Best Pet Groomer... But We Don't Pay For It!

I can honestly say, I love winning awards, especially ones that our customers vote on.  Winning these awards really means so much to our staff that work so hard each and every day to earn your business..  We have won numerous "best pet groomer" or "best dog spa" awards from local media, but that is not what this post is about.  We received an email last week asking if we wanted to "buy our best of award" for the grooming category from the "Saint Paul Award Program".. Really, who the heck is the Saint Paul Award Program?  They basically have award programs for each city, so businesses can buy awards to show that they won an award!  Basically it cheapens the real "best of" awards that are given out.  The most interesting part of this "award program" is that they don't have a real website where they list all of the Saint Paul winners.  The winners they list are just big national companies like Best Buy and The American Red Corss.  Basically, they contact all the dog grooming stores to see who wants to buy the award and show it off.  If you want to see the nifty award, just click here!  So thanks for the award, but we love the real awards where our customers vote :)

Have a great day!

Keith

Summer Grooming Guide

Lucy makes sure to get groomed every 4 weeks in the summer to keep her comfortable!

Summer is upon us all of a sudden! This hot weather is great but it can be hard on our dogs in a number of ways: from the risk of heat stroke and burnt paws on hot days to the shedding, pests and allergens that are a part of the summer warmth. There are a number of ways regular grooming can keep your dog cool and comfortable for the summer!

Regular bathing is a great way to combat allergies for both your dog and your family! By washing your dog they will carry less allergens into your home and less will sit on their coat bothering them. At Bubbly Paws we always have hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs and people that are sensitive to added color and fragrance in their grooming products.

We see a lot of dogs that love getting dirty at the dog park or on weekends at the cabin. While swimming is great exercise for dogs, getting wet frequently can lead to hotspots, skin irritation and matting. Bathing your dog will remove mud, sand, lake or river water on their coat and can help prevent irritation but it is equally important to blow dry your dog after bathing. Blow drying has a number of great benefits in the summer including helping to prevent hot spots and skin irritation from moisture staying on a dog’s skin and coat. Blow drying is also beneficial to prevent matting that can quickly get out of control on dirty and damp coats. It's also a great idea to brush your dog before letting them swim to help keep their coat free of matting.

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It is FURminator season for sure! I have seen a ton of dogs that are shedding intensely. You can always upgrade to the FURminator shampoo, conditioner and brush whether you are doing self-service or full-service baths and grooming. The FURminator helps keep dogs cool by getting rid of excess undercoat and helps keep your home free of shedding hair. We get asked whether labs and other double coated dogs would be more cool if they get shaved but we do not recommend it. Dogs use their coats to regulate their body temperature and protect them from sunburn, in addition it can be hard to predict how a double coat will grow back after being shaved. Our staff can help you decide what the best method to keep your dog cool this summer.

Dogs that require grooming often get shorter cuts to keep them comfortable in the summer. Our wonderful groomers can give your dog a cool summer cut to make it easy to keep them from getting overheated and make it easier to maintain their coats when they are swimming and playing outside. Our staff can recommend the best style and products to keep your buddy looking and feeling great this summer. You can set up an appointment with any of our amazing groomers here.

If your dog has a very short coat or a short summer haircut they can be susceptible to sunburn. Light colored dogs are especially at risk for sunburn so protect their delicate skin! And of course make sure your dog stays well hydrated when having fun in the sun! We sell water bottles that make it easy for you to take along water and a bowl on any adventure.

This spring has been a bad one for ticks! We recommend all dogs be given flea and tick preventative and remember that Bubbly Paws is a flea and tick free zone so alert our staff right away if you see any pests on your pet. Remember to wait 48 hours after applying topical flea and tick repellent to bathe or groom your dog.

Ask our knowledgeable staff and groomers if you have any questions about how grooming can help you make the most of summer with your dog!

Royal Canin Dog Makeover on WCCO

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Our good friends at Royal Canin approached us to help makeover some rescue dogs so that they could get adopted.  You can watch the story from WCCO-TV by clicking here.  If you know of a rescue dog in need of a makeover, click here.

This is all part of our "Random Acts of Bubbly" for 2015 and we love to give back to the Twin Cities Pet Community.

