By Susan Spisak
Our dogs give us so much joy and friendship year-round, so why not remember them on Valentine’s Day? Let’s face it, they’re waiting for us after long workdays, they hang on to our every word, they don’t care what we wear, and they understand our feelings. Whether it’s a small gesture or over the top, do what feels right to let them know they’re loved, and it’ll strengthen your bond.
One of the simplest ways is to give them the gift of time. Get out and play fetch in the yard. Hop in the car for a leisurely ride. Stop at a pet store and pick out an interactive toy. Watch an upbeat dog-themed movie together and cuddle away on the couch.
Think outside the box and give your chum a new outing or adventure. Wander through dog-friendly spots such as cafés, retail chains, and bookstores. Many taprooms and breweries welcome pets—take your bud and meet a friend at one. Bundle up and hike a new trail or beach so they have a change of scenery.
Go on a slow “sniff walk.” A fifteen-to-twenty-minute sniff walk is equivalent to an approximate one-hour walk. This type of walk provides plenty of mental stimulation, alleviates pent up energy, and can decrease destructive behaviors such as chewing and digging. Sniffing is enjoyable and lets them “understand” the neighborhood—other dogs, cats, squirrels, deer, and people. They use their hundreds of millions of nose olfactory receptors to scent away. In comparison, humans only have about six million. (This is why dogs are trained to detect bombs, drugs, cancer, bed bugs, etc.)
No need to make a reservation at a swanky restaurant! While dogs love food, they’re low maintenance. Add unsalted green beans and a few pieces of chopped chicken to their meal on the 14th or cube a small baked sweet potato, chunk cooked carrots, and add some tasty bites. And there are many dessert options.
Pick up pup cups at your favorite ice cream place or make your own. For “Pupsicles,” mix Greek yogurt with chopped strawberries or blackberries, and freeze in heart shaped silicone molds or mix two bananas, ½ cup natural unsalted peanut butter (free of xylitol) one cup plain Greek yogurt, and freeze in small cube molds. Even easier: cut up three overripe bananas, and whir in a food processor ‘til creamy soft serve. Freeze leftovers.
Don’t forget to bake together. Have your pooch lay on the kitchen rug while you make healthy cookies. There are plenty of recipes online, or instead of making from scratch, support your area pet stores and buy cookie mixes. Human food, treats, and their desserts need to be in moderation. Extra pounds affect health and hips. Tip: Be sure to keep your gifted chocolate candy and flowers out of reach. (The chocolate is toxic, and many flowers are poisonous.)
Teach tricks to improve your bond, reinforce basic commands, and have quality time together. Pick up or download a library book and have fun working on them together. Teaching shake, roll over, spin, play dead, beg, or take a bow is a great way to build their smarts, confidence, and physicality. If your buddy really has fun doing these, there are area trainers who can expand on these new talents.
A mini spa day is a wonderful idea, especially if you do it yourself. Give the coat a good brushing and brush his teeth. (We use Virbac vanilla mint—fingers are utilized.) Don’t forget to clean the ears with a soft cloth. Then, massage the ears and back gently. If you’re not so inclined to self-spa, ring up your favorite groomer so your pup can get fluffed and buffed.
Who doesn’t like to catch their pets’ moods and poses? Add a holiday themed scarf to their neck and snap away. For some shots, jump in and take selfies. Or if you prefer, find an area photographer who can capture your beloved companion. It’s wonderful to have these memories.
February 14 falls on a Saturday this year. If you’re in the mood for a quick vacation, check out our sister publication at petMAINE.com, and other sites for pet-friendly accommodations at hotels, motels, cottages, and cabins. Pack up your dog, add your spouse, partner, or friend, and away you go for a relaxing, refreshing weekend.
If you’ve researched it, are prepared for the long-time commitment, and want to adopt a dog, February is a good time. Shelters are bursting with pets hoping for a home, so you’ll be able to find the perfect match for your personality. Dog owners will tell you that they’re wonderful companions, provide unconditional love, and are therapeutic. Snuggling with dogs releases oxytocin (the love hormone), which promotes feelings of happiness, calm, and can alleviate the blues.
If adopting isn’t right for you, consider volunteering at a shelter around Valentine’s Day and beyond. Look into a pet-walking program to get dogs out for exercise. Perhaps there’s a need for volunteers to staff tables at events, or there may be online administrative work that you can help with. Just visit your nearby shelter and ask.
See if there’s a need for fosters. Fostering isn’t a long-term commitment, vetting is taken care of, and some even provide the pet’s food. You’ll be helping with the shelter, and more importantly, you’ll be facilitating that foster’s adoption because shelters can be stressful for animals, especially older dogs. Once they get into a foster home and decompress, their true, relaxed personality emerges and may attract adopters who might have overlooked them.