Sidewalk Dog: Build Community Through the Common Bond with Dogs
by Bambi Weavil
It’s no secret that we are animal lovers here at Out Impact, so we experienced personal joy when we stumbled upon Sidewalk Dog. We recently chatted with Ali Jarvis, the founder and owner of SidewalkDog.com, based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, about how her company came about and where she forsees it to be in the future!
BW: What motivated you to create Sidewalk Dog? We don’t live in your area but we are becoming huge fans!
Ali Jarvis: Thank you, Bambi. You are so nice and I’m so glad you found us!
What motivated me to create Sidewalk Dog… Well, soon after I got my dog Luc, he was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease. Because it’s so rare, it took a long time to figure out the best way to treat it (which meds, what doses, etc.). At one point, he needed meds every 3 hours, so if I wanted to get anything done — or just have a life! — I had to take him with me. I was amazed and delighted that many businesses not only allowed him to accompany me inside, but welcomed him “with open arms” (treats, water, TLC, etc.). So I started talking to these business owners about their dog-friendly policies and found out that many of them considered their dog owner customers/clients to be their BEST customers/clients (most loyal, spend more money, tell their friends, etc.). A dog parent will go out of their way – will drive further – to patronize a place that allows dogs. Businesses can become destinations. Et voila, the idea for SidewalkDog.com took shape — an online resource for not only pet-related businesses and events in the Twin Cities, but dog-friendly businesses and events.
BW: Tell us about your dog, Luc!
AJ: Luc is a 4 year old Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As you can tell form the previous question, he’s a total lemon! That said, he’s a happy, sweet, loving, playful, cuddly little guy with an iron will to live. He loves to play fetch and wrestle with squeaky plush toys (the bigger the better). And he loves to dance – I call it his “Elaine dance” – back legs kicking, head bobbing… He used to only do it when he was excited (“I went potty, now give me a treat!”), but now he does it when protesting, too (“Stop working and play with me!”).
BW: How do you feel I being dog-friendly or having a shop dog could positively affect a business?
AJ: Many ways! Shop dogs can help foster a homey, inviting and relaxed atmosphere. They can also create loyalty and improve sales. I’ve often heard that customers will come in just to see the dog (and then often end up buying stuff). Same goes for allowing customers to bring their dogs – being dog-friendly.
One great story: I know a gift shop that’s located in Downtown Minneapolis. They’re surrounded by condos (lots of SINKS and DINKS with fur kids). When they first opened, the store got really quiet in the late afternoon (lasted all evening). The only people walking by were dog owners walking their dogs. But lots of these people were walking by EVERY DAY. The store owner decided to open her doors to dogs, too, and business literally turned around. Dog owners played a huge role in her success.
BW: How has Sidewalk Dog helped your community in a positive way?
AJ: We’re still relatively new, but let’s see… We’re all about connecting people, businesses and non-profits. I consider myself a serial connector – I can’t help myself! Through these connections, hopefully we’re helping transform Minneapolis/St. Paul into a much dog-friendlier place – bringing it up to speed with places like Portland, Boulder and Austin. We’ve helped businesses grow (pet-related and dog-friendly) by connecting them with customers, and we’ve brought awareness to all sorts of animal-related non-profits. We’ve also connected dog lovers to each other, by dog-friendly hosting events of our own and promoting other people’s dog-friendly events.
BW: What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs that you didn’t know when you started your business?
AJ: Be prepared for everything to take a lot longer and cost a lot more than you think! Also be willing to tweak your business plan/model once you get going and see what’s working/what’s not. Pay attention to your demographic – it might not be who you thought it would be.
BW: What non-profits do you support?
AJ: We support many, many animal-related non-profits by promoting their events each month, featuring them in our newsletter and on our blog, donating prizes to their silent auctions, donating our time, etc. Of course we love all the local shelters and foster-based rescues, but there are so many other wonderful groups, too: Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota, Helping Paws, StartSeeingBlackDogs.com, which brings awareness to Black Dog Syndrome, and R.E.A.D. Dogs Minnesota, which focus on therapy dogs that help kids learn to read!
BW: Do you have any upcoming events that you want to share with our readers?
AJ: Oh my gosh… events! There are SO many these days I can barely keep up! When we started out, we hosted a few events of our own, but now we mainly we promote and/or participate in other people’s events (remember we’re connectors!). Our newsletter each month lists at least 25 events — that’s the best way to find out about local dog-friendly events that are being hosted by businesses or non-profits . We also promote on Facebook! I’d love to be able to promote the fabulous Twin Cities Pride event as dog-friendly which occur on June 27- 28th, but we spoke to the organizers last year, and although they let people bring their dogs, they don’t want to encourage it…they’re worried about the crowds, heat, etc. I will try reaching out to them again this year.
BW: How can gay clients or businesses be involved w/ Sidewalk Dog?
AJ: We would love for the gay community to be more involved with Sidewalk Dog and vice versa! Since we’re still fairly new, it’s all about creating awareness in the various dog-loving communities, including the gay community. I know there are lots of gay-owned dog-friendly businesses in the Twin Cities, and I’d love to know about and promote all of them! I’d also love for gay dog parents to know about Sidewalk Dog and use us as a resource. Finally, the nicest thing anyone can do for us is help spread the word. I recently linked to this old Faberge commercial (“…and they told two friends, and so on…“).
BW: Thank you Ali for all that you do for people and pets, your passion and your drive! We are happy to support SideWalk Dog and tell our readers and friends!
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