Marcy marches in to the office where Cynthia is busily typing away on the computer.
Marcy (ominously): I have a pet.
Cynthia (absently): That’s nice. Is it a moth or a bug or something?
Cynthia turns around real quick.
Cynthia (alarmed): It’s not a mouse or a bird is it?
Marcy: No. It’s a pet peeve.
Cynthia: You’re a pet peeve.
Cynthia laughs uproariously at her own joke. Marcy is not amused and swishes her tail back and forth.
Cynthia: Sorry. What’s your pet peeve?
Marcy: Retailers selling real fur that they’ve labelled faux fur.
Cynthia (sighing): It happened again?
Marcy: Yes. This time it’s Kohl’s. For the second time this year! This week they were selling raccoon dog fur on a parka.
 |
| Kohl’s parka with raccoon dog fur labelled as “faux fur” |
Marcy: And earlier this year it was rabbit fur on a purse. And before that it was Urban Outfitters, Century 21 Department Stores, and even Neiman Marcus.
What gives, Cindy? What. Gives?!
Cynthia: I don’t know. Carelessness?
Marcy: Heartlessness is more like it. And greed. And … and … and… INHUMANITY. Why would they try to trick people who want fake fur into buying real fur?
Cynthia: I don’t know, Marcy. But it’s in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act to label real fur as faux fur. From what I understand, raccoon dog fur is used quite frequently as a substitute for faux fur, It’s unconscionable. Not to mention underhanded. And plain mean.
Marcy (seething): I’m so mad.
Cynthia: So do something about it! Click here for a link from the Humane Society of the United States asking Kohl’s to adopt a fur-free policy.
Marcy: I’ll do it. And then I’m going to find those lying executives and cruel fur farm owners and [bleepity bleep] them and {bleep bleep bleep}.
Cynthia: My sentiments exactly.
*If you’re worried that your faux fur may in fact be real, click here for quick handy dandy tips to figure it out.
21 Comments
I just learned about raccoon dogs last year. I had no idea they existed. And now I learn this? That is awful! It makes me so sad. I would never buy anything with real fur and it is disgusting that the companies are tricking the consumers. Thanks for bringing this to light, Cynthia.
Jenni
I am so sorry to make you sad! This was one of those posts that I wasn't sure if I should do but I figured as long as I didn't get graphic that maybe my readers would want to know about. I wonder if it is not so much the retailers trying to trick the consumer or if they are are not checking out their vendors closely enough. Either way it really needs to stop.
xo,cynthia
You know what…I had just learned about the raccoon dogs too…GnomeLover and I must watch the same nature shows, but it is sad that the first year I hear about them is the first year that I find out they are hunted for their fur…crazy…
I luv how graphic Marcy looks :). That's crazy about the fake (real) fur…I had never heard if companies doing that ! 🙁
I used the Hello Camera app to make her look all graphic. I am addicted to that app and can make anything look good with it! Whhheeeee
It makes me crazy when I read stories about retailers selling real fur and labeling it as fake. Thank goodness they are now in violation of FTC rules. Maybe it will stop soon!
xo,cynthia
Yeah…that's wrong, if a person wants to not buy real fur…why would you trick them into buying it? That's like tricking a muslim into eating pork…it's not right!
I was just telling Liz below that I think it is more carelessness on the retailers part and not holding their vendors accountable.
If they really want to use real fur they should hook up with a dog groomer and use the shaved fur from beasts like Marcy's cousin Shwa. People actually knit sweaters and scarves from their Sheepdog's fur. 🙂
I avoid all fur no matter what, I'm not a fan of it either way and often remind Shwa that fur is murder. He still continues to wear his fur coat in spite of me.
Now that is an excellent idea!
You will be jealous of Shwa's fur coat when it gets cold this winter. I am sure he will stick his tongue out at you and go nah nah nah nah nah. Although I think he already does that. lol
xo,cynthia
The world has turned upside down. It used to be they'd try to pass fake fur off as real.
I had to google racoon dog. They are very cute.
Marcy, I'm glad you are becoming an animal rights activist. Are you no longer eating birds?
birds aren't animals. they're dinner. or entertainment. or entertainment and then dinner.
meow,marcy
Macy, that is an excellent photo. You look beautiful. What possessed you to pose?
fyi this was the one and only pic cindy got of me and she tried all day. she distracted me with a feather thing. not fair. i did not sign off on the photo release so now i will sue her.
meow,marcy
Omg! What?!? How does this happen? I never even considered it a possibility. Thanks so much for sharing; it's quite alarming, really. Unconscionable, as you said. Thank you for making the humane society letter and tips for distinguishing furs so accessible to us. I've sent along my message and reviewed the tips. How horrific. I'll definitely be doing the tests when I shop faux-fur in stores.
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
Oh Liz – isn't it terrible?! Thank you so much for sending the letter. This really has to stop. So many people are telling me that they never heard of this happening so I am super glad I did this post. I guess it is just not getting enough coverage in the news. I think the retailers are not being careful and scrutinizing the vendors. Most of this happens with items made in China where regulations aren't as strict. Or in place at all. Ugh.
xo,cynthia
That is so strange that these stores would not follow proper rules. Faux means faux, so someone is dropping the ball somewhere.
I'm not into fur because it seems mean to wear a cute, fluffy animal. But I do eat chicken and we buy grass fed cow at the store. The cats have to eat their meat too. I will not eat ducks because I had them as pets growing up and they are sweet and cute.
So I can't tell people not to wear fur while I'm wearing leather shoes, but the public should not be fooled into buying this so called fake fur.
Hopefully the public relations people will get right on it.
Thanks for sharing,
Stacey
Oh I agree – cats cannot have a vegetarian diet. They have to have meat. No question. I hope these stores get it together too!!
xo,cynthia
Oh no. I came over here to mention that the Lavendel dress is on sale and you looked so wonderful in it that I hope you got it…
And this is so sad. So, so sad. I had to google raccoon dogs. How terrible.
Oh no! I didn't want to make you sad, Liana! I am so sorry! 🙁
xo,cynthia
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