When I arrive at the station in life I have long deserved but have, for reasons unfathomable to me, so far managed to elude, I'm going to buy myself a woven leather Oak Creek Lanyard.

An Oak Creek lanyard says you've arrived in the same way a Gucci handbag on your wife's arm announces you've married well. In addition to lanyards, Oak Creek Kennels also makes leather leads, and both lanyards and leads come in black, chocolate, tan or natural.

Contact: Oak Creek Kennel; (503) 364-5040; www.oakcreekkennel.com