching it. Watch them all the time!
• If they do go inside, clean it really well because they like to go where they did before.
• Puppies need to learn to go outside, as it is not naturally inherent, so reward them with treats when they do.
• May take a year before a dog can be trusted to be alone and wander the house.
• All dogs want to please their owners, so you must show them where to go in order to do that.
Tricks
• You can teach an eight-week old puppy how to sit and lay in one day. Put a small piece of food in your hand, put your hand in front of its nose and then swoop over its head. Say “sit,” then (if needed) put a little pressure on its back. Do this a few times and you’re golden.
• The key to making a funny trick out of a boring one is what you call it. If your dog backs up on command, it may not seem like much, but ask it to “do the garbage truck impression; beep, beep, beep.” Now that’s a trick!
• If you can teach your pet to “touch” an object, transfer that power to doors, cabinets, and the fridge.
Staying Off Furniture
• Get a crate, and use it. Pets must bond with it by sleeping in it and, yes, they will cry the first few nights. If, like some owners, you take pity on your pet and allow it in your bed, it will think it is equal to you and will go on beds and furniture.
Hunting
• Get a dog started on birds (one suggested clipped-wing pigeons and another said frozen pheasant wings)
• Introduce the practices that you want as an adult to a puppy early on. For instance, get them in a kiddie pool if you want them to be a swimmer and into tall grass, cornfields, and woods early.
• To simulate retrieving a bird, get a few wings from a game farm and keep them in the freezer (spouse permitting). Attach them to a dummy to help train retrieving.
• Drag a wing in the grass to simulate tracking.
• Put a wing on a fishing pole to simulate bird flushing.
• Be consistent with training. If you don’t enforce commands at home, you won’t get cooperation on the hunt.
*Tips provided by Mickey Mueller, of Waggin Tails Doggie Daycare; Ann Braue, of Ann Braue’s Canine Training; Karen Rude, of Rude Dog University and Lake Wood Labradors; Lisa Van Fleet, of Birdstone Labradors; Heather Mishefske, of The Beastro; and Brad Schindler, of Cutaway Kennel.
BONUS: Tricks for the Patient and Determined Pet Owner
• How to fetch beer
• How to sing
• How to answer the phone
• How to fetch the newspaper and throw away junk mail
• How to not only catch a Frisbee, but throw it as well
• How to sic unwanted guests
• How to take out the garbage and sort recycling
• How to help the owner get dates
• How to bathe itself
• How to sign for packages
• How to give foot massages
• How to kill bugs
• How to attach its leash
POT-BELLIED PET
by Trevor Kupfer
Being that he owns a motorcycle service and custom shop, Tony Olson’s Menomonie business typically has around 30 “hogs” lined up inside. Though they all have something special about them, the most unique hog is located behind Olson’s store. And he has aptly named it Pig.
“People get a pretty big kick out of it when they come in and see a pig,” said Olson, owner of Hog Barn Customs.
The motorcycle enthusiast has always liked pigs and has wanted one as a pet for several years. The price factor, however, was the main deterrent. As luck would have it, Olson found a six-week-old miniature pot-bellied pig at Dunn County Fair for only $40.
For a while, Olson allowed his beloved pet to roam within his store and consort with customers, taking occasional breaks to visit the litter box. But the 3-year-old, nearly 100-pound animal now prefers her pen behind the store, where she can dig and rest in the shade of a large nearby tree or her sawdust-floored house.
“People think I’m weird when I say I have a pig, but they’re smart and clean, and pretty easy to take care of,” Olson said. “They’re a lot different than most people think.”
Though they’re known as lazy and slow animals, Olson said Pig could easily out-run him. Mothers have been comparing rooms to pig pens for years, but it might be a compliment after looking at Pig’s. And when dinner comes, being told you eat like a pig is derogatory; but Pig goes through a 50-pound bag of food pellets a month, which is pretty similar to a large dog.
Pig does, however, eat just about everything (except onions, green peppers, and potatoes). “She has eaten soda, chocolate, whatever,” Olson said, adding that three customers brought him cakes at his last birthday. After they polished off two cakes and couldn’t eat any more, Pig got a treat and ate the whole thing. “And when we order food, it doesn’t matter if she’s 200 yards away; she knows.”
