Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Life can be challenging. – the world around us is chaotic and tumultuous. Friends are fickle – our spouses or significant others (if we even have them!) can prove insincere, unappreciative and downright unromantic. So, what’s a person to do on Valentine’s Day – a day legendary for its glorification of love and romance?

Actually, Valentine’s Day can be one of the loneliest holidays of the year. We, who are not in a romantic relationship, can feel lonely, isolated, insecure and empty inside. We look with dread upon all the glamorous TV commercials and magazine ads exhibiting a perfect, beautiful dewy eyed couple in blissful union.

However, for those of us who are single and have been single for a long time; or for those of us experiencing loneliness due to a break-up, separation, divorce or widowhood, Valentine’s Day can be both painful and isolating. We may experience the emptiness of never feeling truly loved and of never, perhaps, experiencing love or romance again. However, Valentine’s Day need not be a day of fear, dread and gloom.

There is an option, you may not have considered. Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet? After all, he is loyal, deserving, trustworthy, devoted, honest, and genuine and, above all, unconditionally loving. More likely than not, he is also good-looking. He’s also lovable and doting. All he desires is to love you, please you and to make you happy. Who could ask for anything- or anyone- more?

When Purina surveyed 1,000 American pet owners, they found that 61 percent of them intended to show additional love and affection toward their animal companions on Valentine’s Day. In addition, 43 percent of the male respondents claimed that they preferred to celebrate the holiday with their pet alone. Surprised?

Do not be. Our animal companions are truly our very best friends of all. They have no or pretense; they are genuinely who and what they appear to be. They are nonjudgmental – they really don’t care how we look or what we’re wearing. They see beyond the superficial. Nor are they shallow or mercenary. They are delighted to spend a quiet evening at home with you – they enjoy good food, beautiful music and great movies. They cuddle comfortingly and joyfully beside you and cherish you as few others in the world do.

Do not take this suggestion lightly. You CAN enjoy Valentine’s Day with one you truly love – without worries or regrets. And when the holiday is over, your animal companion will remain faithfully and lovingly by your side… truly a love for all seasons and holidays.