June 14th, 2005

A Sale a Puppy Can Love

ZAHN: Remember the old Tupperware parties? You might, if you're a fossil like I am. Tupperware has given away to Pupperware. House parties all about pets, instead of plastic, and party-goers often arrive on a leash. Jeanne Moos explains.

JEANNE MOOS, CORRESPONDENT: Does the idea of combining shopping with socializing leave you panting with excitement? Prepare for a Pupperware party, the four-legged version of that blast from a past.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's a Tupperware party and it's really fun.

MOOS You want fun? Invite a dozen or so friends and their dogs to somebody's house, where a pet consultant demonstrates a table full of products.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have something called Stud Spritz.

MOOS From dog cologne to pet breath mints...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I will if you will.

MOOS Actually, they weren't bad. Or maybe your dog's dried, cracked paws could use a little paw balm -- and what does the hostess who volunteers her house get out of this?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I get a percentage.

MOOS A percentage worth of free pet products. A pet consultant who goes from house to house gets a percentage of the sales.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I average probably about $200 for myself out of every party.

MOOS And what did Bailey get? The product called the Tugginator. The Tugginator was designed for tugging, not chewing, so once Bailey destroyed it, they gave him an indestructible rubber bone. Pets are encouraged to test products at Pupperware parties. They're run by an outfit called Shure Pets. At the Shure Pet party Reagan conked out while Freddy and Bailey took turns catching popcorn -- popcorn for dogs.