I understand that last week’s snowstorm was a huge headache for a lot of people, but I actually loved it. I was thrilled by the ferocity of the howling winds that kept me up all night and window views being swallowed up by a wild swirling of white stuff. When the storm was over and the city was shut down and silent, I looked forward to winter romp with Kippee. Luckily, she was up for it. Earlier this winter she might not have been. As an early DNA blood test showed, Kip had a fair amount of Alaskan malamute mixed in with her miniature schnauzer genes, it wasn’t that she minded the cold. She grew more leery of leaving the house earlier this winter when after the icy sleet and snow started to fall, she like many, many other dogs experienced the 
pain of having her paws ‘burned’ by chemically laden sidewalk salt. Of course I could count on her to zip in and out to ‘piddle-poo,’ but when it came to putting on the walking leash, she flatly refused to budge. So for the sake of activity (hers as well as mine), I was determined to outfit her with the best possible dog boots I could find. First I tried those rubber boots that are basically balloons for the feet but after finding them difficult to put on and easily punctured by Kippee’s nails, I started talking with fellow dog owners and pet store employees, and reading boot reviews on the Internet. Ultimately I found Ultra Paws at Hounds Around Town (330 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-431-8661, houndsaroundtown.net also available at ultrapaws.com). Because they open at each side, they’re a cinch to slip paws into, and with double Velcro straps and interior foam pads, unlike most boots, they stay on. Plus they have a pliable waterproof sole. Getting Kippee used to wearing them was pretty easy. I simply rewarded her with a high-value treat every time I put them on, so now whenever I grab her leash, Kippee’s eager to don her boots and trot outside – looking adorable as usual. Bottom line, if you’re looking for paw protection, Ultra Paws just might be the boots for your pooch. Oh and if you salt, for the sake of all the barefoot dogs out there, would you please consider buying a brand that’s pet friendly?
Have you noticed people are beginning to shop a bit more? Maybe it’s because independent retailers have done such a good job of rolling out creative welcome mats like The Historic Third Ward’s DIVA Night Feb. 10 (5-9 p.m.). Throughout the evening, neighborhood boutiques Third Ward Jewelry, 5 Hearts, Embelezar, Falcon, Blush, Bangles & Bags, Flirt, The Home Market, Lela, Metro Eye, Modify, Retique, A Woman’s Touch, A Trio Jewelry Design Studio and (shoo) will be treating shoppers to all sorts of special discounts and sales as well as handing out and punching DIVA cards. The more times you have your card punched, the more chances you have to win great prizes at a special drawing to be held at evening’s end at Club Charlie’s (320 E. Menomonee St.). Be one of the first 25 DIVAS to arrive with a card bearing 3 or more punches and get a swag bag stuffed with goodies. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it, so if you go, have a Diva-tini at Charlie’s for me, will ya? For more specific info, please visit shoptheward.com.
Meanwhile, the shops of Silver Spring Drive help everyone get into a sweet mood with An Evening of Wine & Chocolate Feb. 10 (6-8 p.m.). Enjoy live entertainment, sip complimentary wine and enjoy chocolate samplings as you a stroll up and down the street discovering all sorts of unique Valentine gifts, discounts and store specials at Elements East, Gallery 505, Hounds Around Town, Minoan Intimate Apparel, Three Wishes, Patricia Shoppe, Schwanke-Kasten, Simon Oliver, Great Frame Up, Winkie’s Starbucks, Breadsmith and Sendicks . While you’re there, don’t forget to check out all the evening’s salon and beauty service promotions at Elements Therapeutic Massage and New Options Salon, too. For more info, visit shopwhitefishbay.com.
Finally, speaking of fun events, ladies make sure to mark your calendars for the Village of Wauwatosa DIVA Night Feb. 17 (5-9 p.m.). Once again, great local retailers like Magnolia & Co., Little Read Book, Salamander, Go Green, Be Spectacled, Urban Laundry, Magpie Jewelry, Gracie’s Boutique, Oro di Olivo, Vino 100, Tuesday’s Child, The Flower Lady and Authentic Journeys (now located in the former Underwood Gallery storefront) have come together to plan and present shoppers with an evening of cool store specials, yummy nibbles and liquid refreshments. Pick up a Diva Card at any of the stores, have it punched at at least eight participating shops and march it over to Vino 100 by 9:10 p.m. to be entered into a free prize drawing that takes place at 9:15 p.m. For more info, please visit villageofwauwatosa.com.
