Fashion move or real love ?

I was reading an article published by the UK website DailyMail in which Robin Page takes some shots at Paris Hilton and Madonna.

If you are not aware, Paris Hilton, Madonna and several other celebrities own ferrets as pets. Many people are wondering if the ferret ownership is based upon a love for the animal or simply a chance to promote themselves with a living fashion accessory.

Robin is quite convinced that these A-list celebs are placing their needs for attention ahead of any genuine love for the animals themselves. Sarcastically, she even wishes that the ferrets would speak out by biting their famous owners. Through tongue-in-cheek humor, Robin goes on to explain how these fierce, blood thirsty creatures with murderous instincts do not belong in the hands of an untrained professional. Quite comical.

So what gives ? Do these celebs have the interests of the ferrets in mind or the interests in their publicity ? For whatever reasons, ferret ownership by females in the US and the UK is on the rise.

I don’t think there is any doubt about Paris’ love of animals. I recall seeing articles about Paris and her love for her ferret back in 2005 – nearly five years ago from the attention it is receiving now. As well as owning cats, dogs and ferrets, it was reported that Paris at one time even owned a monkey. I don’t know what to think about Madonna.

The first problem that I see with this is that neither of the women probably gets to spend the amount of time with the animals that they deserve. The second and bigger problem might be that they are influencing ownership decisions of people that are not ready for a long term commitment. I really hope that is not the case. After all, celebrities should get to own pets just like everyone else. I know that George Clooney really loved his pet pig named Max.

Let me know what you think. You can leave a reply here or on Facebook.

Are Madonna and Paris interested in the ferrets or the publicity ?

If you have a ferret, was your ownership decision influenced by a celebrity ?

update: May 4th

The Telegraph in the UK is finally recognizing this trend.