A Valentine’s Day date with your pet?
Yes, I’m that much of an animal lover.
While any day your cat perches on your shoulder or your dog curls up on your lap is a reason to celebrate, it’s fun to spend the official holidays with our furry friends as well.
In fact, animal inclusion makes our pets feel as if they’re part of the family.
And really, spending Valentine’s Day with your pet sounds like more fun than waiting for hours to be seated at a restaurant.
Plus, avoiding chocolate (which is toxic to animals) is good for the waistline.
[WARNING: even though this blog is meant to be light-hearted, know that there are many toxins your pet may consume. To discover how to ensure your pet eats only nutrient-rich and safe food, click here.]
No matter if you’re headed out with a special someone or not, don’t forget your most faithful companion at home. I’ve got a few ideas on how to make Valentine’s Day fun for you and your furry pal.
Bake Safe, Healthy Valentine’s Day Cookies for Your Pet
Heart shapes are optional, but if you want to prepare a special treat for your four-legged pal, look no further than this simple, healthy recipe for pets.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups flour (whole wheat or non-bleached is best)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup local or organic peanut butter
- 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- Water as needed
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is dry, add a small amount of water.
Step 3: Roll out the dough on some parchment paper, and cut it into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
Step 4: Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, and bake for about 15-18 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and serve! To store, place the cookies in an airtight container.
Cooking not your thing? I’ve got a few more ideas on how to spend quality time with your favorite dog or cat on the upcoming day of love.
Go for a walk in nature.
Yes it’s a bit nippy out in most places in the U.S., but few things create a closer kinship than walking with your dog. So put on a coat!
The exercise you both receive helps calm anxiety, and you can marvel at the natural beauty that’s right outside your house.
Share the love with service.
Dogs especially have a natural proclivity for service.
While not every pup is a seeing eye dog, our canine friends feel the need to provide us with care. Whether or not humans realize it, dogs can pick up on what we’re feeling.
They may not understand our pain or sadness, but they do want us to be happy.
It’s a dog’s natural state to avoid pain and experience joy, and you can help your pets spread their good nature to others.
There’s no better place than a nursing home for your dog (or very calm cat) to become an impromptu service animal.
Are you having a V-Day date with your pet?
Tell me what you two are up to in the comments below.
