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But isn’t every day around here Love Your Pet Day?

Of course it is 💖. But it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life—work, errands, endless to-do lists. But through it all, there’s one constant: our dogs. Their love is unwavering, their joy is infectious, and their presence makes even the hardest days a little brighter. They greet us with wagging tails and happy dances, snuggle up when we need comfort, and remind us, every single day, what unconditional love truly looks like.

National Love Your Pet Day (which happens to be February 20th this year) is the perfect reason to slow down and celebrate the incredible bond we share with them. Whether they’ve been by our side for years or are just beginning their journey with us, our dogs are family. And while we don’t need a special day to show them love, this is a beautiful opportunity to be intentional about making them feel extra special.

So, what would make your pet’s tail wag the hardest? A belly rub marathon? A new toy? An adventure somewhere new? However big or small, the time we spend with them is what truly matters. Here are some fun ways to make today all about them:

🐾 Bake (or buy) a special treat – If you love to cook, whip up a batch of homemade dog-friendly treats. Not the baking type? No shame in picking up something fancy from a doggie bakery!

🐾 Explore a new hiking spot – Okay, maybe not this week, when the world is a sheet of ice, but soon… A change of scenery can be exciting for both of you. Let them lead the way, take in the fresh air, and watch them revel in new smells and sights.

🐾 Take them on a pup cup road trip – Whether it’s a drive-thru treat or a doggie ice cream from a local shop, make it a little adventure just for them. Bonus points for rolling the windows down for those good sniffs!

🐾 Visit a dog-friendly brewery or café – Because nothing beats spending time with your pup and a good drink in hand.

🐾 Let them pick out a new toy – A trip to the pet store with free rein in the toy aisle? Yes, please! Watching them make a decision is half the fun.

🐾 Have a cozy movie night together – Snuggle up on the couch, grab the blankets, and let them pick the show (we all know they’d choose something with animals).

🐾 Donate to a shelter or rescue – Love multiplies when it’s shared. Honor your dog by helping others who are still waiting for a family of their own.

🐾 Give extra belly rubs, scratches, and cuddles – The simplest things are often the most meaningful.

🐾 Just be present – Put the phone down, take a break from emails, and soak in this time together. These moments are fleeting, and someday, they’ll be the memories we hold onto the tightest.

At the end of the day, our pets ask for so little but give us absolutely everything. Today is a reminder to appreciate the love, loyalty, and happiness they bring into our lives—not just today, but every single day.

So go ahead—spoil them a little extra. They deserve it. ❤️

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Want to help dogs in need of their own loving home? Apply to my charitable book project benefitting Great Dog Rescue New England. You’ll be supporting homeless dogs, have a chance to decorate your home with artwork of YOUR dog AND have your dog featured in a limited-edition hardcover book!