Lil’ Angel

Special Treats for Your Doggy Valentine
© Joy Butler Feb 2, 2007
Dogs may be the only friends we have who are never too busy to offer a listening ear and a sympathetic paw. If you want to remember yours this Valentine’s Day, try these
Dogs love us unconditionally. Our adorable, sometimes-frustrating, can’t-live-without-them pooches make our lives complete so it’s quite fitting that we honor them on Valentine’s Day with gifts and treats of their own.

Of course a new bowl or bed will please your pet but your dog will certainly feel special after a good grooming, especially when you dress her in a deep red bandana.

However, milkbone treats or chewies may be more up her alley. A wide variety of dog treats are available in specialty stores as well as discount marts and grocery stores. Remember that it’s important to buy the correct size for your dog and to monitor them in case of choking. Chewable treats are less likely to cause choking than hard treats.

If your dog is an active pooch, she will appreciate a new ball, squeaky toy, or pull toy. Again, watch out for small pieces that can cause choking. These are meant to be used interactively so Precious gets extra attention from you. Always get the machine washable kind. Bright colors are best so when the toy ends up in the water, in the snow, or in the shadows, it’s easy to find.

Jewelry is always a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Perhaps the most adorable jewelry for your dog would be a collar charm. To match your pet’s personality, they come with dozens of different sayings, from Diva, Spoiled Rotten, and Rub My Tummy to Talk to the Tail, Sargeant Sniffer, and my favorite, Rescued. Or you can customize your own at the super stores.

Some dogs love car rides or a trip to the store for a special human treat. She may not understand that it’s Valentine’s Day but she will certainly understand and appreciate the extra attention. Although a juicy wiener or even an ice cream cone won’t hurt her on rare occasions, remember that chocolate is deadly for dogs. DO NOT give your dog chocolate Valentine’s candy, or any other kind of chocolate.

And last, but perhaps the most indulgent, a luxurious home massage to soft music, at the end of the day, for your best friend, will show her, more than anything else, just how much you love her. Dogs suffer stress and sore muscles just at humans do and a light, gentle massage can melt those aches away.

Dogs may be the only friends we have who are never too busy to offer a listening ear and a sympathetic paw. Let’s remember them this Valentine’s Day.