It didn’t start with Paris Hilton, or even Zsa Zsa Gabor, but it is a fad that is growing and will probably continue to grow. Owning a mini-dog that you can carry around with you is the in thing to do with more and more people. Yorkies, Maltese, and chihuahuas are among the most popular breeds with the miniature set. Even Puff Diddley owns a Maltese. Usually the dog is carried around in a shoulder bag and is taken wherever the owner goes.

The only problem with this arrangement is that the dog spends a lot of time in a bag. Granted, the bag is made partly of a mesh fabric that allows the dog to see and breath, but it is still in a bag. It seems as if there ought to be a better way. Now, thanks to two girls from New Jersey, there is.

We are always eager to promote the Garden State and the people who live there, so we have to tell you about the Puppy Purse, a new and innovative carrying system for small dogs. More a sling than a bag, the puppy purse wraps around the dog’s torso, securely supporting it while letting the head, tail and legs be free. The dog can ride comfortably while the owner walks about, and when the owner stops, the dog can be placed on the ground to walk around and even relieve itself, with one end of the carry strap unhooking to become a leash.

If you own one of these ankle biters and would like to know more about the Puppy Purse, you can go to the website – www.puppypurse.com – to find the information. Sizing instructions are easy to follow and you can order online.