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Before Alex Proba could launch her latest collection of home goods, she had to have it tested and approved by her best friend: her dog, Sam. “He deserves the world, and so do all other furry friends, which inspired me to create ProbaPaws,” shares the multidisciplinary designer and artist, who is probably best known for her vibrant murals and textiles (Proba’s work has spanned painting the bottom of a swimming pool to turning kids’ drawings into rugs). The new line encompasses stylish bandanas with her signature abstract shapes, chew toys that look like flowers out of a Dr. Seuss book, and more that’ll make you feel good about pampering your pet. Naturally, her pup’s favorite pick of the bunch is the superplush cushion dubbed Sam’s Bed.
Proba’s four-legged pal wasn’t her only collaborator. While creating the pieces in her Portland, Oregon, studio, she called on designer friends to help bring the pieces to life, like the brass-cast tags by Blink; the necklaces from Marrow Fine , which are perfect for sentimental pet parents; and the ripple bowls by Sophie Lou Jacobsen that you’ll honestly want to save for your own meals. (Seriously, the dishwasher-safe vessels are designed for human use as well.)
Part of the reason the assortment took a year and a half to finish is because Proba focused on safety. “Since having Sam, trying to buy well-made accessories was very hard, especially ones that were made out of good materials, too,” says Proba. “It’s crazy that there are no restrictions on the dog toy industry.” The Petal toys, available in three colors, are crafted out of natural food-grade silicone (they’re BPA- and phthalate-free), which is ideal for dogs like Sam who are big on playing fetch. Another thing to feel good about: A portion of the proceeds will go toward Three Little Pitties Rescue, the organization that brought Proba and Sam together three years ago.
