Business Spotlight: bad dog frida

bad dog frida, located in the popular Atwood shopping neighborhood, is a truly unique pet care store. Full of bright colors and whimsy, bad dog frida is everything you'd hope for in a Madison pet boutique. Mad About Pets was very happy to learn more about this fun business through an interview with the owner of bad dog frida:

What animal(s) does/do your store cater to, and what kinds of products/services do you offer?

We cater to dogs primarily but also to cats. While our cat selection is smaller the items we choose are favorites among many! Some of the products that we offer for both dogs & cats are:

* high quality healthy food and treats
* health supplements
* durable toys including "smart toys"
* eco-friendly beds
* unique collars/leashes
* whimsical t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for humans
* artwork - much of it local
* books on health and training

Services that we offer are referrals and reference materials for people looking to provide holistic care for their animals. For example, we have had a lot of experience and success with treating our own animals through acupuncture and herbs and can provide lots of information. We also hold monthly educational workshops on a variety of topics.

What made you decide to start up your business (how did your business come about?)

I have had a vision of starting a store like this for years. My passion has always been animals - I've worked at a Humane Society in Seattle for years and then managed a vet clinic in Madison before opening the store. Our goal in opening our store was to provide unique items for people who feel about their animals the way that we do - but also to be a community resource. Supporting rescue groups and humane societies is also a part of our mission.

How is your business unique/different from others in the Madison area?

I believe we are different because of the experiences and knowledge we have had and can share with people. From behavior to health we have learned so much in our own lives and continue to educate ourselves both for the benefit of our own animals and for our customers. Our customers continuously tell us they appreciate that when they come to the store they know they can talk to us (the owners) and that we care...and remember their situation. That continuity is important and valued with our customers.

We also hold many events, including a monthly (usually free) educational workshop. We have had some great topics and speakers, including Patricia McConnell.

Our support of rescue groups and humane societies is also somewhat unique. In addition to holding Meet & Greet events in our store to promote adoptable animals, we also feature a different group each quarter. During that quarter the group is featured on our website and in our store, we have a collection jar out for customers to contribute to, and then at the end of the quarter we provide a check from bad dog frida. The donation is typically around $850. Fifty dollars or so is usually from the collection jar and the remaining amount is from us.

We have recently started Re-Dog, a resale store-within-a-store! We purchase gently used, clean items from people and then put them out for sale the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Items are priced very low - a great way for people to get a deal on items and for things to be recycled and kept out of landfills!

In regards to our products we carefully screen everything before we will carry it. We won't sell anything that we would not give to our own animals - whether to eat or to play with. We look for local and eco-friendly items and are proud to support local artists and give them another venue to show off their work.

What kinds of special events, classes, etc (if any) do you host at your business?

In addition to the workshops and meet & greet events listed above we also hold a fun monthly social event called Coffee Hound Hour. It is held the 1st Saturday of every month from 9:30-10:30 am. We provide coffee, dog treats and people treats and it's a fun activity for dogs to meet other dogs (on leash), and for people to meet other dog loving people! In addition all treats are 10% off during the hour. We also are proud to participate in MMOCA's Gallery Night event as another way to support artists.

For more info: Visit bad dog frida at 2094 Atwood Ave, Madison WI 53704 or on the web, call (608) 442-6868, or email bark@baddogfrida.com

The FURminator: Is it truly a miracle brush?

If you have pets, you're probably very familiar with the struggle of keeping the hair off of your furniture, your bed, and your cupboards. Having two cats, this has been a never-ending battle in our household. We vacuum, we dust, and we brush the cats...yet the cat hair still finds a way to accumulate at an alarming rate.

When it comes to brushes, we have tried everything (and I mean everything!) Shedding blades, nubbed vinyl mitts, combs, slicker brushes--you name it, we've bought it. In the end, all have ultimately failed to provide satisfying results. Fortunately, our male Siamese has a sleek coat which requires little maintenance. But then...there's Tinker. Tinker is a Siamese mix with a coat that lies somewhere between a rabbit and a sheep. Though smooth to the touch, her undercoat is thick, dense, cottony and endless.

On one of my many trips to the pet supply store to size up new brushes, I came across a product called the FURminator. The display claimed that this brush was better than any other, and that I would be amazed with the results. At a price tag of $30, I was incredibly skeptical. An associate saw me eyeing the display and excitedly shared her own story with me. She said that she bought the FURminator for her Golden Retriever, and the amount of loose, shedding hair that can be removed with the brush is unbelievable. Still skeptical, her story nudged me into curiosity. I shelled out the $30 for the brush, fully aware that my husband would likely have my head for spending that much money on a cat brush.

