And don’t think that I’ve forgotten about our pets! For many of us, our pets are our sweethearts. They are our best friends, secret keepers, and snuggle buddies. They are forever there to console us on tough days and kick our confidence up even higher on good days. Perhaps what makes our pets most worthy of our love is that they are some of the few individuals in this world who will love us unconditionally and wholeheartedly, without expecting anything in return. So if you think that you are spending this Valentine’s Day alone, think again! It’s perfectly acceptable to make your pet your valentine. Whether you’re single and plan to snuggle up alone with your favorite dog, or you’re in a happy relationship and want to include your dog in this year’s romantic festivities, here are some fun ideas for pet-friendly ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day:

1 . Snuggle up and have a cuddle-fest or Netflix bingeathon.

2. Bundle up and plan a scenic walk in your local park.3. Grab something sweet with your sweethearts at a local ice cream stand. Many ice cream venues are still open in the winter off-season, and several offer doggie sundaes that consist of vanilla ice cream and a small dog cookie. Remember to stick to vanilla, as many other flavors have ingredients that could be toxic to pets.

4. Hop in your car and drive aimlessly while listening to your favorite music. See something scenic? Stop for an impromptu photo shoot!

5. Visit a photo booth and make some memories.

6. Spoil your furry valentine with something cozy! Visit our Etsy shop for plenty of cute, custom-made pet clothes that will keep your sweetheart warm all winter long. We also have a selection of romantic dog-themed greeting cards and gifts for the humans that you love!

No matter how you decide to spend your Valentine’s Day, know that we have a special place in our hearts for you, our customers and friends, and we’ll be sending some love out into the universe for you on Valentine’s Day & everyday!

The post Your Furry Valentine appeared first on All You Need Is Pug.

Gratitude for all of the wonderful things in our lives is something that we try to practice everyday, but it’s nice to have one day each year where we are able to get together with our loved ones and share this appreciation on Thanksgiving. This year, the All You Need is Pug team and I have a great deal to be thankful for. I am thankful that I was able to quit my day job in May to take a chance on my small business and see it thrive. I am thankful for every success, small or large, and every opportunity that has come my way. I am thankful to be engaged to a man who supports me and my creative drive, and for family and friends who are equally encouraging and inspiring. And let’s not forget you, dear customers and friends! Without you, All You Need is Pug would not exist. It is thanks to all of you who support shopping small that we are able to wake up each day to do what we love.  Even on the shop’s busiest days when I am scrambling to complete deadlines and get orders out for holidays and special occasions, I feel happy and fulfilled in my work, and you all play such a large role in giving me that gift.

While I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving (pass the vegan tofurky pie, please!), I am not so fond of Thanksgiving day shopping. As someone who used to work at a large retail chain, I can tell you that working on Thanksgiving and Black Friday is not only exhausting, but can sap the holiday spirit right out of you when you see how people are treated in these packed stores. For those who have to work on the holiday and the hectic day that follows, just know that you are appreciated, even if it won’t seem so in the hours spent stocking shelves and dealing with cranky customers. And if you are heading out to shop, be kind, both to workers and fellow shoppers. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all.

Even though Black Friday shopping in stores is not something that I enjoy, I certainly can’t resist snagging a good deal online, and I know that you feel the same way. This year, we are offering 15% off of purchases made on Thanksgiving and Black Friday as our “thank you” to all of our customers, both returning and new. Visit our Etsy shop and use the coupon code BLACKPUG15 for an automatic 15% off of your orders.

Before we send you off to start cooking, just remember that it’s okay to sneak a bit of turkey and some carrots or sweet potatoes to your dogs tomorrow, but keep them away from things like bones, gravy, onions, raisins, chocolate desserts and other potentially harmful goodies.

The All You Need is Pug team wishes you a lovely Thanksgiving!

The post Thanksgiving Tidings from All You Need is Pug appeared first on All You Need Is Pug.