🐶 Saint John’s gone to the dogs

Good morning, Saint John! With so much going on in the world, we’re glad someone is making it all work. A 21-year-old Nova Scotia man has landed in the Guinness World Records book after solving 211 Rubik’s cubes while bouncing on a pogo stick. He actually set the record at 16, but it took five years to land in print.

In todays edition:

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Uptown’s newest candy store is for dogs 🦴

There’s a new spot tightening leashes, pulling dogs and their owners off Harbour Passage and into Uptown.

BONE & CO. has only been open for a little more than a week, but some local dogs have already worked out where the treats are. And when you enter the shop at 1 Princess Street, it’s easy to see why. Treats are plentiful and conveniently displayed at dog-eye level.

It’s a neighbourhood shop built to spoil pets, and owner Darren Douthwright is perfectly happy to let them lead the shopping trip.

“There’s dogs that have been in a couple times, or maybe they’re being walked and they have no intention of coming in, but the dog kind of beelines into the store just because of the smell,” Darren said.

After spending most of his career in retail management, Darren saw an obvious gap in the neighbourhood. Uptown has dogs everywhere, but nowhere nearby for their people to pick up food, treats and everyday supplies.

“I do have a dog myself, so I know how emotionally attached we get to our animals,” he said. “I thought it would be a good idea to open up a store where something like that exists.”

BONE & CO. carries food, collars, leashes and Canadian-made treats, with many products coming from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. There are locally made bandanas, too, plus socks, candles, cards, stickers and other gifts for humans whose personalities are closely related to their furry friends.

But Darren isn’t trying to out-shelf the big chains. He wants the shop to become a community hub for uptown pet owners, then grow according to what those customers actually need.

“My goal was to create some sort of community for local pet owners and have products that support local vendors and Canadian as much as possible,” he said. “I’m still trying to figure out the food just because there’s so much out there and I have just a certain square footage. I can’t carry everything.”

The dogs, naturally, are welcome to help with that research. Visiting pups can collect a puppuccino while Darren learns which products keep them pulling their owners back.

More reasons to return are already coming. Nail trims have begun, a self-serve dog-washing station is being installed and locally made pet bakery items are planned. Darren is also working on birthday, adoption and new-puppy gift boxes.

With hundreds of new neighbours eventually coming to Fundy Quay and 99 King, Darren could soon have plenty more customers on both ends of the leash.

Young voices wanted at the table 🗣️

Saint John Police are recruiting new members for a youth advisory committee open to people ages 16 to 22.

Members speak directly with police about the issues, concerns and priorities affecting young people while helping shape a safer and better-connected community.

Applications close September 30, with parental consent required for anyone under 18. Finally, a committee where being young and opinionated is the entire qualification.

East side gets a say 📣

The City wants east Saint John residents to help decide what their neighbourhood could use more of, from recreation and arts programs to wellness supports and food security.

A public information session Wednesday night will unpack the findings of a 2025 review that looked at what’s working, what’s missing and where community services could go next. P.U.L.S.E. and the Carleton Community Centre will also share how resident-led services work in the south end and west side.

The meeting runs from 7-8pm in the Glen Falls School library. Consider it a chance to help shape what comes next, before “the east side needs one of those” becomes another decade-long conversation.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TUESDAY

AI in Action Lunch & Learn | September 15
Local business people will become CEOs of a fictional New Brunswick company and use AI to untangle a difficult decision Tuesday at 12pm at 78 Prince William Street. The hands-on simulation covers analyzing documents, spotting risks, challenging assumptions and knowing when the robot may be confidently wrong.

Try It Tuesday: Turtle Dot Art Workshop | September 15
Give a three-dimensional turtle a considerably fancier shell Tuesday from 6-7:30pm at Market Square. The beginner-friendly mandala dot-art workshop costs $10, includes all supplies and sends everyone home with their finished turtle. Advance registration is required by email.

Pickleball: Drop-In Adult Sports | September 15
Pickleball season gets underway Tuesday and Wednesday from 7-9pm at Westfield Elementary School. Admission is $5 per night, registration isn’t required and sessions are cancelled whenever schools are closed.

WEDNESDAY

Pottery on the Wheel: Level 1 | September 16
Complete beginners can learn centring, pulling walls, trimming and glazing during a six-week course beginning Wednesday at 6pm at the Saint John Arts Centre. The goal is to turn a spinning lump of clay into basic forms on purpose.

THURSDAY

Artisans in the Atrium | September 17
More than 20 local vendors fill the Market Square Atrium with handcrafted goods, artwork and specialty products Thursday from 9am-4pm. Admission is free, although getting out without buying anything may be the real challenge.

Women in Business NB Meet & Greet | September 17
Women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs can make new business connections during a bilingual networking gathering Thursday at 2:30pm in Kingston. The afternoon is presented by Women in Business New Brunswick.

FRIDAY

East Coast Emo Night | September 18
It was never just a phase, and apparently neither was the eyeliner. East Coast Emo Night brings DJs and a night of angsty ’90s and 2000s favourites to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village Friday from 7-11pm. Tickets start at $20.

Youth Beading Workshop | September 18
Indigenous artist Michelle La Forme leads a free beading workshop for ages 15 to 30 Friday from 3-9pm at PRUDE Inc. Participants will make a keychain while learning about meaningful symbols connected to Truth and Reconciliation. Registration is required and space is limited to 12.

SATURDAY

Hampton’s Flashback Festival | September 19
Hampton winds back the clock Saturday with its first Flashback Festival from 12-11pm at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House. The free daytime fun includes lumberjack competitions, family activities and a country-makers market before a $40 pig roast from 6-8pm and a 19+ Eras Dance from 8-11pm. Dance-only tickets are $10.

The Art Room | September 19
Young artists ages six to eight can try different materials and techniques during a new arts program beginning Saturday at 10:30am at the Saint John Arts Centre. It’s designed for kids who enjoy creating and want to build their skills, confidence and a few new friendships.

SUNDAY

Intro to Linocut Printmaking | September 20
Artist Natt Cann introduces students to designing, carving and printing their own linoleum-block creations during a four-week course beginning Sunday at the Saint John Arts Centre. Beginners and experienced printmakers are welcome, all supplies are included and sessions are offered at 10am and 2pm.

📍 What's happening beyond today's highlights?

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

📸 Dallas enjoying a treat from the Red Barkery at the Queen Square Farmers’ Market. That’s one satisfied customer. 😊

Share a pic of your pet enjoying life in the Saint John Region…just hit reply and include your cutest pet pic and it could appear here!

Today’s Tides 🌊

🌅 7:01am | 🌇 7:37pm

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves sniffing out all the local tee.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher