Valentine treats for your puppy (or kitty) love

If you're single, Valentine's Day is about as welcome as dating advice from your mother. Look around, though; maybe you do have someone to celebrate with. So what if your sweetheart answers to Mr. Wriggles and sniffs your pants? Your pet loves you. Ignore that voice in your head saying it's pathetic to lavish Valentine's Day attention on cats and dogs. Of course they don't know Cupid from stupid, but they can help you get through the most hideous of holidays. Here are a few ideas:

Gourmet goodies are the No. 1 way to any lover's heart. Liver lips may not be your idea of a good time, but Seattle's Simon and Huey's Doggoned Tasty Treats has a cookie version your dog will love. You can find these, plus carob-drizzled or pink peanut-butter hearts, at a variety of Seattle pet stores, including PJ's Paws and Claws in Magnolia. Its new gourmet bakery section opens Wednesday.

For something really special, check out Three Dog Bakery in Seattle for giant personalized heart cookies, vanilla heart cakes dipped in carob and many more yummies for especially sweet pooches.

Freeze dried beef, anyone? Cats might not admit it, but they'll appreciate the fresh-baked though somewhat nasty-sounding things in pretty packages offered by Pet Celebrations. If you can't buy her love with food, try toys. Fat Cat Inc.'s Love Eeeks! catnip toys will get your usually dignified feline acting frisky in no time.

How about a luxurious bubble bath? Not together! Eeew. Let a groomer make your dog look and smell better than your ex-fiancé ever did. Petsmart stores are offering specially priced grooming packages for Valentine's, including cherry-scented shampoo and moisturizer.

Now that your date is looking good, it's time to show him off in public. City Dog Magazine and the W Hotel in Seattle invite you to bring your canine date to the hotel for cocktails and chitchat with other owners. Well-behaved dogs and humans only. 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15.

If you haven't met the pet of your dreams yet, Homeward Pet Adoption Center, in Woodinville, invites you to find your "Purrfect Love" or "Pawfect Match" from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12. Stop by, have some refreshments and be smitten by one of the shelter's adult dogs or cats.

Darling sweaters and sleepwear for your pets? No, that actually is pathetic.

Heather McKinnon: hmckinnon@seattletimes.com