Sean Redmond

"I’ve worked with animals for thirty-five years, and I’ve always believed in real food for dogs," explains Gloria Lissner, owner of Famous Fido’s Doggie Deli and Bakery, a canine pet shop that specializes in gourmet cooking and baked goods—for dogs, of course. The "gour-mutt" offerings include fresh meat and vegetables, a plethora of vitamins and eighty-four minerals, and come in flavors like "Chicken a la Fido," "Yankee Pup Roast," "Canine Casserole" and "Mutt Loaf." But that’s not all. On top of the dinners, the hand-dipped yogurt cookies and cakes, the treats, cubby holes and even doggie outfits, Famous Fido’s recently hosted the first "Pet Food Bar" in Chicago.

It’s impossible to miss the shop on this lovely Sunday afternoon, up north on Clark in Andersonville, as the barking of dogs and the bustle out on the sidewalk are both audible and visible, respectively, from a good block or two away. A big van from the pound is parked outside, surrounded by shelter representatives trying to get fourteen dogs adopted into loving new homes. Inside, two buffet bars are stocked with scrumptious foodstuffs—the one on the right for humans, the one on the left for dogs. And amidst all the commotion, pet owners parade their dogs around, chatting with other owners as their canine counterparts sniff at each other and, when their keepers are nice enough to get them some grub, chow down.

"People that have animals…meet a lot more people," explains Tim Schannep, a dog owner from Rogers Park who’s come with his pet Pekinese, Coco, dressed in a snug black and pink ensemble. "[My partner Tony and I] have met everyone in the neighborhood." Indeed, even a pair of young ladies out front who’ve just adopted a Jack Russell/Italian Greyhound mix named Pickles seem enthused not just about their new roommate, but the social opportunities it should bring. "Once you have a dog you start meeting dog people," explains one of the women, named Beth. "There are a lot of dog events in Andersonville…there’s a dog parade and a costume contest…" Another woman mentions that there’s even a pet blessing, to be held at St. James Cathedral in October.

And last but not least, there’s Jorianne, "The Coffee Psychic." For just twenty-five dollars—a special down from the usual eighty-five—she’ll put some cream in her coffee and share with you the wonders of your dog’s fortune. "I got hit in the head when I was 7 years old and started seeing things before they would happen," she explains. "And I used to drink thirty-to-forty cups of coffee a day."

(2007-09-18)

Also by Sean Redmond

Movement Vocabulary
Six years ago, musician/composer Gene Coleman first began working with the artists playing in the "Sound Space: Japan/USA" performance, a new sound and stage project put together by Links Hall and Sound Field, Coleman’s very own not-for-profit music-production organization
(2007-09-11)

Back to the Future
Dan Deacon is a busy man. Between organizing shows for the B-more scene, recording music and extensive touring (he’s hot off the heels of a European jaunt), it’s amazing that he’s found the time to talk, not to mention play not one but two Chicago shows for September 8, one as part of the Hideout Block Party, followed by a show with O’Death at the AV-aerie that same night. We’re seeing him a mere two months after his stint at Pitchfork this year was cut off due to safety concerns—and who knows, with a little luck, he might even get to play his song "Wham City" this time
(2007-09-04)

Waxing Optimistic
When Sam Greenberg, owner of Hyde Park’s venerable Dr. Wax, was approached by the Harper Court Foundation with a unexpected demand for $15,000 in back rent payments, it seemed that the only option was to go the way of Hi Fi Records, the Virgin Megastore and, most recently, the Record Emporium, and close up shop. Fortunately, however, an upswing in sales and an outpouring of community support has helped Greenberg and Dr. Wax stave off impending doom, and things are looking up
(2007-08-31)

Go West, Children
In an effort to perhaps replace the currently reigning image of himself as egocentric extraordinaire, West has developed his own institution—titled, unsurprisingly, the Kanye West Foundation—whose central program, Loop Dreams, works to bring hip-hop curricula and music-production classes to schools in an effort to motivate students and prevent them from dropping out
(2007-08-31)

Death by Stereo
(2007-08-28)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-28)

Park on Clark
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-14)

Crystal Clear
(2007-08-10)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-07)

The Trouble with Transhumanists
(2007-07-31)

Tip of the Wee
(2007-07-31)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment