Chicken Jerky Treat Warning

As you know at Bubbly Paws Dog Wash, we always put the health and safety of your pooch first.  The past few days, there has been lets of news about Chicken Jerky Treats that are imported from China.  We do sell chicken jerky treats, but the chicken is sourced from local farms outside of Boston.  They are 100% manufactured in the United States of America.  I just contacted the company where we get our bulk treats, and they re-confirmed everything I stated above.   As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the products we sell, please ask.  You can read more about the imported Chicken Jerky treats here, or watch the NBC News story below.  

From The AP:

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is asking dog and cat owners to report any problems their pets have had after eating jerky pet treats.

In a notice to consumers and veterinarians published Tuesday, the agency said it has linked illnesses from jerky treats to 3,600 dogs and 10 cats since 2007. About 580 of those pets have died.

The FDA says its Center for Veterinary Medicine has run more than 1,200 tests, visited pet treat manufacturing plants in China and worked with researchers, state labs and foreign governments but still hasn't determined the cause of the pet illness.

The FDA says pets can suffer from a decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting and diarrhea among other symptoms within hours of eating the jerky treats.

St Louis Park Magazine

We were proud to be chosen for the cover of the St Louis Park Magazine - Pet edition. Below you can read the article that featured Pampered Pooch Playground and Bubbly Paws.

Pampered Pooch Playground Owners: Trycia and Keith Miller Services: Dog day care, boarding

The tale:

Trycia and Keith Miller launched their dog day-care center five years ago. They initially opened it for their beloved Bernese mountain dog named Roxy. Today the Millers manage about 95 dogs per day at the Pampered Pooch Playground. They have three separate rooms for canine frolicking, including 11,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor space and a 3,500-square-foot outdoor area. There are also luxury suites for the extremely pampered pooch.

“Minnesota is unregulated for doggie day care, so it’s a point of concern for dog owners,” Keith Miller says. “Someone could rent any old garage and put 60 dogs in it.” The Millers do everything they can to alleviate worry. Pampered Pooch is the first dog day care in the country to have iPhone, Android and Blackberry apps so owners can watch their pups at play, day and night. There are 11 live webcams streaming from the three playrooms and regular Facebook posts and tweets. The outside play area is made with recycled sports turf, which is ecologically appropriate and, unlike gravel or Astroturf, easy to clean.

“The St. Louis Park pet business network is really supportive,” Keith Miller says. “If someone had a fire or got sick, they could bring their dogs to us or I would go work at their place to help out.” Miller stays current on developments in the doggie care world and is a fan of the “busman’s holiday”: Whenever he travels, he stops by other pet care facilities to take notes on what they’re doing right and what he would like to avoid in his own establishment. “There’s a real difference in big-city day cares,” he notes, adding many have a less than fragrant smell. 7020 Walker St.; 952.922.8183; pamperedpoochplayground.com

Bubbly Paws

Owners: Trycia and Keith Miller Services: Self-serve or full-service dog washing, grooming Hangers-on: Roxy the Bernese mountain dog

The tale:

Bubbly Paws is the Millers’ laidback little brother to their high-maintenance big baby, the Pampered Pooch Playground. The Millers opened Bubbly Paws two years ago, mainly as place to wash their own Roxy, a 100-pound Bernese whose bulk and thick hair demand an elaborate bathing process. They nabbed a light and airy space in the busy Excelsior/Grand complex and outfitted it with five elevated step-in tubs with shower hoses, a grooming room and a drying room. Customers can bathe their dogs themselves or pay a bit more for a house shampoo.

The Millers are dedicated to the St. Louis Park community and even use a locally made shampoo, which is actually a reformulated horse shampoo. “I like it because it doesn’t smell fake or overpowering,” Keith says. “I mean, I’m a guy, so I couldn’t care less about smelling like flowers.” Nevertheless Bubbly Paws’ grooming services offer plenty of bling for their canine clients, including toenail polish and in one unusual case, a pink polka-dot dye job.

The couple loves the tight-knit animal owning community in St. Louis Park. “People know each others’ dog’s names. Everyone goes to the Dakota dog park and people recognize each other [from the dog park],” Keith Miller says. “I’ve seen love connections happen here. Seriously, if you were a single guy, why wouldn’t you get a dog?” Miller dreams about opening a pet rental business for hopeful single guys hanging around the dog park. In the meantime, “we just have fun here,” he says. “C’mon, it’s a dog wash!” Each month Bubbly Paws gives back to support a different pet rescue organization, donating $5 from each bath, and hosting creatively awesome occasions like doggie yoga and doggie happy hour. 3730 Grand Way; 952.657.5300; bubblypaws.com