Pigs also get along with other animals, Olson said, mentioning that Pig used to sleep with his Labrador. The only downfall of owning a pig is its destructive tendencies on a lawn, he added. “She’ll roam around all day eating dandelions, which isn’t bad, but she also tears everything up looking for roots and stuff.”
Despite the hazards on lawns, Olson is a proud owner of a hog; or should I say a proud owner of several hogs and a Pig? So much so that they’ve started speaking the same language.
“You can tell a lot by how she grunts,” Olson said as he stretched his arms into an opening in the pen’s wire fence and lovingly rubbed Pig’s neck. “You can tell if she’s hungry, happy, angry, anything. People think I’m crazy for thinking that, but they also think I’m crazy for owning her in the first place.”
LAWS FOR PAWS
Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie have several ordinances regarding pet ownership. Violating these laws may lead to citations, impoundment, or even arrest.
Annual Licenses
*Every dog and cat more than five months old needs to be licensed.
• In Eau Claire, a license for an un-neutered or -spayed dog costs $34, while a neutered or spayed license runs $17. Similarly, cats cost $23 and $12, respectively.
• In Chippewa Falls, licenses for neutered or spayed dogs/cats cost $5, while those that are not cost $10.
• In Menomonie, a license for a spayed or neutered dog/cat costs $6, while those that are not cost $11.
Leash Laws
• Eau Claire and Menomonie require pet owners to keep their animal on a leash no longer than eight feet when off their premises. Chippewa Falls has a similar ordinance, however requires the leash to be six feet or less.
Vaccination and Tags
• The cities require that dogs and cats receive the rabies vaccination, and wear a tag on its to recognize it.
At Large
• The cities forbid dogs, cats, and other domestic animals to run at large, meaning off the premises of its owner and not under control. Any at-large animal will be impounded.
Cemetery
• Eau Claire forbids pets in public
cemeteries.
Maximum Pets
• Eau Claire restricts its residents from owning more than two dogs and three cats. Menomonie has a five-animal limit in any combination of dogs and cats an owner may choose.
“In Season”
• Chippewa Falls requires owners of female dogs and cats to keep them secured or enclosed when “in season.”
Treatment
• It is illegal to abandon, abuse, poison, confine, or train pets for fighting. All three cities stress pet owners handle pets in a humane and sanitary manner.
Bathroom Breaks
• The cities forbid pets from defecating on private or public property without immediately removing the feces.
Noise
• Loud or frequent barking, yelping or howling, which cause serious annoyance to the neighborhood is prohibited.
Exotic
• Eau Claire specifically forbids owning any fur-bearing animal, feline (other than domestic cats), domestic fowl, poisonous or 10-foot-long snakes or game animals.
SPORTS
“There are so many dog sports to get involved with. Find something to do with your dog. Dogs that have jobs are more rounded and confident as pets.” – Heather Mishefske of The Beastro
Flyball This competitive canine sport includes a 51-foot long course that requires four puppy participants to jump four hurdles, activate a spring-loaded box and catch a tennis ball. When one dog returns to the start/finish line, the next leg in the four-dog begins. The American record for the timed event is 15.2 seconds. If you think your four-legged friend is smart and swift enough, they may be right for the Chippewa Valley Wuff Pack or the Canine Dirt Diggers. Rexann Lemke, owner of Rex’s Canine Training in Chippewa Falls, teaches classes that prepare dogs for their weekly Banbury Place practices and monthly team competitions, such as the one at Eau Claire County Expo Center Aug. 8 to 10. Co-sponsored by Eau Claire’s Canine Dirt Diggers, the Border Battle Bash Flyball Tournament will feature teams throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Upcoming competitions
- Sept. 12-14 Buffalo, MN
- Sept. 26-28 Minneapolis
- Dec. 14-16 Madison
- Aug. 29-31 Jefferson, WI
Sled races and agility competitions
Though Wisconsin and Minnesota aren’t known for their sled races or agility championships (Alaska and Europe have those honors), dozens seem to sneak into the states’ borders every year (not including the loads of groups). So take apart the swing set and construct a course, or hop on a toboggan and get a really long leash. After all, you don’t need an Alaskan Malamute or pot-bellied pig named Babe to take home the trophy.