Twin Cities Live - Spring Makeover

Twin Cities Live and Emily Engberg stopped out to Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Spa to give Lexus a spring makeover.

How to better communicate with your groomer

Like bows and bandannas? Let us know so we can make sure your pup goes home with them!

I love seeing all the adorable haircuts our groomers give dogs all day. I so admire the skill, patience and care that our talented groomers put into every grooming client. We work so hard to give dogs the hairdo their owners like for them! Communicating what sort of look that you want for your dog can be tricky so this blog is all about how to ask for what you want and so you and your groomer can better understand each other and get the haircut for your dog that you desire!

One of the first questions we ask most clients is how much length we are taking off your dog’s coat. A puppy cut is a great basic cut for many breeds but it just indicates that the hair all over the dog (legs and body) will be the same length: no fancy patterns. Whether you want about half off, an inch of length or trimmed close to the skin be specific.

We often hear “don’t make him look like a poodle”. While we understand you probably don’t want a big top knot and pom poms on you pup’s feet, there are many different cuts that poodles get and many different ways they can look after grooming. While we might be able to get an idea of what you don’t want it’s more helpful to know what you DO want your dog’s cut to look like.

Bringing in a photo is a great way to show us the style you are looking for but it is not perfect. If your dog is an adult and you bring in a puppy photo we won’t be able to make them look the same as when they were young (as much as we wish we could!). Dog’s coat texture changes as they grow up and there is just no way to get that fluffy puppy hair back on an adult dog.

Speaking of coats: the hair type and texture can affect how a haircut looks. What may look great on one dog might look a little different on another dog because of these differences. Even purebred dogs of the same breed can have a lot of variation in coat type. Our groomers can help advise you if the cut you want is possible with your dog’s coat.

Variations in coat texture are especially noticeable in designer and mixed breed dogs. While we love teddy bears, doodles and all American mixed breeds there are not breed standard cuts for any mixed or designer bred dogs. This means we don’t have a starting point to reference when we talk about the look you’d like for your pup so we might ask a few more questions to get an idea of what you would like. Our groomers groom many many mixed breed dogs and love them!

Most importantly if there is anything you’d like different about your dog’s haircut let us know right away. The best time to fix or adjust a haircut is within 48 hours of when your dog was in for grooming because they will still be clean and brushed out well. While we strive to make each cut what our clients want sometimes a dog’s coat condition prevents us from leaving the coat as long or setting the pattern that you might want. Ask your groomer if spending more time brushing at home or more frequent visits might help get the look you desire.

QuickBooks Video Shoot

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I am so excited to announce that Intuit QuickBooks has selected Bubbly Paws dog wash and dog grooming as a small business to feature on their "Own It Everyday" small business video series. These videos will appear on their Facebook and other social media channels.  Yesterday a film crew from LA come to our Saint Paul location to shoot our segments.  We had so much fun filming with them and we even came up with a new "jingle" that you will start hearing on Bubbly Paws Radio (you know the station we play when you are bathing your pooch).  We don't know when the videos will be released yet, but watch our Facebook page to be the first to know.  The film crew was in Minneapolis for the past few days and also recorded segments at two other Minneapolis businesses,  The Beez Kneez and Sociable Cider Works!

Have a great weekend!

Keith

The low down on spring shave downs

Birdie's winter coat had seen better days but with a short trim she looks and feels fantastic!

While we may still have frigid temperatures, spring is definitely on its way. This time of year it is especially difficult to keep your dog clean and their coat in good condition. The months of snow can wreak havoc on curly coats in particular. The snow and slush constantly wetting dog’s legs and drying is a recipe for bad matting. This time of year we often see non-shedding dogs that had longer haircuts over the winter needing to be shaved down. While it can be a drastic change to see a dog go from a long shaggy coat to a very close trim we think it is often the best solution to tangled coats this season.

Matting can be a serious health concern for non-shedding dogs if it gets out of control. While it’s normal for tangles to grow behind the ears and around the collar, during the winter they can easily form on a dogs legs, belly and anywhere that gets snowy or damp. When dogs have longer winter haircuts they can also hide down in the coat next to the skin and are difficult to see during normal brushing. While it may seem like the best thing to do would be to leave that long coat until the weather gets warm it is often better to get rid of a matted coat as soon as possible. Tightly matted hair restricts blood flow to the skin, retains moisture and is the perfect growing conditions for all sorts of bacterial and fungal infections as well as a sponge for dirt and allergens. You and your dog will be happier and healthier without all that hair.