Pet Friendly SLP

We also provided St Louis Park Magazine a list of some of the pet friendly businesses in St Louis Park:

Primp Hosts fundraisers for a local pet rescue 1628 West End Blvd.; 952.303.3791; primpyourself.com

Lululemon Stop in with your dog and get a treat 1639 West End Blvd.; 763.545.9069; lululemon.com

McCoy’s Public House Dogs can hang out and get treats on the patio 3801 Grand Way; 952.224.9494; mccoyspublichouse.com

Yum! Free house-made doggie treats 4000 Minnetonka Blvd.; 952.922.4000; yumkitchen.com

The Four Firkins Browse the local beer selection with your discerning pooch 5630 W. 36th St.; 952.938.2847; thefourfirkins.com

Galaxy Drive-In Bring your pooch while you enjoy a superb burger 3712 Quebec Ave S.;952.277.7777; galaxy-drivein.com

Frattallone's Ace Hardware Great nosing around for dog and man (or woman) 5025 Excelsior Blvd.; 952.456.6630; frattallones.com

Filament Lighting This business provided the lighting for Bubbly Paws 5007 Excelsior Blvd.; 952.926.5007; filamentlighting.com

Holiday Party Fun

Last night we had the Pampered Pooch Playground and Bubbly Paws staff holiday party. It is fun to get both businesses together, but it is always hard to find a time that works for almost everyone. I am not a fan of boring parties, so we always try to do something fun and exciting. This year we let all of our staff vote on what party they wanted, and the Skaties Eighties party won. So we went down the street to the St Louis Park Roller Garden for some great 80's music and skating. Many of our employees even got into the party by dressing up. After an hour of skating and playing games we headed over to McCoy's Public House which is right across the street from Bubbly Paws at Excelsior and Grand. We had the hole party room, complete with 80's pop music for dinner and drinks. A big thanks to Brent and his staff at McCoy's for all their hard work last night because everyone had a great time! If you were wondering, yes I got dressed up! I was sporting the Tiffany Amber Thiessen shirt... We looked and Saved By The Bell started in 1989, so I was safe with it!

All of our staff always work so hard everyday and this is the least we can do to show them that we appreciate all of the love and care they put into the job everyday. It really is hard to find great employees and we have a bunch of them!! Awwwww... Group Hug!! Before the night was over, the Bubbly Paws staff had to take a picture of the fun they had... Click Here to see it.

Have a great night!

Keith

Happy Anniversary Franklin (and Lill)

I just celebrated my first anniversary working at Bubbly Paws. Franklin and I are also celebrating being together for two years so I thought I would share his story for those who haven't heard it:

I first met Franklin when I fostered him through Secondhand Hounds. I didn’t really want to foster Frank, but I agreed to take him on a whim. I was out of a job and had about a month before I started school and I knew he would be easy as he had been in foster care a few weeks. I had agreed to take another dog already and just figured I had nothing better to do than to take care of a couple of dogs over Christmas. Frank was named in the shelter, PUPS, where he was brought as a stray. We know nothing of his history before this. He was weirdly over-weight, barrel-chested and vaguely lumpy. He was perfect and easy: quiet, low energy, house-trained,  polite to people and other animals. It was pretty obvious that he had a lump in his belly. We took him to the vet, blood work and x-rays later and they tell me it is terminal splenetic cancer. He has five days to three weeks to live. I had had him a month or so at this point; he had potential adopters even. But with a death sentence he was no longer adoptable, I agreed to be his hospice nurse and care for him until he passed or was too sick and had to be put down.

Since he was mine indefinitely but had limited time I started to spoil him like crazy. I fed him the best food I could buy; cooked veggies and special meals for him and made sure he always had a treat or bone or some company. We took a lot of slow, easy walks and played fetch every day. I thought a lot about when he would turn, start to act really sick and the day we would have to say goodbye. I waited and watched. Other than pain medications for his arthritis we did not treat his cancer at all. It should kill him and quickly. But he just kept plugging along. He lost some weight and developed muscle tone. The lump in his belly looked less pronounced even. Summer rolled around and I expected the heat to bother him. But Frank was happy and spry as ever.

After we had been together for about a year I decided Franklin wasn't going anywhere soon and I officially adopted him. We made it through a few moves and starting to work at Bubbly Paws. He loves to come to work with me and has only gotten healthier and happier. I keep a close eye on him but I don’t worry that he is in any imminent danger of death anymore. Frank is my Steady Eddie always. So we cheers to misdiagnosis, a dire prognosis and beatified survival. Two years and counting, Frank pays me back for being his caregiver every day and I can’t thank him (and happenstance) enough.

