COLUMNS
February 13, 2010 With Valentine's Day coming up tomorrow, maybe you've got a special gift for your pet.
If so, you're not alone.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend more than $350 million dollars buying gifts for their pets – doggie candies, catnip treats, fancy collars, leashes and harnesses, and much more, all with a Valentine theme suitable for the holiday.
The Wall Street Journal had an interesting online poll this week, asking if a pet has ever affected your relationship with another person.
A few years ago, a friend was commenting about relationships. He told me everyone wants to be a priority in someone's life.
My friend happened to be single at the time, and engaged to a woman who didn't care much for cats.
That was a problem for him because he was very fond of his two cats, and struggled with what he could do with them after he got married.
He certainly wanted to be sure the cats would stay together and be as well cared for as they were in his house.
The situation resolved itself when his fiancé ended the engagement.
My friend kept his cats, and met someone who liked pets probably even more than he did. They've been happily married with a menagerie underfoot for several years now.
It's true that pets have an effect on our relationships with the people around us.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. It sure worked out well for my friend.
Pet lovers know that when you take an animal into your household it's up to you to care for it and give it affection and attention. In return you get companionship, devotion, and even love.
I'm one of those folks that think you can love your pets and people too.
A relationship with a pet may not be the most important one in your life, but it sure can add a lot of life to your days.
And it can still be one to enjoy and even celebrate.
If you think you would enjoy the companionship of a furry friend, visit your local animal shelter.
You'll find lots of wonderful dogs and cats who are waiting and hoping for a great relationship with that special someone.
They say you can't buy love, but you sure can adopt it, when you're speaking of pets.
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