Valentine’s Day, the grand celebration of love, where florists work overtime, restaurants overflow with love-struck couples, and heart-shaped chocolates fill every shop window.

But let’s be honest: who truly deserves to be showered with love on this special day? The one who sticks by you through thick and thin, who never judges your bad hair days, and who always greets you with a wagging tail or a contented purr. Yes, we’re talking about your pets!

It’s time to embrace the fluffier side of Valentine’s Day, because if anyone deserves to be spoiled, it’s our four-legged friends.

The Original Animal Lover: St. Valentine?

Most people know St. Valentine as the patron saint of love, but whispers of legend suggest he was also a champion of animals. Some stories claim he blessed and healed them, while others say he gifted small birds to couples as symbols of love and devotion. Could he have been the original Cupid for pets?

History is murky, but one thing is clear: animals have always played a role in human love stories. So, if St. Valentine himself had a soft spot for furry friends, surely that’s an excellent excuse to treat our pets on 14th February!

Pets in the Language of Love

For centuries, animals have been intertwined with romance. Swans, the ultimate lovebirds, mate for life, while doves have graced Valentine’s cards since the Victorian era, symbolising devotion and harmony. Even our beloved dogs and cats hold special meanings: dogs embody loyalty and unconditional love, while cats bring mystery and affectionate companionship.

The Victorians, famous for their romantic gestures, were also pet lovers. Dogs often appeared in love letters and romantic portraits, symbolising fidelity. Meanwhile, the great poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning was so enamoured with her spaniel, Flush, that he became immortalised in literature. If she had Instagram, you can bet Flush would have his own account!

Love Stories That Wag Tails

Pets don’t just bring joy – they bring people together. Countless couples have met thanks to their dogs, whether at the park, on dog-friendly holidays, or even in the vet’s waiting room.

Take Claire and Steve, from Suffolk, for example. On a dreary afternoon, Claire’s terrier, Max, bolted towards Steve’s golden retriever, Daisy, at the park. Leashes tangled, apologies were exchanged, and the rest is history. Now happily married, Claire and Steve credit their love story to their matchmaking mutts.

“It’s funny to think that our dogs brought us together,” Claire laughs. “Without Max’s boldness, we might never have met. They’re definitely our little cupids.”

How Your Pet Shows You Love

Our pets might not buy us chocolates or roses, but they have their own unique ways of showing affection. According to expert Dr Brian Faulkner, here are some signs your pet truly loves you, as cited by PetPlan:

For Dog Owners

• Licking and wagging tails: While tail wagging doesn’t always mean happiness, a loose, swishing tail paired with affectionate licks is a sure sign of love.
• Sharing toys: If your pup brings you their favourite toy, it’s their way of showing they enjoy your company.
• Sleeping beside you: Dogs are pack animals, so snuggling up next to you means they see you as family.

For Cat Lovers

• Tail talk: A high, twitching tail means your cat is happy to see you.
• Head-butts: Cats mark their territory using the scent glands on their cheeks and head. By head-butting or rubbing their chin against you, your cat is affectionately marking you as theirs.
• Presenting their behind: As cats identify each other by scent, if your cat presents their tail to your face, it shows you’re one of their most trusted people.

For further insights, see PetPlan’s guide to dog love and PetPlan’s guide to cat love.

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Pet

Whether you’re single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, your pet is always ready to be your Valentine. Here’s how to make them feel special:

• Throw a Pet Party: Invite fellow pet lovers and their companions for a Valentine’s get-together. Think heart-shaped treats, themed toys, and a photo booth for adorable memories.
• Pamper Your Pet: A professional grooming session or a DIY spa day with a gentle massage will have them feeling like royalty.
• Go on a Special Adventure: Take your dog on a scenic walk or let your cat explore a new climbing frame. Shared experiences strengthen the bond you have with your pet.
• Bake Pet-Friendly Treats: Homemade heart-shaped biscuits? Yes, please! There are plenty of pet-friendly recipes online to try.
• Donate to a Shelter: Share the love with animals who need it most by donating food, blankets, or even considering adoption.

Unconditional Love, Furry and True

Let’s be honest: who else greets you with pure joy every time you walk through the door? Who listens without interrupting, loves you without question, and never forgets to show affection? Our pets offer the kind of unconditional love that poets dream of, making them the perfect Valentine’s Day dates.

So this February, let your pet be your Valentine. They may not bring you flowers or write you poetry (although wouldn’t that be a treat?), but their love is unwavering, and that’s worth celebrating.

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember – for you and your beloved furry companion. After all, love comes in all forms, but the best kind often has four legs and a wagging tail.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your pets! xx

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash