FOX 9 Morning News

An animal sanctuary in Faribault is gaining national attention for its work saving feral cats. At Furball Farm Pet Sanctuary, these cats are given shelter, food and a cage-free life. They’re also spayed or neutered and given vet care. Some of the cats begin to like the company of the volunteers and can be adopted out, but mostly these cats will live out the rest of their lives in the sanctuary and out of the elements. Many of the residents are now internet-famous thanks to Furball Farm’s Facebook page and live videos.

Hockey season is in full swing, and this weekend teams will play the sport the say it was intended: outside. Single-digit highs won't stop the beloved Minnesota tradition, with Hockey Day Minnesota being held in White Bear Lake with multiple outdoor games. FOX 9's Hannah Flood shares the plan for the weekend event.

The Minneapolis Convention Center has gone prehistoric. Jurassic Quest has moved in for the weekend. It runs January 27th through the 29th. Visitors will come face to face with the gigantic creatures that ruled that ruled the land 165 million years ago. There are also baby dinos you can interact with and two walls lined with bounce houses. Get your tickets ahead of time online or at the door.

The Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby is returning to the western Twin Cities metro in February, and this coming weekend is the event's popular cutest puppy contest at Back Channel Brewing Company in Spring Park.

The Great Northern Festival is back and one of this year’s signature events is the opening of Sauna Village. It’s hosted on the grounds of The Market at Malcom Yards in Minneapolis. There are eight different sauna companies represented and each offer a slightly different sauna experience. They also have several cold plunge tubs lining the center of the village. They’re calling that, Cold Plunge Alley. It will be open through February 5th. To learn more or book a spot head to The Great Northern Festival’s website.

Hundreds of the nation’s top cats are on their way to St. Paul to compete in the 46th annual Saintly City Cat Club Championship. There are more than 40 breeds represented including Persians, Ragdolls and Maine Coon, as well as lesser known breeds such as Bangels, Cornish Rex and Sphynx. There’s even a category for household cats. The show begins on Saturday at 9am at the St. Paul RiverCentre and concludes on Sunday at 3pm with the caping and crowning of the top male and female household cats. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Garden Guy Dale K stopped by the University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum to learn about the university's new cold-hardy wine grape.

Dr. Eric Ruhland of St. Paul Pet Hospital answers FOX 9 viewers' questions about pets.

Anglers missing their favorite summer hobby, or those looking to try something new should consider ice fishing. It’s an approachable sport, there are lakes everywhere, and many opportunities to try it without having to invest in the gear. Three Rivers Park District is hosting several ice fishing events with a guide to explain all the how-tos. The next family ice fishing events are in February. Participants have to register ahead of time on their website.

Dashfire moved into a new facility on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. The space will house all their production, a new tasting room called ‘Elusive Botanical Bar,’ and their laboratory. They’re asking patrons to become part of the experiment by trying their creations and taking notes. In fact, visitors can see into their lab through a large glass window; getting a glimpse of what goes into creating their bitters, syrups and spirits. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Saturday.

The Vikings playoff game is the perfect excuse to host a watch party and whip up some good food. Ben and Emily Theis from Tailgate Spices joined FOX 9 to make bourbon pulled pork and kale mary veggie dip.

A new play coming to The Children's Theatre Company is focusing on family, friendship, and the power of finding your voice. Talvin Wilks, the director of "Locomotion" joined Fox 9 Good Day to talk about the show.

The winter flower show is now open at the sunken garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. This display features pinks and purples that are perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Holiday. The show will be in place through March 20. Also happening this weekend, a Tropical Oasis celebration from Jan. 14-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free family and kids activities including crafts, games and interactive stations. Guests will encounter stingrays, frogs, an anaconda and Chloe the sloth in the Tropical Encounters exhibit. And on Sunday afternoon, ‘Music Under the Glass.’ The live performances will take place in the tropical gardens with beer and wine available.

The winter flower show is now open at the sunken garden at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. This display features pinks and purples that are perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Holiday. The show will be in place through March 20. Also happening this weekend, a Tropical Oasis celebration from Jan. 14-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free family and kids activities including crafts, games and interactive stations. Guests will encounter stingrays, frogs, an anaconda and Chloe the sloth in the Tropical Encounters exhibit. And on Sunday afternoon, ‘Music Under the Glass.’ The live performances will take place in the tropical gardens with beer and wine available.

The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and Viktor joined the FOX 9 Purple Friday dance off on Friday, Jan. 13.

This weekend, the largest RV and camping convention in the area is taking over the St. Paul River Centre. FOX 9's Shayne Wells has a preview of the St. Paul RV Supershow, which starts Thursday, Jan. 12 and runs through Jan. 15.

There's a new Klondike Kate in town, just in time for the St. Paul Winter Carnival. After an evening of musical competition Wednesday, a panel of judges chose Maret Bylander to become this year's Klondike Kate. She joined FOX 9 Thursday morning.

It's cold outside, and the number of daylight hours is short. But if you own a dog, you know they still need to burn off their extra energy. Local dog trainers with The Canine Coach joined FOX 9 Good Day to share easy games to do with your dog to challenge them to use their nose.

The Canine Coach joined FOX 9 Good Day to discuss exercises you can do with your dog to keep them moving and entertained indoors during the winter months, including brain games and exercises.