Letter to People Style Watch editor

Dear Ms. Susan Kaufman,



I have always been a fan of People Style Watch, as it provides a great escape at the end of the day and keeps me abreast on the latest fashion and makeup. I'm sorry to say, though, that the latest issue, September 2011, disappointed me in a way that I did not expect. The "What's In, What's Out" section included something rather disturbing that I do think deserves some serious thought for the future. In the "Out" section, Teacup dogs were declared as "out", and as Mandy Harris of Petsugar.com said, they "have had their moment." She continues to name specific breeds as to what is "in". I can understand considering foods, clothes, makeup, etc. as objects we weigh as "in" or "out", but to consider a living being as "out" is a sad and disheartening thought, humans included. This kind of mentality perpetuates animal cruelty, and even worse, the mass production of puppies in puppy mills, as entrepreneurs/breeders try to make as much money as possible, while neglecting care of living creatures, in order to satisfy the latest trend.



As a fan of your magazine, I understand that some things in the "In/Out" section are meant to be fun, but I feel the inclusion of animals sends such a horrible message. I am sure this was not your intention, but unfortunately, the subconscious message sent is that an animal is an object of trendiness, equivalent to a shoe or a handbag.