Annual Competitions
Paul Bunyan Sled Dog Race, Bemidji, MN
Third Crossing Sled Dog Rendezvous, Frazee, MN
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Duluth, MN
Mid-Minnesota 150, Aitkin, MN
White Oak Classic, Deer River, MN
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race, Ely, MN
Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, Bayfield, WI
Flambeau International Sled Dog Classic, Park Falls, WI
Winter Carnival, Christmas Mountain Resort in Wisconsin Dells
Upcoming Trials & Tournaments
Aug. 16-17 St. Cloud, MN
Aug. 30-31 Savage, MN
Sept. 6-7 Lake Elmo, MN
Sept. 20-21 La Crosse, WI
Sept. 27-28 Duluth, MN
Sept. 27-28 Zumbro Falls, MN
Oct. 18-19, La Crosse, WI
Oct. 20-21 Oshkosh, WI
Nov. 1-2 Isanti, MN
Nov. 8-9 La Crosse, WI
Dec. 6-7 St. Paul, MN
Dec. 13-14 La Crosse, WI
Dec. 27-28 Burnsville, MN
FOR PETS EYES ONLY!
Popular Fire Hydrants
• In Eau Claire: Menomonie Street and Fifth Avenue (down by the river trail), according to Brian Amundson, public works director
• In Menomonie: Main Street and 17th Street, near Dunn County Recreational Park, according to Randy Eide, public work director
• In Chippewa Falls: Bridgewater Avenue, near Irvine Park, according to Connie Freagon, public utilities manager. Officials warn pets to stay away from the hydrant at highways 53 and 29, as it is surrounded with poison ivy.
Popular Mail Carriers
Last year alone, dogs bit more than 3,000 mail carriers, including 70 in the Northland District (which includes The Chippewa Valley and Twin Cities). But most know better than to mess with these loveable carriers.
Sue Anderson is an Eau Claire mail carrier, whose west-side route includes Cameron Street and Menomonie Street, and a self-proclaimed dog-lover. After several years, Sue has gotten to know nearly all of us canines (both the good and the bad) on the route, and some of us gladly roll over for a nice belly rub when she shows up.
“Some of them I really look forward to seeing,” Sue said, adding she not only knows where we sleep, but also most of our names. “It kind of makes my day, and probably theirs.”
As a member of the post office’s safety committee, Sue knows the dangers involved with her job and has learned how to gauge if we’re nice or not. Though she had to use her mace on one occasion and doesn’t carry treats (because we come to expect them and may come after substitute carriers), we always find a way to wag our tails for Sue.
Rebecca Baker is another example of a loveable mail carrier, whose Chippewa Falls beat includes downtown and East Hill. Rebecca also “loves the critters” and has several favorites in her daily routine. When Rebecca sees a new face, she always tries to let us get to know her (with a sniff) and build a rapport. And like Sue, Rebecca gladly bends down to pet the dogs that she considers to be friends.
Rebecca said she credits two people as role models in dealing with us dogs: Cesar Millan of The Dog Whisperer and former colleague Jim Erickson, a carrier in Altoona who taught nearly all of us in his area how to shake hands.
“I respect the animals’ space, and by doing that they respect me,” Rebecca said. And apparently it has paid off, she added, since “no one has chewed on me yet.”
Now if only they’d learn to come see us on Sundays.
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PET VACATION SPOTS
by Connor Henson
Pet Retreat, Wisconsin Dells
Though the summer heat may be coming to an end, your people may still have a hankering to dawn some of those ridiculous swimming collars and head to Wisconsin Dells for some wet and wild fun. When that happens, jump into the back seat and give them the old sad puppy-eyes routine until they agree to drop you off at Pet Retreat luxury boarding house. Make sure they bark out the money to get you a luxury suite where you will be treated to a twin-sized bed complete with turndown service, your own TV with a movie, and climate control via A/C or radiant heat floors. That’s a sweeter kennel than my person has.
