Puppy Dog Eyes

 We blame Paris Hilton.

First, the pseudo celebrity started sporting oversized sunglasses, and now every woman we know looks like a space alien.

Sadly, the trend has spread to the canine community. That’s right, sunglasses for dogs — also known as Doggles — is the latest craze.

The shades, which are UV resistant and windproof, can be seen on some of Hollywood’s most famous pooches, including Hilton’s own Tinkerbell.

The person who started it all is Roni Di Lullo. During a visit to the park, she noticed her dog squinting in the bright sun. Di Lullo, wearing shades, felt it was unfair that her furry friend didn’t have the same protection.

Apparently, plenty of other people feel the same way. Today, Doggles has surpassed $1 million in annual revenue and is growing fast.

All told, Americans spend about $40 billion a year on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Doggles cost about $22 bucks a piece and come with adjustable chin and head straps so Fido can’t gnaw them off.

“When our dog’s riding around in my wife’s Mustang convertible, the wind in his ears, he is the epitome of cool,” one happy customer told the Calgary Herald. (Wish we could say the same about him.)
 
Di Lullo insists her product is not just a vanity item. She says search-and-rescue dogs — including those that combed the World Trade Center after September 11 — wear them to block out smoke, debris, and toxins.

Maybe we should order a pair. Who knows, they might get us a date with Paris.