Project Day

Sometimes I think small business owners forget how important it is to keep a business looking like it is brand new!  We always work hard at Bubbly Paws Dog wash to make sure thinks are as fresh and clean as the day we opened.  Last sunday, on Easter was the perfect day for us to touch up some of the paint around the tubs and other places around the dog wash.  So on Sunday afternoon we took Roxy and her best friend Bindi to the dog wash and re-painted all the tubs.  We often find going in on a holiday that we are closed is much easier than going in late at night.  So we hope everyone enjoys the updates and know we are always working hard to be the cleanest and freshest dog wash in the Twin Cities.

Have a good night.

Keith

Patch.com - Meet Keith and Trycia

Patch.com stopped out to our other business, Pampered Pooch Playground to learn more about how it works... Meet Keith and Trycia, and there is a small mention of Bubbly Paws Dog Wash on there as well :)  Click Here to read the article.

KARE 11 - Toys for Tots Drop Off

Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and the rest of the stores at Excelsior and Grand stopped out to KARE 11 and dropped off a bunch of toys for Toys for Tots!  Don't blink, or you will miss it!! Keith's jacket (the green arm on the left of the screen) is the only part of the Bubbly Paws family that was shown. We think his jacket is pretty cool :)

Drivers Ed by Bubbly Paws

Warning.. Here I go on a tangent that has very little to do with the dog wash!  In the last 3 weeks, I have seen about 7 cars going the wrong way at the roundabout right outside our window at Excelsior and Grand.  I also see people stopping and getting confused with this simple concept (keep right).  So I figured it would be a good idea to help educate everyone how to properly use a roundabout.  I found a great website with very detailed directions.  Chances are that since you are reading this, you probably know how to properly use one, but feel free to share this link with friends :) Have a good day!

Waffles Mom

We love when we can promote things that our friends have done... Today the latest Oxygen Magazine has come out and Waffles mom was on the cover!  You might remember Waffles from this video!   It is not everyday when you know a cover model!  Waffles mom is also our personal trainer and her studio is just a few blocks from Bubbly Paws Dog Wash in St Louis Park. I know this post had nothing to do with the dog wash, but I am really excited for her!

Keith

Roman goes to Bubbly Paws

This past weekend, Trycia's family was in town and they brought their black lab, Roman.  We took him to Bubbly Paws and made a video to show how easy it is to wash a dog!  Roman loved being a rock star!  

Bubble Bath Party

A big thanks to everyone that came out to our first Bubbly Paws - Bubble Bath Party which was a fundraiser for Secondhand Hounds.  Amber from Modern Life Photo was there snapping pictures of all the fun (view the pictures and read her blog post).  Jenna from the Rovernight Network provided lots of yummy treats and lots of doggy fun!  What a great time, we know we will be doing this again soon!  $10 from each of the baths was donated to Secondhand Hounds!! Below is a list of the Raffle Prize Winners (all the winners have been called):

Bubbly Paws Gift Basket - Justin

Rovernight Network dog bowl package - Mary

Modern Life Photo gift card - Gearhart

Pink dog outfit - Michelle

Red dog jacket - Kasia

White/Pink dog dress - Gearhart

Doggy Froyo - Justin

Doggy Froyo - Lisa

Armani

Last Friday we had a true Rockstar come in to get groomed at Bubbly Paws Dog Wash. Armani is a popular pooch at OPM (located 1 store away from Bubbly Paws) and can often be see walking around greeting customers. Now Armani has a new haircut and looks great! Our groomer said that he was a great dog to groom!

Hope you have a great weekend! Keith

Dog Wash Gift Cards

Looking for the perfect gift?  We now have Bubbly Paws Dog Wash and Dog Spa gift cards!  You can stop in or call us to purchase a gift card and we will even mail them for you!  Gift cards can be used for any of our services or retail items!  The cards work just like a Target or Best Buy gift card and each purchase will be deducted from the balance. Have a great day!

Keith

Battle of the Nubs

I know we always mention that we like to be very active in the community and have a great relationship with many of the pet rescues. Today at the Park Tavern in St Louis Park is the "Battle of the Nubs" between the Boxer Rescue and the Doberman Rescue.... Anyone going to this great event will have the chance to win 2 Bubbly Paws gift baskets, with a nice gift card inside! Enjoy! Have a good weekend!

Keith

Missy's Bath

Tonight I stopped in at the dog wash to help close up, and I was so happy to see this black lab come in.  It was Missy, who was one of the dogs that we fostered at Pampered Pooch Playground.  It has been about 7 months since I last saw missy and she was so happy to see me!!  Missy and her Mom just left the dog park and Missy really needed a bath!  Missy was a Pet Haven dog, which is who we foster dogs for, and Missy really loves playing.  If you are a regular at the Dakota Dog Park in St Louis Park, I am sure you know Missy.  She went home nice and clean tonight. Have a good night!