Sometimes I think of March and April as “slush months”, the hardest time of year to keep your dog clean and keep them from bringing mud, dirt and wet snow into the house. Long hair can make this even more difficult! It is so much easier to keep your dog and house clean with a shorter haircut. They wash and towel off so much quicker and pick up less dirt and debris on walks.In addition, you can get the jump on brushing out a shorter coat and if you start a habit of brushing your dog every day when it is easy for both of you, you can have a summer of easy, hassle-free grooming.

If your dog needs to be shaved down this spring, don’t fear! Remember all the benefits that come with an easier to maintain coat and start brushing right away if you want your dog’s hair to grow out to a longer length. It is also important to remember that humanity should always come before vanity: a short cut might not be your favorite but think of how much better your dog will feel without that long, tangled hair weighing them down. The best way to get the haircut for your dog that you’d like is to have their coat in good condition. Daily brushing at home and regular appointments with your groomer will keep you both happy and keep matting at bay.We suggest regular grooming every 6-8 weeks to help keep the hair in good condition.

Next time on the blog: how to best communicate with your groomer to get the haircut you’d like for your dog!

Best of St Louis Park

The other night was the Best of St Louis Park awards and I am so excited that both of our businesses went home with an award!  Bubbly Paws, our dog wash won "Best Place to Spoil Your Pooch" and Pampered Pooch Playground, our doggy daycare won "Best Dog Daycare".  This is the 3rd year in a row that both our businesses have won a "best of" award and I can't be more proud of our staff who work so hard each day taking care of all the dogs.  For a complete list of winners, you can visit the St Louis Park Magazine website. Below is a short list of some of my favorite winners:

Best Bakery - Honey and Rye - They are located down the street from Bubbly Paws and serve up the most amazing coffee and pastries!

Best Fitness Studio - Lifetime Fitness - One of my absolute favorite classes is their Crossfit class (which they call Alpha).  You will catch me at that class at least 3 times a week.  The trainers are great and we have a small little family!

Best Boutique - Primp - Located at the West End and they are super dog friendly!

Every company needs a Frank

Frank walking our luggage out to a taxi, while telling us we need to come back and visit ASAP!

Every winter, Trycia and I always take a warm weather vacation and this year was no different!  We love to unwind, and not think about the businesses, but it also gives us time to grow and think about how we do things.  I know, that totally just went back on everything I just said, but it is true.  It is always easier to look at the big picture, when you are away from what is going on, but it is also hard for me to totally unplug and not be involved with everything.  We have a great group of employees that know how to do a great job, and they never let us down!

Each time we would leave out hotel, there was a great doorman named Frank.  This man obviously loved his job!  He would come in everyday and work so hard at getting to know all the guests and make sure they were having a great time, he was more than just a person to open the front door.  I have to honestly say, he was probably the hotel's most enthusiastic employee!  After we left the hotel to go to the airport, I said to Trycia, "Every business needs a Frank", which is totally true!  You need that one person that is always excited to greet people and make sure all of their needs are taken care of, regardless of what is going on in their personal life.  He also worked so hard to remember our names and things that we have done while on vacation.   On our way home, I wrote a nice review of the hotel and mentioned Frank by name.

Trycia and I love to travel, so if you ever need advice, just ask :)

Have a great day!

Ketih

How to make self-service easy for you and your dog

Even though she does not look so happy, this Newfie puppy will be good for her bath since she has had lots of practice!

I've been asked a lot recently about how to get the most out of our self-service wash and tips and tricks to make it easier on both you and your pooch. Here are my secrets to a successful visit to Bubbly Paws!

1) Start with a "dry run": If your dog is uncomfortable in new situations, gets nervous or is just plain young or new to you its great to come in without plans to actually do a bath. Bring a pocketful of your dog's favorite treats and come in during a quiet time (weekday mornings are great). You and your dog can look around, your dog can get treats and check out our selection of toys and goodies. When you come back to do a self-service bath your dog will remember how much fun they had last time and you will know your way around the store.

