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 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.

I feel like wearing dog-themed attire is a rite of passage into “crazy dog lady” territory. If you’re ready to take that leap (I am… and have!), check out these resin bracelets by designer Jessica Kagan Cushman.

P.S. Dogster did the heavy lifting and rounded up all her dog-themed designs in one spot, so head over there and let us know which is your fave!

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?)

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!

One of the biggest challenges I face as a dog owner, besides vet bills (ouch) and ticks (grosssss), is finding cool modern dog beds and accessories that fit with my home’s decor. I don’t do ruffles, and I don’t do cutesy. I want fresh, clean, and sophisticated. I get really excited when I see options like the Chimère line by French design company Bloom Room that debuted recently at Milan Design Week 2012. Why can’t all dog stuff be this cool?

(I think that thing there (above) is actually for a cat, but they deserve good design too, right?)

[spotted via The Designer Pad]

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]