Valentine's Day Traditions Take a Furry Twist

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The typical Valentine's Day usually includes a romantic dinner, sentimental cards and sweet treats. However, this year many pet lovers are taking part in a new tradition that involves the four-legged loves of their lives. According to a national Purina PetLover survey* of 1,000 U.S. pet owners, more than 60 percent plan to include their pet in their Valentine's Day celebrations. In fact, 43 percent of men said they prefer to spend the holiday with just their pet, citing that their furry companion lowers their stress. And, of the women who said they prefer celebrating Valentine's Day with their four-legged friend, 30 percent said it's because the pet is more in tune with their feelings than anyone else.

"Valentine's Day is no longer a day to celebrate with just our human loved ones -- it's about our pets, too," said Kathy Santo, nationally-recognized dog trainer and author. "Whether it's including their pet in a family photo, insuring their health or showering them with Valentine's Day gifts; it's an indication that more people consider their pets a beloved part of the family."

Purina recognizes the bond owners have with their animals and now, just in time for Valentine's Day, they're providing a number of ways for pet owners to show their love to their loyal companions and also help out those less fortunate animals still waiting to find their true human companions.

Send an E-card and Give Back to Pets with Just a Few Clicks

To help pet enthusiasts celebrate Valentine's Day, Purina offers a unique e-card technology called DOGGIE-MAIL and KITTIE-MAIL. This inventive capability allows pet lovers to upload a photo of their pet and send customized Valentine's e-cards featuring their dog or cat speaking in their owner's voice. For those who don't have photos of their favorite furry friends, they also have the option to choose from six dogs or cats already provided, along with a variety of cute phrases, backgrounds and props. Simply visit http://www.petcentric.com, click on the DOGGIE-MAIL and KITTIE-MAIL links and create a personalized e-card filled with puppy love (or kitty love) to send to that special someone.

Not only will family and friends love the Valentine's Day sentiments from you and your pet, but the e-card also will help spread the love to dogs and cats in need. For every DOGGIE-MAIL and KITTIE-MAIL sent via the petcentric Web site between Feb. 1, 2008 and Valentine's Day, Purina will donate 50 cents to help homeless dogs and cats across the country.

Looking to Fall in Love this Valentine's Day?

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, so current pet owners or prospective pet owners, who may be interested in adopting a four-legged friend, should consider finding their perfect match this Valentine's Day in a local shelter or rescue organization. It's one thing to be loved, but it's quite another to experience the unconditional love that comes with adopting one of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats just waiting to find forever homes. Plus, take it from the 35 percent of pet owners who plan to include their pet in their Valentine's Day celebration because it lifts their spirits; pets are also a surefire way to help avoid the Valentine's Day blues.

So, Feb. 14 is a great time to celebrate pets and people alike, but the love doesn't have to stop when the day is over. During the month of February, pet lovers can help Purina meet the goal of finding homes for 100,000 deserving pets ensuring the love continues well beyond the holiday. The reward is having Valentines who are sure to leave lasting paw prints on their new owners' hearts. For details on how to find the perfect pet at a shelter in your area, visit http://www.purinapetlover.com.

The Quickest Way to a Pet's Heart is Through His Stomach

In honor of their four-legged Valentines, pet owners also will receive some very special savings this year. On Feb. 10, pet owners across the country will be able to utilize Purina(R) PetLover Savings coupons appearing in local newspapers for savings of up to $12 on dog and cat food and treats for their pets this Valentine's Day. This is great news for the 53 percent of pet owners planning to skip the roses and chocolate and give their pet a special meal and treat to show their affection. For details on the Purina(R) PetLover Savings coupon campaign or to find your four-legged love of a lifetime at a shelter in your area, visit http://www.purinapetlover.com. To send a DOGGIE-MAIL and KITTIE-MAIL, visit http://www.petcentric.com.

*The survey interviewed 1000 adults, ages 18 and over, living in the United States during a one-week period in early December 2006. Phone interviews were conducted via Ipsos U.S Express, a leader in market and opinion research. Most results have a margin of error of +/- 5% at the 95% confidence level for comparable data between the populations of pet owners

     CONTACT:
     Josh Rangel: 312.729.4168
     GolinHarris or
     Kaite Flamm: 314.982.2163
     Nestle Purina PetCare Company