2)Take advantage of our shampoo and towels: We dilute our shampoo to make it easy to use but it also means you want to make sure to use enough. Be generous when shampooing your dog, take your time and work up a good lather before rinsing. Use a lot of towels too! We will bring you as many as you need so a thorough towel dry will make blow drying easier on you and your dog.

3) Happy Hoodies, use them: We provide ear covers for dogs during the drying process. Covering their ears muffles the noise of the drier and keeps the air from tickling their ears. While some dogs don't care for the ear covers, they can really help dogs that are afraid of the drier. Having a few treats is never a bad idea as well.

4) Ask for what you need: Our staff are always nearby if you have a question or if there is something that might make self-service easier for you. We know a lot of little hints that can make you and your dog have a better time.

5) Practice makes perfect: Nothing makes giving your dog a bath easier than if you both know what to expect. We always recommend starting early and often to get your dog accustomed to being bathed and groomed. After your first visit both you and your dog will be more comfortable in Bubbly Paws and you will know exactly what you need to do a great job.

If self-service sounds like a chore don't fear! Our groomers have the experience to give your dog the best grooming around with a gentle touch to boot. Whichever option is right for your dog never worry about leaving the mess with us!

Best Of 2015

I am so honored that Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Spa has been nominated as "Best Groomer" by the readers of the St Louis Park Magazine for the 3rd year in a row!  We have 3 wonderful dog groomers at our St Louis Park store and all do an amazing job!  Click here for more information or to buy tickets to the awards!  A complete list of nominations is below: All finalists are listed in alphabetical order. Listed order of finalists in no way implies number of votes or final result.

Bakery: Honey & Rye Bakehouse, Muddy Paws Cheesecake, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Burgers: Bunny's Bar & Grill, Burger Jones, Park Tavern

Tavern or Bar: Bunny's Bar & Grill, McCoy's Public House, Park Tavern

Kid-friendly restaurant: Bunny's Bar & Grill, Park Tavern, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

New restaurant: Honey & Rye Bakehouse, Urban Sub, Yard House

Patio dining: Cooper Irish Pub, Crave, Rojo Mexican Grill

Bartender: Chelsea Carson-Steel Toe Brewing Tap Room, Shaun Farrow-Yard House

Date night spot: Crave, Mill Valley Kitchen, Rojo Mexican Grill

Place for craft beer on tap: McCoy's Public House, Steel Toe Brewing, Yard House

Dessert spot: Mill Valley Kitchen, Park Yogurt, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Chiropractic clinic: Boulevard Chiropractic Clinic, Lake Pointe Chiropractic & Wellness, West End Chiropractic and Wellness,

Dental clinic: Metro Dentalcare, Park Dental, Tranquility Dental, Orthodontic clinic: All Care Dentistry, Family Orthodontics PA, Orthodontic Care Specialists

Pediatric Clinic: Park Nicollet Clinic, Partners in Pediatrics, Pediatric Services Fitness or yoga studio: CorePower Yoga, Life Time Fitness, Yoga Center Minneapolis,

Medspa or rejuvenation clinic: LifeSpa - Lifetime Fitness, Phresh, Urban Retreat

Eye clinic: Park Nicollet Clinic, Rose Fashion Optical, Whiting Clinic

Dermatology clinic: Academic Dermatology, Park Nicollet Clinic Senior living residence: Parkshore Senior Campus, Sholom Home West/Menorah Plaza, TowerLight Builder or remodeler: Anchor Builders, Choice Wood Company, Sicora Design Build

Home retail or furnishings: CIEL Loft & Home, Odds and Ends Furniture Gallery, Woody's Furniture Interior designer: Jackie Halverson-Anchor Builders, Laura Potter-Laura Potter Designs, Wendy Rostal-Rostal Design

Heating or AC company: Cronstrom's Heating and Air Conditioning, Standard Heating and Air Conditioning, Vogt Heating and Air Conditioning

Yard Service: Green Horizons, CN'R Lawn and Landscape, Rainbow Treecare

Preschool or childcare: Kids' Place-Lenox Community Center, Kid Zone Child Care Center, Wooddale Community Nursery School

