ST. VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS!
Give Your Special Baby a Valentine's Gift Right From Your Heart!

Don't waste your money on chocolates and flowers this Valentine's Day!

Instead, devote your attention to the one creature in your life who gives you unconditional love every day of the year -- your pet. You won't be alone.

In a survey conducted by The Iams Company, pet owners across the country revealed that they had special Valentine's plans for their pets:

-- 41 percent of pet owners plan to give their pets a special food treat

-- 19 percent will shower an extra amount of love and attention on their four-legged friends

-- 16 percent plan to surprise their pets with a special Valentine's toy

"This Valentine's Day, you won't be the only one to whisper those three little words to a furry friend," said Lara Strazdin, manager of Communications, The Iams Company. "In fact, our survey showed that 91 percent of pet owners have said
'I love you' to their pet."

Why not spend Valentine's Day with your favorite companion, your pet? After all, there's no reason why pets can't be included in Valentine's Day activities - from a walk to the park for a picnic, a stroll along the beach, or dinner at an outdoor cafe.

Some pet owners already include their pets in their February 14 celebrations in other ways. They write Valentine poems dedicated to their furry and feathered friends, make cards featuring them and buy special Valentine Day treats. The real
enthusiasts create web sites and send Valentine messages to fellow pet lovers.

Ms. Denise Humphries, Consultant Petcare Information and Advisory Service, says that pets offer their owners reliability, loyalty and affection.

"Today's lifestyles are changing and many people are choosing to be single or live alone. It is not surprising that people are turning to pets for some of the characteristics they look for in a partner" Ms. Humphries said.

While pets can provide the love and affection you are looking for, they may also help you find your two-legged Valentine. More than 58 per cent of pet owners say they have met and made friends through having pets. "Pets can act as a reason to talk to others and, therefore start new friendships or relationships" Ms. Humphries said.