Chicago - July 11, 2006

Puppy Love

Pocket Puppies Boutique

It used to be that bigger was better.

But these days everything we’re obsessed with has gone petite. (Cue the iPod Nano, Minnies, skinny jean, cell phone montage.)

And now that trend has gone to the dogs. Pocket Puppies Boutique & Grooming, in Lincoln Park, sells toy- and teacup-size puppies that weigh in at around five pounds each — small enough to fit into your handbag, big enough to steal your heart.

And you can rest assured that each little poodle, Chihuahua, and Yorkie comes from a loving environment: The boutique works only with reputable breeders, it has heart-shaped sofas and fleece-lined cubicles with heating pads, and the staff includes an in-house vet.

There’s also aromatherapy grooming services, bite-size accessories, teeny toys, and gourmet biscuits to help you treat your new best friend like a rock star.

Let’s just hope his ego doesn’t get too big.

Pocket Puppies Boutique & Grooming, 2479 North Clark Street, at Fullerton Avenue (773-857-1519 or pocketpuppiesboutique.com).