Doggy daycare or kennel: Hot Dog Walking, Pampered Pooch Playground, Petropawlis Pet Hotel

Place to spoil your pet: Bubbly Paws Dog Wash, Lulu & Luigi's, Petropawlis Pet Hotel

Veterinary clinic: All Paws Animal Hospital, Oak Knoll Animal Hospital, Westgate Animal Hospital

Dance studio: Barre Bliss, On Your Toes School of Dance, Park Dance Center

Financial advisor: Kim Mitchell - Thrivent, Mark Nevermann - Edward Jones, Michael Kirschling - J. Bentley Insurance

Hairstylist or barber: Darrin Miernicki - Darrin James Salon and Spa, Rochelle Farrow - Darrin James Salon and Spa, Sasha Zoghi - Revolution Salon

Massage therapist: Christa Caputa- Urban Retreat Salon, Sara Garnier- West End Chiropractic, Tianna Johnson - Darrin James Salon and Spa

Real estate agent: Charlie Adair, Richard Webb, Susan Melbye

Salon or spa: Revolution Salon, Phresh, Darrin James Salon and Spa Insurance agent: Greg Loffhagen, Scott Mobley, Susan Haub

Nail salon: Glamour Nails, Honey Nails, Ocean Spa and Nails

Boutique: Apricot Lane, Evereve, Primp

Small-business customer service: Chears Audiology, Mama's Happy, Waxing the City

Gift shop: Guild Collective, Judith McGrann & Friends, Max's

Jewelry store: Continental Diamond, Max's

New shop: Mama's Happy, Revolution Salon, Waxing the City

Florist: Arts & Flowers, Byerly's, Linsk Flowers Liquor store: Liquor Barrel, Liquor Boy, The Four Firkins

Consignment shop: Opitz, Rodeo Drive, Upscale Consignment

Shoe store: DSW, Opitz, Schuler Shoes

Foodie store: Good Day Cafe, Gourmet Oil & Vinegar, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Car dealership: German Auto Works, Morrie's Hyundai, Westside Volkswagon

Coffee shop: Honey & Rye Bakehouse, Vitali's Bistro, Yum! Kitchen and Bakery

Fedex Office Promo

This past December a video production team from Fedex Office stopped out to our Saint Louis Park dog wash to find out more about how we work and how FedEx Office has helped us become one of the premier dog washes in the country! We had so much fun shooting this video.  One quick side note, the woman that was working at the FedEx Office store in the video is a not only a FedEx Office team member, but a real life Bubbly Paws customer!  How cool is that??  Click Here to read more or watch the video below!  

Winter Survival Kit

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I love Minnesota, our state has so much to offer. But in January and February I start to get a little tired of the cold weather and the snow.   Our groomer Jessica helped me pick out a few things to help keep your pooch comfortable and healthy in these harsh winter months.

Winter can be very drying on our skin, and our dogs. Detanglers help moisturize their coat and ease brushing out snarls and keep static in check. Jessica's favorite is Pet Head's Fur Ball, I really like HappyTails Rough to Smooth and recommend FURminator's deTangling spray as well. To protect sensitive paw pads from ice, slush and salt use a foot protectant. Musher's Secret is an amazing product. It is all natural, dense wax that is also breathable. It is used by professional mushers in the most extreme conditions and does great for our city dogs paws! We also have a few other paw rubs made by Cain & Abel and HappyTails but all of them are safe if your dog decides to lick them off. FurButter is an intense coat conditioner for when your dog's coat gets very dry or damaged.

We have a huge selection of sweaters and jackets for dogs. RuffWear makes some of the warmest and sturdiest jackets. Their Climate Changer is made of the softest polar fleece to keep your dog warm in dry conditions but when it is raining, snowing or sleeting the K-9 Overcoat is the way to go. It is wind and water resistant with a fleece lining and tough polyester shell to keep body heat in and the weather out. All of RuffWear's jackets have hidden but easy to use buckles, snugly lined zippers and integrated reflective piping to increase visibility.

Here's wishing you and your best buddy a warm and safe winter!

