You have only to walk around the South End to see how dedicated residents are to their dogs – and in fact, there is a lovely dog park right across Shawmut Ave. from this PolkaDog location. So PolkaDog operates in a competitive marketplace, and I’m probably not the only dog owner to make a special trip to the South Boston store just for their products, some of which are now sold in stores around the country.

The ground floor of this welcoming location is stocked with treats and food, much of it made locally by PolkaDog and presented in tall glass jars for bulk sale. My dog Tennie’s favorite are the dehydrated rolled cod skins, seasonally sourced from fishermen; the fish oil in them is also great for her coat. Downstairs in the basement is a thoughtful selection of toys and leashes. If you have, or know someone who has, a squeaky-toy-obsessed dog, pick up one of Hear Doggy’s plush toys, which make noise at a frequency only dogs can hear (I know – genius.)

Tennie also loves the baked dog treats, sold in bulk or packaged in attractive canisters that are great for gift-giving, especially around the holidays when seasonal flavors are on offer.