About Us

SidewalkDog.com is THE PLACE to read about all things dog-related in the Twin Cities. We've got the inside scoop on pet-centric businesses, dog-friendly shops and restaurants, local celebs' secret lives as dog-lovers, amazing animal rescues and nonprofits, and anything else that's interesting, funny or just plain cute in the local pet scene.

Ali JarvisMeet Ali...

Ali Jarvis, founder of Sidewalk Dog Inc., wrote the Twin Cities’ first dog-friendly news column, “Shop Dog.” From that seed of an idea, Sidewalk Dog was born. Here’s her story:

When Luc, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, became afflicted with an incurable neuromuscular disease and the vet said I would need to administer medicine every three to four hours, I thought I’d have to become a recluse just to take care of him. This news came just three months into my pet parenthood and I had already established a strong bond with Luc; he was an important part of my life.

Commute like crazy, or take Luc with me?
Luc’s diagnosis meant major changes in how I approached daily life. I had two choices. Shuttle back and forth between work and home for his required dosages, or take Luc with me. At first I tried to bend his life around mine—by scurrying back and forth—but it wasn’t much of a life for either of us.

So I decided to try taking him with me instead. I started approaching the businesses on my errands and appointments and asking cautiously if I could bring him in. To my delight, the answer was often an overwhelming yes. In fact, return visits without him would oftentimes generate a gentle scolding from shop owners and employees!

Surprise! Businesses welcomed us both.
These pooch-friendly policies reinforced my loyalty. I found myself patronizing these businesses because I felt personally connected and especially welcome. Even better, I could easily complete errands and appointments, and at the same time, attend to Luc’s medical needs.

As I got to know the business owners and heard their stories, I was amazed to learn how much being dog-friendly or having a shop dog could positively affect sales. I felt my entrepreneurial spirit awaken as I saw a huge opportunity to help businesses who love dogs connect with their kindred customers.

Sharing the business case through Shop Dog.
Harnessing my background in advertising and business development, I set out to help organizations grasp the business case for being dog-friendly—an approach that isn’t an intuitive part of a typical business plan. I began by creating and writing a column called “Shop Dog”, which told the stories of local shop dogs, while underlining the very real success being dog-friendly could bring.

Sidewalk Dog bounds onto the scene.
I started to realize that this was bigger than a column, a magazine or even a book. So, I started building a company, and in 2008, Sidewalk Dog, Inc. was born.