Pets Now at the Heart of Valentine’s Day; APPMA Announces: More Owners Pampering with a Proliferation of Pet Presents

GREENWICH, CT -- January 27, 2005 -- Being in the dog house just doesn’t mean what it used to. In fact, this Valentine’s Day, for millions of pets it means receiving specialty cookies, heart-shaped beds, and pink rhinestone sunglasses. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), more than nine million pets will be receiving Valentine’s gifts from their owners. And, the selection of gifts for Fido and Fluffy is sweeter than ever.


“With more people considering pets a member of the family, manufacturers are responding with products that resemble those for humans,” said Jennifer Bilbao, public relations administrator for APPMA. “That means all the boxes of chocolates, cards and flowers that have traditionally lined store shelves this time of year are now sharing space with similar gifts for pets.”

To help pet owners get a paw up on their holiday shopping, APPMA has released a list of some of the top pet gifts on the market this Valentine’s Day:

-- Packaged like a box of chocolates, Canine Sweet Hearts and Canine Gourmet Cookies by Claudia’s Canine Cuisine look and taste so much like real cookies you could eat them yourself. www.claudiascaninecuisine.com

-- Give yourself a gift along with your pet with Matching Human/Pet Sunglasses by Doggles(R). These new sunglasses and K9 Optix(TM) are pink with a rhinestone heart in the bottom right hand corner of the lens and silver straps. www.doggles.com

-- For the woman pet in your life, jewelry is always a hit. Try Fetch-It Pets’ Valentine’s Day Heart charms. This hand-made pet charm is trimmed with sparkling red stones. www.fetchitpets.com

-- Don’t forget the card. Avanti Press offers cards that double as a holiday mask. The Valentine’s Day Mask Card reads as a regular greeting card, but the mask pops out and turns into a clever disguise for a secret admirer! www.avantipress.com

-- Show him you care with a toy he can’t destroy, the Achy-Breaky Heart by Bamboo. This large, heart-shaped Combat squeaker toy is made with a heavy-duty construction designed to withstand rigorous play. The internal squeakers are also protected from destruction. www.bamboo.com

-- If your pet is a lover, not a destroyer, try Fleece Bone and Fleece Buddy w/Squeaker by Planet Dog. These dog toys keep canine companions entertained with every satisfying squeak and squeeze and come in red -- perfect for Valentine’s Day. www.planetdog.com

-- Give your pet a cozy place to snuggle up this Valentine’s Day with the heart-shaped dog beds by Fox and Hounds. These soft and washable heart-shaped dog beds are available in leopard, faux sable and denim styles. www.foxandhounds.com

-- Nothing means more than the gift of good health. Show Fido you love him by keeping him healthy with Love Drops by BYS. Love Drops are premium, heart-shaped, all-natural daily supplements enriched with brewers yeast, omega 3 fatty acids, garlic, rose hips, antioxidants and zinc for healthy skin and coats. www.BYSLoveDrops.com

-- Turn any toy into a Valentine’s gift with Lickety Sticks by Dogmatic Products. These whimsical stickers can be applied to most any surface and are safe if ingested. They use organic dyes, and paper-infused with the highest-quality American-sourced catnip oil to enhance your cat’s experience. www.dogmaticproducts.com

-- Remember this Valentine’s Day forever with Paws of Endearment by Remember Me Products. This keepsake plaque with a place for your pet’s photo and a bronze-like casting of his paw print captures his essence the way other keepsakes can’t. With its three-dimensional paw-casting process, you can see all the distinguishing characteristics of your pet’s paw, the lines and tiny little bumps on the pad, even the swirl of the fur that some pets’ have on their paw. www.pawsofendearment.com

-- To show love at mealtime, get Crazy Pet Love Bowls by Cardinal Laboratories. These red, heart-shaped bowls are 3-inch deep bowls and can easily accommodate most dogs and cats. They are made of durable plastic that can be wiped clean easily and are top rack dishwasher safe. www.crazypet.com

-- For a scrumptious gift, try the new “Hearts” mini 4 ounce treats package by Doggie DeLites. These parmesan flavored treats are ideal for that special day. www.doggiedelites.com

-- Another great treat gift for your pet is Treats for your Sweet by Pet Central. These Waggers originals(R) natural dog treats offers “Treats for your Sweet” Valentine trio pack. Each gift pack includes one 8 ounce canister of Hearty Stew, PB Roundies, & Savory Casserole bakery fresh, natural dog treats. The gift pack comes with a ready-to-personalize heart-shaped gift tag and lots of love. www.waggers.com

Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation’s leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA’s membership consists of more than 750 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation’s leading pet product companies.

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Tierra Griffiths

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