MANKATO — You probably never would have thought of it, but Angela DeMartini did.
The owner of Bella’s House of Doodles in Eagle Lake asked her brother and fellow business owner Colby Winkler if they could co-host an event that is now called Kicks and Puppy Licks. Winkler is the owner of Lee’s Champion Taekwondo Academy in Mankato.
“It was my idea,” DeMartini said. “There’s so many different things out there that puppies have been a part of. I’ve been raising puppies for a very long time, and I see the joy and healing puppies bring. It’s beneficial. And what Colby is doing is building self-control and confidence. I thought it would be a nice collaboration of the two to bring them together.”
During the event Saturday at Lee’s Champion Taekwondo Academy, attendees ages 8 and older will learn a few martial arts moves and play with six miniature Bernedoodle puppies. There are 10 slots open at both 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and the cost is $59 per person. (Registration is required and due by Friday.)
“They will learn a little bit of self-defense and enjoy the puppies,” Winkler said. “It’s something fun to do on a Saturday — get a little exercise and have a little fun. Puppies bring that next level of enjoyment.”
DeMartini said the combination includes the best of both of these worlds. “You’ll get that experience with taekwondo and see what that’s about and have the fun of the puppies.”
Winkler said they wanted to create something different that people would remember.
“Martial arts build confidence, focus and discipline, while puppies naturally bring happiness and comfort. Combining the two just made sense,” he stated in a release.
Kicks and Puppy Licks will focus on beginner-friendly taekwondo activities alongside supervised interaction with the puppies during what the brother-sister duo describe will be an active, positive and uplifting afternoon.
“People instantly smile when they see puppies,” DeMartini stated. “Pairing that excitement with the energy and confidence-building environment of taekwondo makes this a unique experience.”
How can she guarantee licks during the event? DeMartini said it’s a given.
“It’s a puppy’s favorite thing to do is give lots of love,” she said. “You’ll get snuggles, licks, playfulness and calmness.”
To register, call 507-345-7227 or go to the Facebook page for Lee’s Champion Taekwondo Academy in Mankato.