A New York City pet store that's surrounded by bars has just recently banned drunken puppy-buying.

Workers at Le Petite Puppy in Greenwich Village say customers tend to stumble in after happy hour and purchase a dog without thinking. Drunken customers now are forbidden to even hold the puppies, because they can drop them.

In a radio interview, store owner Dana Rich told WINS-AM that she instructs people who have clearly been drinking to come back the next day.

Employees say they stress how much work it is to own a dog. They say they would rather lose a sale than send a puppy into an unsafe home.

Source: WINS-AM, http:// www.1010wins.com

It has gotten to the point where the largely clueless public has to be given a daily social responsibility reminder about the most basic things! Pretty soon there will have to be billboards stressing the importance of being sober when making important decisions.

Lots of times, especially when it comes to puppies, our emotions tend to overwhelm us and we think, "Oh, how cute! I would love to have that!" But, like people, animals have certain temperaments and personalities. And just because you think a St. Bernard pup is the sweetest thing you've ever seen doesn't mean that it will be right for you when it grows up.

The same can be said for even the smallest lap dog; just because it's got big, welcoming eyes and a delicate appearance, doesn't exactly mean that it will be the perfect "fit" for your lifestyle, family, or designer purse.

I'm hoping that if this particular pet shop is taking the responsibility to not sell to soused customers, other responsible pet shops will also take the time to explain the behavioral patterns of specific breeds so buyers completely understand what they're taking home.

Not all animals are good for family environments or small kids. Others are perfect. Some require daily exercise in large backyards or parks and others may be just as content in a lap or on a cushion near a blazing fireplace.

All pets require some form of attention, affection and discipline, especially dogs. If you're rarely home and have very little "quality time" to give, you probably are not a good puppyowner candidate. Cute, fluffy, neglected puppies can turn into aggressive monsters very easily. You may be better off with a turtle or fish!

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