FASHIONS IN PETS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 192, 18 September 1914, Page 4

FASHIONS IN PETS.

The craze for strange animals grows stronger every day among rich, idle women in Europe. Snakes, pigs> and monkeys are domesticated as pets. A young countess has a pet squirrel, which she keeps mostly in the pocket of her sports coat. She has to have it with her, as it bites most other people. She puts it to sleep by the easy process of crossing its paws one on each of its eyes, when it rolls into a ball, and does not wake till she wishes. She takes it even to church, at the earnest request of the household. A well-known heiress owned two pet lambs, which were always carefully washed, and dressed with pink ribbons. The lady went away from home for a long time, and when she returned she found two sheep washed and dressed with ribbons. The lady and the sheep parted. Another lady owned a group of green frogs, which she believed recognised her, and which she knew by., name. They all, however, succeeded in escaping. 'Pet snakes are considered to give a dashing appearance, and to confer an air of mystery on their wearer. They have a way of escaping, however, from custody, which has led to their being dpbarred from country-house- parties. Then there is the piglet. The wife of an Irish landowner possessed till recently a pet piglet. She was away for a while, and when she returned she was welcomed by a large.pig. The ungrateful lady parted from it without a tear.