Random Acts of Bubbly

Minneapolis dog groomer giving back

When we first opened our first Bubbly Paws location, we always wanted to be much more than just a business.  We wanted to give back to the pet community community in which we are located.  Over the years we have done this in various ways from donations, silent auction items, fundraisers, sponsorships and more!  I am happy to announce that in 2014 we donated over $10,000 in goods, services and money to local pet rescues and shelters in the Twin Cities!

We want to do even more good and help even more people in the community!  This year we are kicking off our "Random Acts of Bubbly" campaign.  Throughout the year we will be helping out local rescues and shelters!  If you have any ideas on how we can help, feel free to contact me!  Because we are a small business, we can't handle every request we get, but we will try!

As a small business owner, one of the greatest joys is giving back and helping those in need!  Make sure to keep an eye on our facebook page and our blog to see what we have been up to!

In addition to the Bubbly Paws crew giving back, we strongly encourage all of our customers to create their own "Random Acts of Bubbly".  Let us know what you have done to help out in the Twin Cities, use #bubblypaws or share it on our Facebook page!

Our first "Random acts of Bubbly" is going to take place this week!  I will give you all the details soon!

Keith

Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays from Bubbly Paws

Holiday Dog Wash Hours: Christmas Eve - 10am-5pm (last bath starts at 4pm) Christmas Day - Closed New Year's Eve - 10am-5pm (last bath starts at 4pm) New Year's Day - Closed

Have a safe and happy holiday season!  Thanks for all of your love and support in 2014!

Daylight Savings and the Joys of Fall

I took Nova on a walk to enjoy a lovely day on Lake Nokomis.

This fall has been one of the most enjoyable I can remember. The mild temperatures and stunning fall colors have made the Twin Cities a wonderful playground for pups and their people! We had an amazing turn out for Woof N Treat and raised so much money for Pet Project Rescue! The busy fall season is winding down but not before our Daylight Savings Spectacular and now is the perfect time to get ready for the inevitable arrival of winter.

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I hope you will join us Sunday November 2nd for our Trim-a-Palooza. Every year on the days after daylight savings begins and ends we do a walk-in trim event. We offer half-price nail treatments and $5 face, sani or foot trims. If your pup need a few areas trimmed or just a good nail grind it is the perfect time to get that taken care of. We have a ton of fun and stay very busy so there may be a short wait but we always are able to accommodate everyone who shows up. Stop in between 10am and 4pm at either Bubbly Paws location to take advantage of this awesome deal!

While we might like getting an extra hour of daylight in the morning next week it is important to remember to be safe for evening walks with your dog. It becomes increasingly difficult for drivers to see pedestrians during the dark after work and evening hours. Please be safe by wearing reflective gear or lights while you walk your dog and avoid using your phone so you can keep eyes out for drivers. If you need reflective gear for your dog ask a staff member at Bubbly Paws: we have a wide variety of reflective collars and leads to help keep you and your buddy safe and visible.

Here is a tick found just this week by one of our groomers.

I have loved this mild weather but there is one concern I need to share: pests! Because of the warmer temperatures ticks and fleas are still active. Please use flea and tick preventative for the months of October and November, some vets recommend using it year round. Our groomers have found a few ticks in the last two weeks so protect yourself and your dog!

I hope to see a ton of my bubbly friends Sunday for our special! Get prepared for winter with a nice trim and new reflective gear to keep comfortable and safe. All our best from our pups to you and yours!

Trim-a-Palooza

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Help celebrate the time change this Sunday at both Bubbly Paws locations from 10am-4pm with 1/2 price savings on the following services: $5 Nail Trims $5 Face Trims $5 Foot Trims $5 Sani Trims $7.50 Nail Grinds

Appointments are first come, first served. We get pretty busy, please plan to wait a few minutes. Paw points are NOT given out for discounted services.

Mallory's Pumpkin Spice Latte Ratings

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It's no secret that Bubbly Paws employees LOVE their coffee!  This week, we gave Mallory, our dog groomer at our Saint Paul store the tough task of finding the "Best Pumpkin Spice Latte" on Grand Ave.  We know there are lots of coffee options on Grand Ave, so we tried the locations within 3 blocks of our store.  Here are Mallory's results...  

Starbucks - It was ok, a little too spicy and not enough pumpkin flavor.

Caribou - Good pumpkin flavor but a little too sweet.

