A guy in our office once stepped into an argument with a group of females that he was destined to lose. He didn’t “get” why women were so obsessed with handbags and we all smiled politely and said, “so?”

Handbags, I explained are not something one “gets.” Handbags, simply are and if you don’t get them then sad for you. Utility plays a factor, but the passion is so much stronger than something to cart your stuff around in.

For this reason the Purses for Pooches benefit for the Human Society of Missouri is all the more intriguing.

Attends have the opportunity to shop an array of designer purses donated for the occasion, sample wines and food and network with those of like-minds.

I’d wager that there are few women who don’t crack a smile at the thought of perky puppies or pretty purses.

Participants can also enter a drawing to win a Miu Miu by Prada handbag signed and donated by actress Christina Ricci and bid on a trip to Los Angeles to see The Ellen DeGeneres Show live, including two tickets to the show, round-trip airfare for two to Los Angeles, car rental from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and a two-night hotel stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel at Universal Studios.

The event will take place Thursday, June 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis.

Registration: $25; raffle tickets are $50 and all are available at www.hsmo.org/purses or at the door.

Proceeds will benefit the Dr. Doolittle Fund, which provides veterinary care for abused and neglected animals cared for at Humane Society of Missouri shelters.

Attendees who bring a gently-used purse will be entered in the Second Chance drawing. These purses will be donated to Connections to Success, an organization that helps women gain confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.