Best of...Now your dog can look pretty in pink.

Byline: The Register-Guard

BEST PLACE TO PUT (CLOTHES) ON THE DOG Target Store: 4575 W. 11th Ave.

"Rrrrrrrr-arf! Arf! Arf-arf-arf!"

That's the word from Stella, our model for today's Best Of ... photo shoot. She begged to be quoted in this story. Since she speaks dog, we asked a bi-species member of Team Best Of ... to translate her remarks.

"Puh-leez!" she said. "This is just wrong! Dogs hate wearing clothes!"

Maybe so, Stella. But Best Of ... is not written for pets. It's written for people. Even those who epitomize capitalism-run-amok by collectively spending millions of dollars on silly little duds for their dogs.

Thanks to these folks, it's getting hard to tell the pet care aisle from the Barbie aisle at some stores - none more so locally than today's Best Of ... choice, the West Eugene Target store.

We can probably thank Reese Witherspoon's Chihua- hua-toting "Legally Blonde" character (not to mention real-life counterpart Paris Hilton) for the proliferation of pink garments displayed here. The dog-as-fashion-accessory mind-set clearly prevailed when a company called "Boots & Barkley" concocted the pink, sequinned, tutu-trimmed ballerina dress ($12.39) modeled by the reluctant Stella. Ditto for her pink, ostrich-feather collar ($7.99.)

But more butch Bowsers needn't feel left out. In Target's boy-dog section, we found a denim vest ($10.39), a bowtie-trimmed tuxedo ($10.39) - even a "Biker Dog" leather and metal-studded jacket ($53.99).

Sports fans can now outfit their pooches in Yankee pinstripes or mesh jerseys ($7.99) in a variety of team colors.

Mind you, there's also useful dog apparel out there. Who in Oregon could argue with the practicality of the hooded, yellow rain slicker ($17.99) or the Fido Fleece ($5.99) we found at PetSmart?

For sheer entertainment value, however, the Target store's Aisle E-30 is the place to peruse.

The aforementioned tutu displayed here was a tempting choice for our Most Frivolous Outfit Award.

But that dubious honor goes instead to the Woolrich doggie fly-fishing vest ($10.39). It comes complete with cargo pockets, embroidered flies and slip-knot chin strap for the matching khaki hat. Although we must admit that this outfit could be considered educational. After all, using it may require teaching your old dog a new trick:

"Rover - sit!"

"Rover - catch!"

"Rover - release!"

To sink your canines into some of the best diversions our region offers, visit www.registerguard.com/bestof.