Chez Arnoud - It was just right... The perfect mix of pumpkin and spice... Just like a pumpkin pie!

Bread and Chocolate - Does not have a Pumpkin Spice Latte ;(

As the Pumpkin Spice Latte season continues, we will update this list as Mallory gets her coffee fixxxxxxxxxx!!

Paws on Grand / FOX 9

Todd Walker from FOX 9 stopped out to our Saint Paul dog wash to promote Paws on Grand.  

Paws on Grand / Bubbly Paws/ FOX 9 - 9am from keithppp on Vimeo.

Flexi Leash Dangers

Flexi Leash law in Minneapolis

Every now and then we have a customer ask "Why don't you carry Flexi or retractable leashes at Bubbly Paws?".  We don't carry these types of leashes for many reasons; one of which is that I have seen too many injuries and incidents related to these types of leashes.

If you do use a Flexi Leash, please make sure to lock the leash at about 3 feet long when stopping into Bubbly Paws or other businesses to make sure your dog is easily controlled.  Most cities including Minneapolis, Edina, Saint Paul, and Bloomington all have regulations saying the leash can't be longer than 6 feet.  Just because your dog is friendly to other dogs and loves to run up and greet them, does not all dogs enjoy dogs running up to them.  Always ask dog owners first before the dog runs up.  Also, be very careful of getting burned by the Flexi Leash, I have a leash burn on my leg from a dog that was running into our doggy daycare on an unlocked leash.  If you are looking for some great alternatives to flexi leashes, we have some great selections at Bubbly Paws.  Do a quick image search on Google for "Flexi Leash Injury" and you will see the possible harm that can come to humans and dogs from these leashes.  Below is a great article from the Dogginton Post about the Dangers of Flexi Leashes and how to use them responsibly.

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Flexi Leash Dangers

One of the most popular devices used to restrain dogs when taking them out for a walk is the retractable leash. Many owners, however, wonder if such a leash is appropriate or even safe to use. Well, the answer generally depends on a person’s reason for using the device. While there are several ways to utilize the retractable leash properly, it is important to remember that they also pose some danger to you and your dog if not used correctly.

Before using a retractable leash, make certain you’ve got one that’s strong enough to handle your dog. Dogs that have a tendency to bolt or take off running after perceived prey should never be restrained with a retractable leash. Aside from those dangers, there are other things to keep in mind when using one of these popular leashes.

What You Need to Watch Out For

· Prickling leash burns. Retractable leashes, especially the thin string variety, can very easily cause leash burns. This could happen when you let your pooch race past you with the retractable line zipped up across your bare skin. Unwarranted injuries, however, can be prevented if you try the flat, tape style retractable leash. · Entanglement or strangulation. Not only can retractable leashes burn us, they can also get twisted around a dog’s neck or legs. Worse, if your pooch panics and jerks the moment they get hog-tied; it could cause the leash to pull even tighter. Although you can loosen the cords that have wrapped around his neck, the situation could quickly become life-threatening. · Fatal accidents. There are times when our dogs dart away all of a sudden, and with a retractable leash on him, your dog might dart even farther, faster. Nevertheless, it’s the reeling that’s a serious issue here. It is possible that Fido may spot a squirrel or anything interesting across the street, and suddenly take off after it. If you’re not alert enough, his abrupt behavior and an un-sturdy retractable leash could put him smack on the road, right in front of a speeding car.

Other Things You Would Never Want to Happen

· The leash drops. Because these leashes rarely have a wrist strap and are sometimes heavy and bulky, dropping them is a regular occurrence. What’s worse, if you drop the handle, the lack of tension can send the heavy handle hurdling toward your dog. Not only could the heavy leash handle smack your dog in the head, if your dog is spooked by the leash handle zipping deafeningly toward him, he may take off running. · The cord is grabbed. If you grab the cord/tape while it is being pulled from the handle, you might suffer from immediate injury like cuts and burns. · The cord wraps around you. Poor handling can also cause the cord/tape to twist around you or someone else’s fingers resulting in deep wounds, or worse, amputation. · The collar breaks or comes off your dog. The moment this occurs, the leash could retract at top speed while the other end of the line whips around at the same full momentum leading to serious injuries to face, teeth, and eyes.