Valentine's Day and Our Pets

By: Jo Singer

Since Valentine's Day is all about love, it goes without saying that sharing our homes with pets is an expression of the love we feel for animals. And as the holiday approaches I started wondering if anyone beside me thinks of giving their pets a Valentine Day gift.

Since pets are generally not voracious readers, of course a card is probably not really appropriate. Chocolate is toxic for both cats and dogs so that is out of the question. Roses do have thorns which might injure Fluffy or Fido, so for folks like me, who may scratch their heads wondering what to give our pets, I am happy to announce that our search is over.

The Human Society of the United States has a wonderful win-win solution. Listed on their website are several unique items for sale. Priced quite reasonably, these adorable gifts are bound to please the most pampered pooch or finicky feline, as well as their human caretakers. A portion of your purchase will help support the herculean work they do to protect all animals.

With everything from pajamas for dogs, and pet-friendly mouth watering boxes of candy, the prices range from $10 to $40. Visit their shopping mall at http://www.hsus.org/shop/ to check out what is available.

Of course there are other excellent ideas to include your furry friends in your Valentine Day celebration. Take your dog for a special walk, or even plan a picnic together. Spend some extra special playtime with your kitties enhanced with fresh catnip as a treat.

Take out those cameras and capture those photographs you have been meaning to snap. And for you movie buffs with digital video cameras, why not make a short feature film with an enchanting love song as background music. Just think, these pictures will make excellent holiday cards.

After all, there isn't a reason under the sun to keep our pets out of our Valentine Day festivities.

Are you planning to give your pet a Valentine Day gift? Please leave a comment with your ideas.