To enter the contest upload your best pic of your best pal today at MinneapolisPicks.com, and begin cohersing all your friends, family, and co-workers (and their friends, family, and co-workers) to place their votes for your pup. Or, stop by the Minneapolis Picks booth at Grand and Grotto during this Sunday’s Paws on Grand, and get your dog’s photo taken by us! Voting for this year’s Pet Pick ends on Sunday, August 7th at noon, and in addition to becoming the 2011 Poster Pet, your dog will win a free photo session with Lucky Mutt Photography, and a slew of other gifts from businesses along Grand Avenue!

For those not familiar with Paws on Grand, it is a great chance to visit the businesses of Grand Avenue in St Paul, as they celebrate the dog days of summer with a full day of dog friendly events, clinics and pet friendly shopping. As I mentioned, Lucky Mutt Photography will be at the Minneapolis Picks booth at Grand and Grotto this Sunday, and we certainly hope to see you there!

Also, for those planning to attend this Sunday’s Paws on Grand, my absolute favorite pet-related nonprofit group, The Pet Project, has partnered with a number of Grand Avenue businesses to collect pet food for local food shelters during this event. With a goal of collecting 5,000 pounds of food, participating businesses are accepting unopened bags and cans of pet food now through August 1st. In addition, Minnesota based company, Royal Pet will be giving prizes to anyone who brings donations of pet food to the Kowalski’s Market on Grand Avenue this Sunday during Paws on Grand.

Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque is a dog-friendly restaurant in the Brick Alley Building in historic downtown Stillwater. That’s right, you can enjoy delicious Caribbean fare with your favorite pooch on Smalley’s gorgeous front patio or in the relaxing environment of their back deck where we hung out last week for a “Yappy Hour” fundraiser for Friends of Stillwater Dog Park.

A handful of photos from the event can be seen below, and additional images from the evening are available for viewing and purchase here through June 30th.

Looking for more dog-friendly patios in the Twin Cities area? Check out this great list compiled by my favorite Twin Cities dog-lovers resource, Sidewalk Dog, or play around on their interactive Dog Park and Dog-friendly Dining map sponsored by Stunt Puppy.

And for your viewing pleasure, a completely unrelated, but gorgeous, photo of my new pal Killian from a recent session.

Please note: All pirate gear is completely optional at tomorrow’s event, but definitely photo opp worthy.