I am not sure what I thought I was going to see the first time I decided to go to the Polka Dog Bakery for the first time but I do remember just how impressed I was when we walked in the door. I have a thing for old fashioned general stores you might find in the country. The Polka Dog Bakery reminds me of big jars of candy lining wooden shelves. Cool things you wish you could have that you have not seen elsewhere.

However here at the Polka Dog Bakery on Shawmut Avenue in the South End of Boston. The giant glass jars are full of baked treats for dogs. Not just any baked treats, it’s as if Willy Wonka was in the kitchen creating these unusual delights for dogs. You will find all sorts of concoctions blending what dogs love most, food that smells great. Our dog’s nose goes into overdrive snorkeling all the delicious flavors as he moves from jar to jar, basket to basket, checking out what is inside al the jars and baskets beautifully placed around the store.

Downstairs, you will find a great selection of dog coats and sweaters. They also carry dog toys, beds and other essential accessories for dogs living in Boston. Polka dog is well worth the trip when you are on the hunt for a unique dog related item.

While you are in the area there are a couple of other things to do with your dog in the area. A couple of blocks down Shawmut you will find “The Buttery”, South End’s legendary baker of cupcakes. I have yet to go to The Buttery and not find people enjoying coffee and baked goods in the pet friendly outdoor seating.

A couple of short blocks away from Polka dog and the Buttery you will also find the Peters Park Dog Run, an enclosed area where your dog can run off-leash and socialize with the other dogs from the South End of Boston.

As we are always editing our articles to keep them fresh, here s a link to a great video from Polka Dog about making your own peanut butter dog treats. The video gives you an idea of the effort behind their fantastic dog treats.