Is that purse fur real?

Is that purse fur real? New Yorker’s unusual doggy bag turns heads on the streets of Manhattan

It is not uncommon to see a small dog peeking from a handbag in pet-friendly New York City.

But one young woman turned heads on the streets of Manhattan this week when she stepped out with her Brussels Griffon hanging from a harness, the straps slung messenger-style across her body.

Her four-legged friend certainly didn’t seem to mind his legs hanging free from the camo-print fabric, but it was certainly startling to see a living creature hanging from the end of her strap in lieu of a bag.

It didn’t take long for fellow dog-owning Manhattanites to cast their verdict on the unusual pet carrier – and they weren’t impressed.

‘It doesn’t look comfortable,’ one told MailOnline. ‘The poor thing’s legs will probably fall asleep! I’d want to carry my dog in front of me so I could pet her, or see any discomfort. 

‘It looks fashiony but I’d never use it,’ she added.

‘That’s so cruel!’ another remarked. ‘Although mine does love it when I carry him around.’

One remarked that it could be uncomfortable for the owner too.

‘My back would break from carrying my pug on rope,’ she said. ‘I can’t tell if it’d be more cruel for him or me.’

Another New Yorker, who had not used the harness, was theoretically in favor however, commenting that the city heat in summer can be stifling, so a pouch such as this might be more comfortable for the animal than a typical dog carrier.

And, he added, perhaps it is largely for Subway use: the MTA – and many stores – demand that pets be contained within an appropriate carrier. Presumably this fits the bill.