Pets

Step into Woof-N-Whisker pet salon and you’ll not only find shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and cleaning products that are 100 percent organic, chemical-free and eco-friendly, but you’ll also find a welcoming open floorplan.

Behind the reception desk, animals can watch other pets being trimmed, bathed and dried, so they aren’t as anxious about getting pampered themselves. “We seem to have a reduction of stressed-out dogs,” says owner and groomer NanSea Hall. Read more about A Visit to Minnetonka’s Organic Pet Salon

Thomas Strand has always had an instinctive passion for photography. As a child he remembers the enjoyment of taking photos during family vacations. “I just always knew I wanted to do it,” says Strand. Read more about Photographer Thomas Strand Finds His Niche with Rescue Animals

Who hasn’t dreamed about quitting their job to spend more time with their family or to pursue a personal passion? Two local entrepreneurs did just that, leaving the office behind to start their own dog-walking services. Now, they get to spend more time with their own pets while providing a service that helps others’ dogs lead happy, healthy lives. Read more about Two Local Dog-Walkers Talk About the Rewards and Challenges of the Job

Local dog trainer Linda Schindler’s education and experiences have evolved over time, but her passion for dogs remains steadfast. What started out as a love of dogs in childhood turned into a hobby as she began training and showing dogs in high school, and eventually turned the hobby into her own business. Read more about Puppy Love

At 22 years old, Julie Barton had recently graduated from school and was struggling with severe depression. She was at a loss where to turn next. In the throes of darkness, she decided to adopt a golden retriever, and this decision had a profound effect on her well-being. After Barton brought Bunker, her adorable dog, into her life, everything seemed to get better. It was as though caring for that lovable drool machine allowed her to see that caring and lavishing love for another was what brought her into the light. Read more about Books: Dog Medicine

Bright lights, shiny decorations and company at the house can create a very stressful time for your pooch. Below are a few quick and easy tips to help make your holiday more stress-free. Read more about Have a Happy Holiday with Your Pet

Gordon, my one-year-old golden retriever, acts like you’d expect a one-year-old golden retriever to act. He’s affectionate and excitable, a combination that can cause problems if you don’t like 60-pound dogs in your lap.

My wife and I got Gordon from a reputable breeder. With Gordon, our biggest problem is that he gets worked up and barks when he wants something. It’s annoying, but I never really noticed how bad he had gotten until I brought him to meet with Susan Ward, owner of PupDogs Training in Minnetonka. Read more about Local Dog Trainers Share Their Expertise

Gary Ezell, head chef at Excelsior’s Joey Nova’s, is not a man to do things halfway. When he says that Joey Nova’s is a family-based business, he really means the whole family. “One thing that I’ve noticed,” he says, “is that four-legged friends are like family.”

Naturally, for Joey Nova’s to stay true to its mission, it must make a new customer base—dogs—a welcome part of the dining experience. Ezell’s solution? A fully developed canine menu. Read more about Joey Nova’s Introduces Dining for Dogs

A local nonprofit is celebrating 30 years of success in realizing its vision of giving displaced dogs a better life. Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota (RAGOM), an all-volunteer organization based in Minnetonka, rescues displaced, abused, neglected and unwanted golden retrievers and golden retriever mixes, and locates permanent homes for them. Read more about Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota Celebrates 30 Years

Every dog owner wants the very best for his or her pup. But as a consumer, it’s hard to know exactly what’s best—and that’s where Dr. Andrea Johnson of Minnetonka’s Gehrman Animal Hospital comes in. Here are her food recommendations for dogs of all breeds.

For the pups:

The food choice depends on the size of the dog, but Purina Pro Plan is a good product for a young healthy dog, as is anything labeled “for all life stages.”

For canine athletes: Read more about Food for Fido