Keith

We're more than just a Dog Wash

I often forget that we do more than just self service dog washes.... We have a full service dog grooming department with 2 wonderful dog groomers with over 25 years of combined experience!  Crista and Cyndi are both wonderful groomers and always go the extra mile to make every dog look their best.  It is always so hard to find great groomers and we are very happy to have 2 of the best!  Dog Grooming reservations can be made online or by calling 952-657-5300.  

Have a great weekend!

Keith

St Louis Park - Patch

Bubbly Paws Dog Wash was jut featured on St Louis Park Patch.com.  Thanks to our employee Rose, and her dog Pax (Australian Shepard)  for being such a great doggie model.  

When the snow melts, your canine friend will be raring to get reacquainted with your neighborhood and the local dog parks. But just like you have a spring cleaning routine for your house, you should have a checklist of things to do to get your dog ready for the new season.

Enter Keith Miller. Miller is the owner of Bubbly Paws Self-Service Dog Wash and Dog Spa, which opened last month in St. Louis Park. Miller also owns the Pampered Pooch Playground, a popular doggy daycare in St. Louis Park. He shared a few steps pet owners should take to get their dogs ready for warmer weather:

• If you live or walk near a lake, don’t let your dog wander onto thin ice.
• Remove dirt and dead hair from your pet’s coat by giving it a shampoo and a good brushing. “If you get the dead hair out, they will shed less at home,” Miller said.
• If you have a dog with curly hair prone to matting, have the dog’s hair cut short for summer. “Mats can even become painful for dogs,” Miller said. He pointed out that if you take your dog to your cabin or a lake, short hair will help the pooch dry quicker and avoid further matting.
• Make sure your dog park permit is up to date. St. Louis Park has two off-leash dog parks, at Cedar Knoll Park and Dakota Park. Access to the parks is included in dog licensing fees for St. Louis Park residents; non-residents must purchase a permit for $55.
• Double-check that your dog’s vaccines are up-to-date, especially bordatella (kennel cough). “The chances of a dog getting sick are higher when they are around more dogs, like at the dog park,” Miller said. Seasonal allergies also pop up in the spring in dogs, much like they do in people, he said, so see your vet if your dog exhibits allergy symptoms.
• Make sure that your doors and fence gates latch properly, so your little escape artist can’t bolt.
• Make sure your dog has an I.D. tag or microchip in case it does bolt.

If your dog’s a muddy mess from the spring thaw and it’s too chilly still to hose it off in the yard, Bubbly Paws offers both self-service dog washing and full-service grooming.

“If your dog is muddy and you don’t want to deal with it, bring them in,” Miller said.

He said the dogs that came in during the store's opening week were quite relaxed while getting clean in the waist-high tubs.

“They are comfortable because they are still getting a bath from their owners, not a random person,” he said.

All supplies are provided, including dog shampoo made by another local St. Louis Park company, Topline Canine Care.

“We try to keep our supplies local or regional,” Miller said.

Dog Grooming @ Bubbly Paws

Today was another first for Bubbly Paws Dog Wash.... It was the first day of grooming with Christa who is our amazing groomer.  Christa has a real hands on style and has worked for some great dog businesses and we are so excited to have her as part of the Bubbly Paws family!  Grooming reservations can be made online or by calling the god wash (952-657-5300).

Eloise, the westie is one of the doggy daycare dogs from Pampered Pooch Playground who came to get groomed today.  She looked super cute when she went home and her parents were so happy with the cut!

Have a great weekend!

Keith

Just a few more days!

It is hard to believe that soon everyone will get to see all the hard work that was put into Bubbly Paws Dog Wash.  Trycia and I were there all weekend working hard getting everything ready and we are just days away from opening the door!  Heck, you could look in some of the windows because we have started to take some of the white construction paper down.  Tomorrow all of the finishing touches will be done on the retail area and the grooming rooms.  If all goes as planned, you can come in on Thursday and give your pooch a bath :)

See you soon.

It was a big day!!

The past few days Bubbly Paws dog wash has been swarming with people!  We just passed our final City Inspection from St Louis Park and are all set to open!  All the window decals are up and 90% of the retail items are in the store.  Now we just have to put the shelves up, and put the items on them.  We will be open by Wednesday!  Today we went to Stunt Puppy which is another local business and picked up a bunch of collars and leashes!  It is going to be a busy weekend getting everything set for our opening!  If you have not signed up for our email list, make sure you do it, and you will receive a special grand opening savings (it is on the bottom right of our main page)!

We are so very excited!