I was wandering through Target yesterday (you know, having gone in for, like, two things and instead filling up a whole basket with unnecessary but completely awesome finds) when I stumbled on the display for Polka Dog Bakery, part of Target’s new project The Shops at Target, which features items from specialty boutiques throughout the country. Polka Dog Bakery is a pet shop and bakery in Boston, and their “shop” at Target is full of cute, colorful toys, bowls, mats, collars and, of course, yummy and wholesome baked treats. The Polka Dog for Target collection is available both in stores and online, and if the already-half-empty shelves at my local store are any indication, it’s selling out fast. What’s your favorite? Pretty sure I need one of those bowls. And a coordinating mat. And a tossin’ stick.

Neroko is a Finnish design studio that was born out of “a great love for dogs and a passion for sustainable Finnish design”, which is to say that Neroko and Dog Milk are two peas in a pod. Their modern pet line includes solid birch beds and “habitats”, stackable ceramic bowls and birch food containers, and even natural jute dog toys! (And how cute is that little dog sculpture?)

The Orbee-Tuff Mazee is the newest interactive dog toy from Planet Dog. A clear orb encases a colorful maze that, when filled with treats, is sure to stimulate your pup’s brain and keep them busy for hours! It’s a riddle, wrapped inside a mystery, inside an enigma — to quote one Winston Churchill.

Snatch one up in green or raspberry from Planet Dog!

Since it’s been in the 50s and 60s here on the East Coast the past week, I thought it was only fitting to start talking about Spring. Mungo & Maud has released their Spring 2012 collection, and it’s so lovely. I really like the soothing color palette. Go check it out!

Want to know what to do with all of those old t-shirts you have filling your drawers? Turn them into a fun “Tugga Toy” for your dog! This project is so simple, even the most DIY challenged can handle it. You’ll probably end up making one for your pooch, and ten more for every dog you know. You can find the easy how-to right here.

Well, February is upon us, which means we’re being assaulted with hearts and Cupids and “every kiss begins with Kaayyyyyy” at every turn. Even though I’m married and in love and all that jazz, Valentine’s Day usually makes me want to kick things. When you think about it, though, we all have the best Valentines around — our pups! I mean, they actually show us what love is all about, and they don’t care a thing about cards and roses and diamonds. We’ve rounded up some great Valentine’s Day items for you and your pup.

Clockwise from top left: Organic crocheted ball by Hip Doggie from Baxter Boo, pop hearts dog collar by Up Country from Muttropolis, conversation hearts squeaky toys, at Petsmart, Ramona heart dog bed from Doggie Vogue, Archie the Dog letterpress notecards at PaperSource, “mom” dog charm by Doggles from Baxter Boo, Red Dingo stainless steel heart tag at PupLife, talking rose dog toy from Artful Pups.

West Paw Design doesn’t introduce new toys often, but when they do, they usually hit the nail right on the head. Or the dog on the nose. (Please don’t hit your dog on the nose.) West Paw’s latest offering, Twiz, is a funky-shaped toss, tug, and chew toy that aims to make your standard game of fetch a little more interesting. Twiz flies through the air, bounces unpredictably and even floats — and you can untwist Twiz’s handles to reveal a spot to stash a secret treat surprise for your pup. Twiz is made in the good ol’ USA from recyclable materials and is nontoxic and BPA- and phthalate-free. Cherry on top? It’s dishwasher-safe and guaranteed against dog damage. See it in action in this video, and fetch it from West Paw Design.

Modern Shed Meets Modern Dog House
David van Alphen’s modern shed sprouted a mini-me: a modern dog house for his modern pooch.

Atomic Attic’s Upcycled Pet Beds
Etsy seller Atomic Attic is a creative dynamic duo that takes vintage items like suitcases and VCRs and gives them new life as pet beds and feeders.

Pet Planters
What’s better than a product that does double duty? Like these dog houses that double as garden planters.

Custom Nose Print Necklace
Memorialize your pet forever and wear him around your neck with this custom nose print necklace! Some think this is weird, others think it’s genius!

A Dog House That Uses Geothermal Energy
The shell of this underground dog shelter is “indestructible,” leak-proof, UV resistant, chew-proof, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Designer Pet Eatery
Starting at just $80, these wall-mounted, in-wall pet eating stations come with two bowls in a few different colors and optional water line.

Burger’s Home Renovation Survival Tips
Young House Love’s tiniest member talks turkey about how he survives living with two home improvement-obsessed humans.

Nagi Noda Hair Hats
Art director, video director, and artist Nagi Noda sculpted hair molds into fabulous and over-the-top works of art, and we just love the dog ones!

An Interview With Boo: The World’s Cutest Dog
Enough said.

Loose Leashes
Photographer Ron Schmidt’s dog-centric photography is called “Loose Leashes,” and you can purchase these adorable and inspiring prints.