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!

LOVE this crate/fence/gate alternative called BOW from Japanese company Replus; it’s so much prettier than metal.

Kate from Moderncat tipped me off to Free Stitch, a Japanese company designing and making beautiful clothing, collars, leashes and other accessories for dogs. From what I understand, they are a group of graphic designers who wanted their pets to look as beautiful as they were on the inside, so they started making clothes. What really seals the deal for me, though, is the product photography.

Call me a dork and call it a fanny pack, but I like the idea of this dog walking belt created by Cesar Millan and DOOG. This product is great for long hikes or short walks when you’re out of pocket space. The custom belt includes special holders for your keys, iPod and even a tennis ball, plus it comes equipped with doggie waste bags and antibacterial hand wipes. Fanny pack or not, this is smart. Buy it on Cesar’s site.

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.

From the Bauhaus to the Beamer, I’m a huge fan of German design. The folks over at German company Cloud7 have put their collective finger on what so many designers from their country have espoused: the importance of eye-catching, clean, functional design. Cloud7′s line of doggie wares (featuring bowls, beds, toys, and pillows) is the newest entry on my list of Favorite German Things (right up there with their chocolate cake).

I’m especially verrückt for Cloud7′s ceramic bowls and travel beds.

Check out more (and try out your German) at Cloud7 (and on Facebook, too).

[spotted at Design*Sponge]

We rounded up 10 super-stylish gifts for your hip hound this holiday season. Read it over on TheFW.

The USA-made RuffBowl takes a product you always seem to need when on the go with your pup and one that you probably already have and combines them into one very handy idea. A convenient travel bowl for water or food that conveniently clips onto most large retractable leashes, RuffBowl is a must-have for long walkers.