Pampered Paws, Wisconsin Dells
If the Pet Retreat is a little too snooty poodle for your doggie-style, try Pampered Paws. They may lack the twin-sized beds, but they have community televisions and - water breeds start your tail-wagging engines - a new doggie water park. Yes, your people will have nothing on you at end of your visit to the water park capital of the world.
Top Dog Country Club, New Germany, MN
The people are off to that big mall again. Why on dog’s great earth would you want to tag along? Because they could drop you off at the Twin Cities’ premiere pet spot, Top Dog Country Club. Featured on The Today Show and Animal Planet, Top Dog is located on 42 acres of land in the Minneapolis suburb of New Germany. It features only suites, a pool, a “yappy hour” of fresh-baked dog treats, and bedtime story written for dogs every night. Roll-over and play dead because you have reached doggie heaven.
Downtown Dogs, Minneapolis
If you’d prefer to rest your paws right in the city, sniff no further than Downtown Dogs. Located in Minneapolis, the indoor and outdoor play areas feature special dog equipment plus the 25- to 35-square foot personal rooms will have you on your hind-legs begging for more at the end of your stay.
Paws and Claws Spa, Stillwater, MN
It’s a fact that wagging tails are a danger to priceless antiques and the aging condo crowd – for whatever reason – have a natural aversion to noses up their butts. So, when the people head to Stillwater, it’s time to go to the spa. At Paws and Claws you get to run wild all day with other dogs your size before getting a wash, trim, ear cleaning, and a pedicure. It’s truly a dog’s life after all.
TRADING CARDS
local canine celebs
Daphni K-9 Officer
Age: 1 ½
Breed: German Shepard and Malinois
Biggest bust: Reverse-tracked a suspect peeking in windows
Favorite chew toy: Kong with rope
Specialty: Excels in tracking and finding drugs with Officer Patrick Meyer
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Franko K-9 Officer
Age: 6
Breed: German Shepard
Biggest Bust: 26 pounds of marijuana, $10,000 cash, and a gun
Favorite Chew Toy: Tug toy, which is a reward for finding drugs
Specialty: Working patrol with Officer Wisener for tracking and finding drugs
--
Moon Pie Actor
Age: 4 months
Breed: Yellow Labrador Retriever
Big Break: May see some time on TV’s Las Vegas
Favorite Chew Toy: Her owner, screenwriter Kim Newton, bought a kong machine that places treats in a kong and disperses them on a timer
Specialty: Eye candy, but hopes to get some dialogue and stunt work
FURRY FACTS
• If you’re tired of entertaining your hyperactive pet, try purchasing a laser pointer and watch your pet chase that sucker all over the place.
• Cats love anything that dangles, and they don’t entirely understand the concept of TV, so record an image of a dangling piece of string and watch them go to town.
• Cats do not have nine lives; they have more like seven.
• It is illegal to own a pet hamster in Australia, as they fear their escape will lead to feral pests.
• There are such things as hamster shows.
• You can’t find a giant hamster water bottle to keep near your own bed, but American Gladiators have created giant hamster globes for human use.
• One of the rarest breeds of cats is the Jellicle tribe. Some members, such as Macavity, Rumpleteazer, and Mr. Mistoffelees, were spotted in Eau Claire in 2006.
• It is illegal to have a pet gerbil or ferret in California.
• David Carradine (Kung Fu, Kill Bill) has a pet ferret.
• Ferrets sleep more than 14 hours a day.
• Londoners used trained ferrets to run TV and sound cables down conduits for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles.
• One flea can bite your dog 200 times in one day.
• Of the 5 million dog bite victims each year, children comprise more than 60 percent, followed by mail carriers and the elderly.
• A rule of thumb for how many fish to keep in an aquarium is one inch of fish per gallon of water.
• Finding Nemo, a movie that positions itself against the capture of ocean creatures for aquariums, helped make clown fish and blue tangs two of the most popular types of fish in saltwater aquariums.
