'High Maintenance Bitch' Store Angers Residents

A newly opened store catering to very pampered dogs, especially female dogs, is getting more than questioning looks for its name, High Maintenance Bitch.

The word 'bitch' in the sign is widely visible at North 45th Street and Wallingford Avenue North, one of the main intersections in the Wallingford neighborhood.

An executive director of the neighborhood office, Janet Stillman, says: "I am probably the most progressive liberal person in the world and I am personally offended by the sign. It's so blatant and so in your face".

Kara Ceriello of the local chamber of commerce said she supports the store but has heard complaints from about a dozen people: "It is going to be a hot issue again when we get to our Wallingford Kiddie Parade and Street Fair".

Stillman said the sign could wreck family photographs of the parade: "Walk by there with your 5-year-old and try to explain why that sign is there. Half of the sign is made up of the word 'bitch'".

Co-founder of the store, Lori Pacchiano, says one of her goals is to reclaim the word in its original meaning, a female dog, as opposed to a derogatory term for a woman.

The store offers products such as Gel-ous Bitch bath gel and Street Walker paw cleanser.

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