I just realized that this reminds me of Dick and Beaver from Veronica Mars. But you do not want to name kittens that.

"My name is Cassidy!"

Yeah, I thought of them, too. And now I'm wondering if Coover's name was originally Cooter.

Vonnie, does your bag retain water marks or does it dry completely without staining? Shine doesn't necessarily differentiate a finished versus unfinished bag. If it retains a water mark, then it is most likely unfinished.

Regardless, I'd use Apple Leather Care products. [link]

Start with the Leather Care conditioner first to see if that removes the dirt. If it doesn't then try the Leather Cleaner, BUT TEST your bag FIRST! If it strips the color, then don't use it--it's harsh. If you do end up using the cleaner, make sure you follow up with the conditioner once the bag is completely dry or the leather could start cracking.

To prevent it from happening again, use a leather protectant spray like the Apple Garde Rain and Stain Repellant or Wilson's stain spray. I use the Garde on most of my bags and it does make a difference. It stinks, though, so make sure you spray it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

edit: I've had some luck finding the conditioner and the Garde at Burlington Coat Factory, but most of the time I order it online.

Just remember, you don't want to name a cat or dog anything that would get you funny looks when you run around the neighborhood calling its name.

As my friend discovered many years ago, walking around her apartment complex trying to find her cat. "Here, Crackhead!"

Secret message to -t EVIL!

Though Troy does think all dogs are boys and all cats are girls so maybe puppies are more fitting.

And now I'm wondering if Coover's name was originally Cooter.

I actually thought it was Cooter for awhile. But that takes me to a Dukes of Hazard place as well.

Also, all of the work I have left to do is gross and I don't want to do it.

That's a lovely bag!

Isn't it great? I got it from Banana Republic during one of their "40% off" promotions and it's probably the lowest cost-per-wear item I have in my entire possession, since I've carried it practically every day since and have taken it to everywhere. Including to London and Paris a couple of months ago. It's a workhorse bag and I don't want it to die! Plus, you can wear taupe with brown OR black, and I'm too lazy to switch out bags in the morning to coordinate with different outfits. Bah.

I guess I can just keep carrying it close to my body and not let anybody see the back of it.

Charles Barksley?

My next pet is supposed to be a Barkley. I've been told it's a bad name for a cat so maybe a fish.

Vonnie, you might also try saddle soap - but, as Maria suggested, try before doing the entire bag.

Regardless, I'd use Apple Leather Care products.

Thank you! That's very helpful. Although I admit, the first thought that crossed my mind was "wow, I didn't know Steve Jobs had branched out into cleaning products."

I tried one of those drug-store cleaning sponge things, and it caused a big patch of discoloration in the bottom of the bag, so check, on testing it first before using!