Before Tommy, Patch and formerly Daisy’s human dad came along when I was 38, I spent the best part of a decade as a singleton while my friends got married and had kids.
Years spent enduring nauseating Facebook posts of flowers and soppy gifts.
I’m still not a huge fan, but if my pressie is something that my dog can share, I’m in!
So I rounded up my totally non-slushy round up of Valentine’s Day gift ideas for dog owners – and there’s not a flower, teddy bear or chocolate in sight!
A mini-break
There are so many gorgeous dog friendly holiday cottages all over the UK and inviting the dog along to a Bridget Jones inspired mini-break is sure to get you in the good books.
While we’re in lockdown at the moment, you can book a trip for when things return to normal, and these are some of the places we’d recommend.
Dog friendly Almouth (thanks Pet’s Pyjamas)
Letheringham Water Mill in Suffolk – you can visit the amazing Sutton Hoo where new Netflix film The Dig is set.
A photoshoot
Forget boring photos of babies and kids, our pooches never fail to look adorable in front of the camera and while your Smartphone may be bursting with pics, it’s lovely to have a professional shoot.
Photographers I would recommend are Kerry Jordan, who is founder of National Dog Photography Day, and Liz Gregg, who has a fabulous Snap Catch offer on at the moment.
Learn more about Kerry at: www.furandfables.com/
Learn more about Liz at: www.photosbylizzie.co.uk/
So if you want to wow your loved one, try a Luxury Dog Hamper – dubbed ‘pure indulgence for your dog’ – made up of natural treats and goodies.
This one contains a cuddly toy, herbal tea bags, dog friendly wine and a selection of healthy treats and training munchies.
The hampers can be sent all year round – we bought one for our friend when she got a new pup – and they are the Fortnum and Mason of the dog gift world.
Indulgence Valentine’s Day Hamper £78 from www.luxurydoghampers.co.uk

Dog Mum or Dog Dad t shirt
Tommy and I both have one of these from The Cosy Canine Company.
They’re perfect for the proud dog mum or dad in your world who wants the world to know about their pup.
Each t shirt is made of cotton with Dog Mum, Dad or Mom embroidered on.
Puppy Love bandana
How adorable do Barney and Sandy from Scruffy Little Terrier look in their puppy love bandanas?
They’re for Valentine’s Day but they can be worn all year round.
They come in extra small, small to medium (Patch wears this size) and medium to large and there are loads of fab styles for birthday, Christmas and other events.
£4.50 – £9.50 depending on size – www.scruffylittleterrier.com

3rd October 2019
If people that write articles cared more about writing great material like you, more readers would read their content. It’s refreshing to find such original content in an otherwise copy-cat world. Thank you so much.
25th November 2019
oh my gosh you are too kind, thank you!