As soon as I got home, I set my sights on my first victim: Tinker. Fortunately, Tinker loves a good brushing. Bracing my self for the impending disappointment I was certain would follow, I started brushing. My jaw nearly dropped when I made the first pass of the brush. The FURminator was literally removing bails of loose fur. I continued along, removing enough loose hair to knit a small sweater (if only I was that resourceful.) Tinker appeared as amazed as I was to see the mound of fur that was accumulating on the floor next to her. By the time I was done, Tinker's coat was sleek, soft and noticeably less bulky.

Needless to say, my husband was not pleased that I spent $30 on a brush. However, the prospect of no longer having tumbleweeds of cat fur drifting across the living room seemed to quell his displeasure. Now when my husband and I talk of brushing the cats, we affectionately refer to it as "bailing the cats."

So is the FURminator worth the price? Absolutely! You can toss all your other brushes and combs out the window, because this is the only brush you will ever need. Even if the cost makes you cringe (as it certainly did with me), the results will quickly convince you that the FURminator was worth every penny. Now you just need to figure out what you're going to do with all the fur.

For more info: The FURminator for cats, dogs and horses.

Artist Dale Moses brings pets to life on canvas

Dallas artist Dale Moses is a painter of many talents. Over the years, he has refined his style to one that is uniquely his. Moses’ work is easily recognizable by the bright colors, simple shapes, and bold black outlines. Despite his consistent style, his subject matter is in perfect contrast. Moses takes everyday objects like a pair of tennis shoes and turns them into a bright, whimsical masterpiece. There is, however, one particular subject that Moses has a special talent for painting: animals.

Moses received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Illustration in 1970 from The University of Texas/Arlington. Up until the mid-80’s, Moses himself states there was no consistency in his art. He would paint seemingly random subjects with whatever style suited him at the time. It wasn’t until a Dallas art consultant offered him the advice to “develop a style” that he really began to establish and master his bold and unique style.

Though he continues to paint still-life and everyday objects, Moses recognizes that he has a special talent for capturing animals with a paint brush. For the last 15 years he has offered animal portraits at prices similar to his other works. However, due to the recent downturn in the economy, Moses has begun offering pet portraits for a significantly lower price. Moses can be commissioned to paint a one-of-a-kind portrait of a loved pet based on a photograph provided to him. His uncanny ability to capture the expressions and emotions of animals make his portraits truly masterful. In his hands, pets become works of fine art.

For more info: Visit Dale Moses online for prices, information and to see more works.

Where can I find pet friendly housing in Madison?

Any pet owner who has ever moved with their pet has probably encountered the challenge of finding a truly pet friendly apartment complex. To make the search a little easier in Madison and surrounding communities, check out these complexes and management companies for a headstart:

*JSM Properties, (608) 255-3933. Manages multiple properties in the greater Madison area.

*Madison Property Management, (608) 251-8777. Many different Madison locations of all sizes.

*Resident Services, Inc., (608) 848-8365. Manages several properties for different sizes and budgets.

*Prairie Crest Apartment Homes, (608) 845-7255. Property in Verona, WI.

*Springtree Apartments, (608) 836-8640. Located in Middleton, WI.

*Goldleaf Development, Locations in Madison and Sun Prairie.

*Steve Brown Apartments, (877) SBA-1300. Multiple locations in Dane County.

*Prima Management, Inc., (608) 831-4035. Most managed communities are pet friendly.

It may sound elementary, but a simple web search for "pet friendly apartments Madison WI" also turns up a large amount of individual complexes and locations. Another simple resource is word of mouth: asking around to find out where friends, co-workers, or casual acquaintances lease can lead renters to hidden gems they may not have otherwise found.

An important fact to keep in mind when searching for a new rental home is that "pet friendly" does not necessarily mean that every type of pet is welcome. Breed restrictions are often in place for insurance purposes, and many apartments charge an extra fee or "pet rent" to cover possible damages to the property. Additionally it may be a requirement that pets are spayed/neutered, or declawed in the case of cats. Be sure to ask for clarification of the pet policy before signing a lease (it may take several tries before finding an apartment with a pet policy that is good for both owner and pet.) Renters with pets have an advantage living in Dane County, since nearly half of residents are renters. That means more choices are available, and with a little persistence pet owners should be able to find the perfect, pet friendly home with relative ease.

