Puppy purse the ultimate accessory for pooch lovers
Everybody's yapping about the ultimate in hands-free walkies
by CHRIS BROOKE, Daily Mail
It's the ultimate fashion accessory for people who "love their dogs a bit too much."
Imported from the United States, these colourful and stylish "doggie bags" enable devoted dog owners to carry their puppies and little pooches wherever they go.
Designed to be "lightweight" with an adjustable strap, the "PuppyPurse" is exactly as it sounds.
Carry it by the handles or fling the straps around your shoulder or even waist, it enables the dog lover to go out and about with a little furry friend friend literally by their side.
The straps can also be adjusted so they can be used like a normal lead.
The idea is unlikely to appeal to traditionalists who believe dogs should be walked not carried, but in today's consumer society pet accessories have become big business.
The doggie-bags were designed after American creators Hedy Grant and Suzanne Sherman noticed how many people were carrying their dogs inside handbags in the heat of Summer and decided there was a gap in the market for a more suitable and stylish carrier.
Both lawyers, Miss Sherman was said to have been inspired to set up the business two years ago by her own Maltese dog Sammy who "wanted to be with her all the time."
"PuppyPurse makes it easier to take your dog with you, whether you're shopping, fly fishing or just taking a walk and nothing gets in the way of snuggling and kissing your baby whenever you want to," said Miss Sherman.
The company has over 20 designs on sale, made from a range of fabrics, including leather, denim, velvet, cotton and fleece material.
Priced on average between £40 and £60, they can fit dogs up to 12 lbs in weight, and are available on the internet and through upmarket "pet boutiques."
Hanh Pham, who sells the dog carriers at her New York shop, said some people will spare no expense in treating their pets.
"It's only in the past decade that people have really started pampering their pets and treating them as members of the family," she said.