• Pet turtles and tortoises are often shipped in inadequate conditions and sometimes die before reaching sellers.
• It is illegal to sell red-eared sliders (one of the most popular pet turtles) in Florida.
• George Clooney once owned a 300-pound pot-bellied pig.
• Miniature horses are trained as service animals much like guide dogs.
• There is an ongoing debate of whether a miniature horse should carry the moniker of horse or pony.
• There are 152 million fish, 88 million cats, 75 million dogs, 24 million small animals, 16 million birds, 14 million horses, and 13 million reptiles as pets in the U.S.
PLACES TO PAY FOR PET PAMPERING
just a taste of some of the unique pet-related businesses in the Chippewa Valley
Waggin’ Tails Doggie Daycare, Menomonie
Both a training company and a daycare for man’s best friend, Waggin’ Tails does more than teach commands, it’s about training specific behaviors such as attention skills and self-control in your dog. The daycare is a place where dogs can socialize and have off-the-leash exercise. Owner Mickey Mueller said that when she worked at the Humane Society, many owners would give up their dogs because they weren’t home enough. “Ask your dog if they care,” said Mueller. “They want to live with you, not a stranger.” Waggin’ Tails is a place where dogs won’t care that they’re not home, what with the outdoor pool and play equipment or the quiet room with toddler beds. – CJ
Animal Wellness Center of Buffalo Valley, Mondovi
Though Wisconsin only has 26 certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, spinal manipulative therapy is picking up in popularity. This facility specializes in animal chiropractic – often for horses that have trouble riding and competing or pets with injuries, arthritis, or limping – and massage, often for the same reasons or else pleasure. “If you’ve ever had a massage, you know what I’m talking about,” Veterinary Technician Becky Kiechle said. The Mondovi facility isn’t the only one in the area with chiropractic pet work, as Dr. Pam Ogden offers it at Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital in Eau Claire. – TK
The Joynt, Eau Claire
This popular Water Street tavern often welcomes canine patrons, who might also get a treat from one of the bartenders. – TK
Great Harvest Bread Company, Eau Claire
Properly pampering your pets requires several amenities, but one of them should certainly be fresh treats. Great Harvest Bread Company has been baking its whole grain biscuits for about four years now and they’re a big hit, owner Teri Newmann said. “We have trouble keeping them in stock,” she said. The paw-printed bags of treats make perfect gifts for your prized pooch. And for those canine owners daring enough to make their own treats, the Foreign Five Wine & Cheese Haus in Chippewa Falls sells a doggie treat mix. – TK
Poochieheaven, Altoona
Though this business has a warehouse full of pet bling, you won’t be able to shop there. Poochieheaven is an e-commerce facility, meaning its customers are found shopping online. This also means it has a wealth of goodies that you won’t find at a typical retailer. Two of their most popular items, said owner Jenny Gregorich, are dog wedding dresses and tuxedos. Like its other clothes, these come in sizes as small as Yorkie and as large as Great Dane. Other items include luxury and designer beds, collars, leashes, and furniture. – TK
The Beastro, Eau Claire
To say that Heather Mishefske, owner of The Beastro, loves pets might be an understatement. But don’t ask me; ask her customers. The facility’s daycare includes play equipment, recliners, and stuff dangling from the ceiling, plus a daily naptime with relaxing music and a cookie. They get presents on their birthday; have a costume party on Halloween; and a lock-in for Independence Day (fireworks are scary). Mishefske also has a la carte classes on skill training, a puppy kindergarten, tricks class, and (as if that wasn’t enough) gives pets massages. – TK
Paws and Claws Total Dog, Eau Claire
Any boarded animal regularly needs a place to let off some steam and burn excess energy. So what’s better than a recreational pool? In the 16-by-eight pool at Paws and Claws, customers play with toys and splash around daily. While most guests love the pool, owner Stephanie Sorensen said they’re always honest with owners about the few that don’t, and won’t charge them for it. The boarding facility also offers grooming and boutique shopping with bling such as collar charms, nail polish, shimmering mist to “glitterize” a pet, thunderstorm tonic to help a pet sleep, and dog smog, a product that promises to “curtail emissions on both ends.” – TK
Dr. Doolitter, Chippewa Falls
If you’ve seen the truck around town, with the words “Got poop?” on its sides, you know the gist of this waste removal service. Owner Steve Smith runs the business out of his home and services residences as well as businesses between Chippewa Falls and Osseo, including weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly visits. The charges vary not on the size of a yard, but on the amount of waste and number of animals. – TK
EVENT LISTINGS
Chippewa Valley Outdoor Games Aug. 15-17 • Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club, 801 Schoettl Dr. • FREE • 1-888-523-3866 • Event organizers expect more than 200 dogs at this second-annual event that includes such animal activities as dock dog competitions, big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieving.
