Woof Woofington

Puff Daddy's Jackets - Strictly Off Limits

If you were thinking of buying a Sean John jacket (you know, Puff Daddy that was), think again. Well, actually, it seems that Macy's (New York) has done the thinking for you because surprise, surprise the supposedly fake (faux) fur jackets were in fact...dog fur and Macy's has pulled the lines off the shop floor and website! Apparently, the raccoon dog from Asia, Sibera and Japan has a fur that closely resembles the raccoon and so becomes the cheaper alternative option.

Now I know P Diddy is a fan of fur - remember his chinchilla coat? But, if you want to sell to the masses and avoid all the negative publicity, fur is probably not your best option and Sean Coombs held his hands up high:

"I was completely unaware of the nature of this material, but as soon as we were alerted, the garments were pulled off the Macy's floor and Web site. I have instructed our outerwear licensee to cease the production of any garments using this material immediately."

According to Business Week, upmarket retailers have been exposed for being less than vigilant on the fur front. The Humane Society of the United States carried out tests on other fur-trimmed jackets and nine out of 10 were raccoon dog! All the big stores - Bloomingdale's, Saks Fith Avenue - as well as big designers - Calvin Klein, Baby Phat - have been shown to be selling something "rather gruesome".

Yo! Listen Up! There is no reason why clothes should be produced with such materials. So keep your gear cruelty-free this winter.

Woof Woof

The Mutz Nutz Really Is The Dog's B*****cks

There's a new shop on the block - it's called The Mutz Nutz and it really is the dog's b****cks, you might say.

This part of town (west London) is well served for pet shops - I've been to them all - but they are not destination shops ie you wouldn't travel specifically to use them. But Mutz Nutz is very much for the pampered pooch (which I am) who can be spoilt rotten.

Owned by model Andrew Cooper, the store is run by two very helpful women and their partners in crime (Duke and Missy - two American Bulldogs who relax downstairs).

This is a doggy emporium par excellence; from gorgeous collars and leads, fabulous treats (catering for the greedy dog like me and the more discerning or restricted diet hound), books, cards, bowls, beds, regular dog food. You name it, they've got it. And it's all so stylish!

The Mistress bought just one item because she said if she started spending, she wouldn't stop. Yes, it really is like a candy store for dogs and their owners.

I hope the guys at Mutz Nutz (Westbourne Park Road, W11) do really well and, I have to be honest, it's for selfish reasons. Much of their stock is sourced from the US, who are light years ahead in terms of doggy apparel. And no, I'm not talking about doggy strollers! My best collars and leads are from NYC or LA but only if the Mistress is going there. Now she can just pop in and buy me something fabulous without having to go through airport security.

The only downside is I will now have to be on best behaviour if I am to see any of these goodies!

Woof Woof

Absolute Pets is Absolute Heaven

Lots of people in London say that they don't know their neighbours and unless they're really lucky, they probably don't know many people in their manor either. Most people are too busy going to and from work. In fact, it isn't just London as some recent research showed.

But children and dogs can make all the difference. Have dog, will...meet people!

The Mistress knows loads of people where we live - the majority of whom are acquaintances. Many of her close 'local' friends ie within half a mile, have slowly been moving out or moving on. We still have lots of excellent neighbours but when neighbours become friends, it's a different kind of relationship.

And so it was that one of the Mistress's closest friends jumped ship and left the area. For good. So we went to see her in her new pad, in South London! Well, actually, it's not really South London at all - it's still North of the River. Just. But what a place to live; five minutes from the Thames, two minutes from a huge park, 10 minutes from Richmond (and an even bigger park). I'm telling you, it's doggy heaven.

As we waited to be picked up from St Margaret's station, the Mistress decided we should stretch our legs. And how fortuitous it was because we found Absolute Pets.

It's a great, upmarket pet shop that sells lots of designer stuff. Now don't let that put you off - just because it's designer, doesn't mean it's for designer pets only. The shop owner welcomes the local cat, with its one eye and matted coat. That cat rules the shop and the resident Shi Tzu, Barney is happy to take second place.

This is a shop for people too; their selection of cards - pet-based, OBVIOUSLY, is superb.

So if you can get to St Margaret's, say Woof Woofington sent you (but I am not on commission). Their website is currently for information only www.absolutepetsltd.co.uk but it tells you all you need to know.

Even though the Mistress doesn't live there, she likes to support local businesses and I think her head's been turned. I think she rather fancies the neighbourhood and I think it's only a matter of time before we start getting details of garden flats in TW1.

Talking of flats, the Mistress's friend (and her other half) have struck gold! So all in all it St Margaret's gets the thumbs up!

Woof Woof