Pooches in purses are a fashion faux paw

May 22, 2007 12:35 am

WHO WOULD have imagined that Fido and Mr. Wrinkles would be turned into fashion and status symbols?

Within the past few years, yuppie women who want to flaunt their well-groomed pets in public love to shove their Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and other small dogs into their designer purses.

Whether you're at the mall, gas station or a sidewalk downtown, you're bound to see a tiny ball of fluff emerge from someone's Gucci or Louis Vuitton bag.

The time has come to end this sad and obnoxious practice by desperate, attention-seeking people. There is absolutely nothing cool or inspirational about carrying a dog in a handbag.

First of all, the cost of the dog's grooming combined with the price of the purse is often well into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. As Americans, this impresses us because we are a materialistic and individualistic culture. But you have to wonder what people in impoverished countries are thinking, watching the likes of Paris Hilton parade a pet around, as they fight for food, water and shelter.

This lowly and humiliating practice is doing nothing to help Americans' image abroad. It's no wonder so many people hate us, because a large chunk of our citizenry is willing to flaunt their dogs in Versace purses before considering the needs of their fellow man.

In addition to being a despicably sad practice, carrying a purse-trapped dog into a public place presents several health and safety hazards.

Sure, 99 percent of dogs are nothing more than lovable, peaceful creatures that do little more than bring smiles to the faces around them. But one must consider that it is a different species--one that is capable of biting, clawing and potentially killing an innocent person. It's only a matter of time before one of these "harmless," leash-less dogs jumps out of a purse and kills a small child. In the meantime, we continue to pet them in their little purses and stir up a bunch of dander that leads to allergies and sicknesses.

The next time you see a lady with a dog in her purse, don't give in to her pathetic little status and fashion game. Try talking to her about something other than what she is trying to shove in your face.

Since she is so confined to her life of purse-sheltered dogs, she may not be able to do much more than bark.

Jesse Scott is a student at George Mason University.