Dog Swim Fest Monday, Sept. 1 • Fairfax Outdoor Pool, Eau Claire • noon to 3pm • $10 per dog, spectators free • Every Labor Day, the last day it is open, Fairfax Pool opens its doors to welcome canine swimmers. Proceeds will go toward the Eau Claire Off-Leash Dog Park.
Pledge 4 Paws Dog Walk Saturday, Sept. 13 • Flag Hill Pavilion, Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls • 1pm • $20 single or $35 family • 715-382-4832 • This annual event to raise money for the Chippewa County Humane Association features contests, games, refreshment, and a Flyball demonstration for pet owners and their companions.
Statewide 4-H Agility Show Sept. 20 • Eau Claire Expo Center • starts 9am • FREE • 715-839-4712 • 4-H members throughout the state are invited to compete in dog agility events.
Better in Show Thursday, March 5, 2009 • Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center • 4-9pm • $3 at door and $5 per pet for competition • 715-839-4747 • www.eccha.org • This all-breed pet exposition is the only one of its kind in western Wisconsin. Put on by the Eau Claire County Humane Association, the event includes categories such as best dog trick, owner-dog look-alikes, unusual cats, and other (which has seen everything from reptiles to a miniature horse).
Indianhead Kennel Club Dog Show every April • Eau Claire County Expo Center • $3 for spectators • This American Kennel Club-certified event draws as many as 1,000 dogs into competition for obedience, best in breed, best in group, and, of course, best in show.
Fido and Friends Fun Run May 16, 2009 • Carson Park, Eau Claire • $20 includes T-shirt and dog tags • 715-839-4747 • www.eccha.org • This dog walk event raises funds for the Eau Claire County Humane Association, and includes concessions and games such as a stupid pets tricks contest.
Doll and Pet Parade every May • Water Street, Eau Claire • 1pm • FREE • One of the highlights of this annual parade sponsored by the Water Street Merchants Association is the lines of children walking with their pets, who they often put in costumes.
Kids and Canines Program every June • Eau Claire Expo Center • 715-839-4712 • This annual event sponsored by 4-H allows kids to teach their dogs obedience and agility. The program welcomes non-members and a ceremony on the last day has the dogs and children showing off what they learned.
Blessing of the Animals June 14, 2009 • First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire • 715-832-1011 • www.firstpres-eauclaire.org • Every year, on the second Sunday of June, Pastor Eric Nielson mixes up the morning service by welcoming pets into his congregation. The informal event, held on the church’s front lawn, typically brings dogs and cats, but has also seen fish, turtles, hamsters, birds, rabbits, horses, and cattle.
Sawdust City Days June 18-21, 2009 • Carson Park, Eau Claire • FREE • www.sawdustcitydays.com • In previous years, this event’s family stage included a demonstration by Rude Dog University and an agility demonstration on an obstacle course.
4-H Small Pet Show every July • FREE • 715-839-4712 • During the Eau Claire County Fair, pet owners in 4-H hold an informal pet show.
Nutrition Seminars Menomonie’s East Branch of Wisconsin Credit Union, 3333 Schneider, Ave. • $10 (includes lunch) • 715-235-6533 • www.menomoniemarket.org/community-calendar • Menomonie Market Food Co-Op puts on several different dietary seminars throughout the year, a few of which deal with pet-related nutrition tips.