Recommended Reading: 13 Steps to Finding Pet Friendly Housing

Canines get creative September 12th in Sun Prairie

Does your dog yearn to be an artist? Probably not...but either way, dogs are sure to have a great time expressing their creativity as part of the Sun Prairie Art Fair on September 12th!

For a modest donation of $5.00 per dog, the staff of City Hall Pet Gifts will help your pooch paint their very own paw-print masterpiece, sign it, and even frame it. All proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit pet organization; voting is currently taking place on Facebook to decide whether Occupaws or Greyhound Pets of America will be the recipient.

A local pet sketch-artist will also be at City Hall Pet Gifts showing off her skills. She will be available to answer questions or to have your own pet sketch commissioned.

Where: City Hall Pet Gifts, 100 East Main St, Sun Prairie WI
When: Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm
For More Info: Visit City Hall Pet Gifts online, email info@cityhallpetgifts.com or call (608) 335-1917.

Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow for Jorge L. Iglesias, 47, in an alleged case of cockfighting in Madison. On June 16, 2009 a City of Madison Building Inspector and a Humane Officer for the Madison and Dane County Department of Public Health were called to inspect the property at 1241 Moorland Road in the City of Madison in response to an anonymous report of rooster crowing coming from the address. Per Madison City Ordinance, residents are permitted to keep up to four chickens, but roosters are not allowed to be kept within the city.

According to the criminal complaint, no one was home when the humane officer and building inspector arrived. A chicken coop was visible and they were able to enter the coop through an open door. The humane officer reported several chickens going in and out of the coop, as well as a cockfighting rooster inside. She stated that the rooster was easily identifiable as a fighting bird due to the feathers being shaved on the legs, front, neck and head, leaving only wing and tail feathers. The bird also had its comb and wattles removed, as well as its natural spurs.
The humane officer also reported a fenced-in area on the property with rows of stacked pens and cages containing game cocks. In addition, the area contained cockfighting paraphernalia such as a blood iron booster, syringes and empty alcohol bottles.

The humane officer stated that she located in a separate area on the property a portable wood and carpet fighting pit that was disassembled near a fence. Near the alleged ring there were several lawn chairs, empty beer bottles, and additional cages containing fighting cocks, game hens and some chicks.

A search warrant was executed on the property, and a total of 35 game cocks and approximately 17 game hens (some with baby chicks) were reported seized. A Madison police officer stated that additional property was seized, including plastic cockfighting spurs, a folding knife, four syringes, and 2009 editions of Gamecock Magazine. The residence also contained multiple pieces of correspondence addressed to Jorge L. Iglesias, who was present on the property and acknowledged the property as his. Iglesias is currently being charged with one felony count of Instigating Animal Fights and twelve counts of Training for Instigation of Animal Fights.

Third Annual Capital K9’s Labor Day Dog Paddle

On September 7th the Goodman Pool will be closed to human swimmers and open exclusively to canines. This can only mean one thing: the Third Annual Capital K9’s Labor Day Dog Paddle! The unique and fun event has returned again this year to benefit the Madison Police Department’s K9 Unit and give dogs and their owners a chance to enjoy the end of summer together.

“It's hard to tell who has more fun at the Dog Paddle -- the people watching or their canine companions who are participating,” says Dan McIlroy, President of Capital K9s. “We had such an amazing turn-out last year that we are expecting to see hundreds of people coming to unleash their best friends to play in the Goodman Pool.” The event features prizes, contests and of course dogs doing what they do best: having fun! More competitive canines can show off their skills in a battle for the farthest jump, fastest retrieval or participate in the wet dog parade. The Dog Paddle will also feature vendors of all kinds, from animal photographers to treats and nail trims.

All proceeds from the Dog Paddle go to benefit Capital K9’s. Formed in 2004, Capital K9s is a 5013C non-profit organization that supports the Madison Police Department K9 Unit through fundraising efforts. To learn more about Capital K9s, how K9 Units help the Madison Police Department, and specifics about this event, please visit the newly redesigned website.

Important Note: Please be sure to check out the participation rules and zero-aggression policy information for the safety of all participants.

Where: Goodman Pool, 325 Olin Ave, Madison WI
When: September 7, 2009 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
For more information or to register: Visit registration form or website, or by phone at (608) 839-3664.