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Pet Valentines
In honor of Valentine's Day, pet expert Peggy Frezon lists 5 ways your pets show love!
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Some pets are demonstrative with affection, while some are more reserved. Just like people. Yet we all like to know how much we mean to others. Here are some ways our pets show us love.
1. Hugs and Kisses
My dog Kelly plasters big sloppy licks on our lips. In the canine world, licking is a submissive social signal. But we often equate this with kissing.
I think our pets feel how much this action brings us happiness, and continue to “kiss” us to show us love. Nose bumps, rubbing against our feet, and even head butts are other ways cats, dogs, horses and other pets show their love.
2. Vocal Communication
A contented cat purring in your lap is surely showing you love. Guinea pigs also purr when they are content. When your horse sees you, tosses its head and lets out a soft nicker, he’s saying, “I love you.” Since I always wanted to “talk to the animals” like Dr. Doolittle, I find these forms of communication especially sweet.
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3. Offerings
Cat owners tell me their cats bring them gifts. My cats never did this, but apparently a decapitated mouse in your slipper is a sign of love.
4. Nighttime Sentry
Kelly paces around at night, checking in the bedrooms to make sure everything is as it should be. Then she’ll plant herself in the middle of the hall to keep watch. She loves us so much she senses it’s her duty to make sure we’re all safe and snug.
5. Unconditional Love
Our pets may follow us from room to room, sleep by our feet, wait for us by door, and trust us to do the right thing. They love us unconditionally. We know we don’t always live up to this adoration. But they love us anyway.
For all the ways our pets love us, we love them back just as much. Just as with human children, the best way to show our love is by giving them all the cuddling, playing, and doting attention they crave and deserve.
Peggy Frezon, freelance writer and pet lover, has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, turtles and fish. Visit here twice monthly to read helpful tips on caring for your pets, and check out her blog, Peggy’s Pet Place, and follow her on Twitter @peggyfrezon.
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