Show Your Pet Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Show Your Pet Some Love This Valentine’s Day (Source: http://www.animalleague.org)

Americans are big gift givers on Valentine’s Day—and that extends to their furry family members, too. According to Time Magazine, people spend $367 million on their pets during this holiday. And while a new bone or toy mouse is always a welcome surprise, there are much better ways to show your pets how much they mean to you—not only on Valentine’s Day, but everyday.

Instead of opening your wallet and doling out the dough, spend some extra special time with your dog or cat engaging in some of these fun activities. There’s no better treat you could give them than you!

A Walk On The Beach

Before you head out on that romantic Valentine date, make a date with your dog for a walk to the beach or park. Bring a camera and draw a little heart with your names in the sand—or sandbox, if you don’t happen to live on the coast. Then have your dog run right through it and snap a picture. That way, your dog will literally leave footprints on your heart.

Time for Some Games

Cats love to play, but you don’t need to hit the pet store to give them some great toys. Move your fingers under a blanket (not the precious keepsake Grandma made) for a quick game of catch the mouse, or use a flashlight for a game of tag (just be careful not to point the light directly in your kitty’s eyes).

Adopt from a Shelter

Do you have a friend who’s been thinking of adding a dog or cat to their family? Encourage them to adopt, not shop, for a pet by sending them a link to a pet adoption website, such as http://www.petfinder.com or http://www.adoptapet.com/

Give A Loving Gift

Instead of giving a traditional Valentine’s Day gift to your human sweetheart, why not give a real gift from the heart and donate in their name to an animal organization such as http://peace4animals.com/, or the North Shore Animal League at http://www.animalleague.org