Holy smokes*, these dog sculptures are incredible! UK-based artist Helen Thompson aka Holy Smoke creates these expressive canines from wire, natural linen, and vintage textiles.

You can buy original sculptures as well as prints in her online shop.

*Sorry, I had to.

I’m known around these parts as “the crazy Schnauzer lady”, which is totally cool by me. (In fact, I just ordered this t-shirt after Katherine sent me the link. It’s a FLYING SCHNAUZER, people. I had to.) All this is to say that I simply can’t resist squealing every time I see one of these little bearded dogs, especially one in an awesome home like this. Check out more of this dog’s sweet abode over on Design Milk!

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the week than with these stunning images by Minneapolis-based pet photographer Karin Newstrom. If these photos don’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will!

Karin’s impressive portfolio is a blend of on-location and studio sessions with pets of all shapes and sizes (there are even a few horses and cats in the mix). Oh, and a donkey! I’m a fan of her location work especially, particularly because I know how tricky lighting can be in those situations. Do you have a preference for studio or location portraits?

This photo makes me so, so happy! There’s not much more I love than bright colors and dogs, so when the two are combined, it’s pretty much a guarantee that my heart will explode. This colorful canine was spotted (and photographed) by Dabito during The Color Run. See more photos on his blog Old Brand New!

We’re kicking our brand spanking new column off with a bang, a sexy birch plywood bang that is. This DIY dog crate coffee table is the brilliant creation of Erin Loechner and her husband Ken who, after a no-luck search for an affordable modern pet crate, decided to make their own. It’s also now the nap time location of Bernie and George (remember those cuties?)!

Erin walks us through all steps involved, from design to execution, over on HGTV.com. Meanwhile, let’s brainstorm! How would you customize this dog crate coffee table idea to suit your needs? Would you leave the wood raw or paint it? Share your thoughts!

[via Curbly]

Chances are, if you’ve ever left town, worked late, or had an emergency of one sort or another, you’ve been left scrambling to find a pet sitter or holding a giant boarding bill. Say goodbye to all that anxiety and budget-busting frustration! There’s a new solution in town… and it’s called Spotwag.

Spotwag solves just about every source of stress I’ve ever experienced with pet sitting or boarding. Built on the idea of trust and established relationships, Spotwag uses Facebook to help you find the perfect pet sitter — using friends and connections you already have. Brilliant, right?

Once you create a profile on Spotwag (for you or your pet), you can quickly and easily put the call for help out. Trusted friends (most likely people who are already “liking” all those photos of your dog and would love to snuggle with them) can sign up to help out. Who you choose and how you thank them is up to you! (There is no built-in compensation system. Spotwag is based on the idea of karma–so whether you say “thanks” with a bottle of wine, lots of hugs, or cold hard cash is your choice.)

Don’t have a pet? You can still sign-up as a sitter! Consider it a Rent-a-Pet situation for those unsure about committing to one of their own.

I am completely on board with this idea, personally! What do you think? Is Spotwag a life-saver? Would you use it?

Learn more (or sign up!) on Spotwag.com. Also, check out their Facebook page!

It’s still wet and drizzly these days, so while I sit back and wait for May to bring flowers, I may as well protect myself from the elements with one of these snazzy dog umbrellas! Right? I mean, it just seems like the proper thing to do. And with over ten breeds, there’s bound to be one for every dog lover! (I’ve got my eye on the Schnauzer one, of course. Or maybe the Boxer… or the Chihuahua version. Okay, I kinda want them all.)

Apartment Therapy’s annual Small Cool Contest may have just ended, but I couldn’t help but take note of all the smiling dogs included in the entries! Mekko, pictured above, is lucky enough to call the grand prize winning entry from Brooklyn his home. Check out a few more of my favorite Small Cool pups below!

“Cricket” from Glendale, CA

“Frankie” from Cooperstown, NY

“Bailey” from Seattle, WA

Check out all the entries over on Apartment Therapy and see if you can spot any other pups!