MANILA, Philippines?Whoever said Valentine?s Day is just for couples obviously has a lot more to understand about this very significant day.

While we all see boys and girls spending romantic moments together on television and on print, or even hear friends fawn over roses, chocolates, and candle-lit dinners, there is no rule anywhere stating that Valentine?s is strictly exclusive to people.

In the same vein, nobody really said that a relationship is solely defined by romance. In fact, some of the most stable, sincere and unconditional friendships happen not between humans, but between man and his furry best friend.

Because we?re all so caught with the February love buzz, we often forget that our dear pets, too, deserve a little bit of loving on this special occasion. Our pets have been with us all the way, through thick and thin, and without judgment or question. It?s about time we give something back.

How would you make Valentine?s Day memorable for you and favorite furry friend? These guys here have some tips.

Bonding! I owe it to both them. A walk to the airport, then a dog food buffet, with a promise that I?ll take him for a walk every day. Pets deserve to have a Valentine?s Day treat. Why? Because they shower us with unconditional love. My pets, for example: Nudelz and My Alien are always ready to listen. When I?m feeling down, they?re always there to cheer me up. And they don?t nag.?Jay Doral, lawyer, on Pitbull Nudelz, 3 years old, and Pitbull-German Shepherd My Alien, 2 years old

Every day is memorable with Yachang. Especially when he?s hungry, he wouldn?t stop following me around so I?d prepare him food. When he?s asleep, I find him so cute! And what?s funny is that when he sleeps on my bed he never does without a pillow on his head! He also doesn?t mind if I lie down beside him and sleep as well. He?s like a husband to me. Hahaha! How will I make Valentine?s with him special? Well, first, I would cuddle him nonstop (As if I don?t already do that, every day!), then I would give him a nice warm shower and groom him. Finally, I would prepare his favorite food. He loves Ocean Tuna and Mackerel.?Donna Cabrera, office clerk and cat-lover extraordinaire, on her cat Yachang, 2 years and 10 months old

Dian Suh is more than a pet. He?s family. He never sits at the back of the car, always in front?that?s how important he is. Whenever I?m happy, I know he?s there to share the joy with me. And if I don?t feel too well, I?m also confident that I can talk my heart out with him, without fear of being judged. In fact, there are a lot of things I can discuss comfortably with Dian Suh that I can?t with other people. He?s my all-time favorite companion, that?s why he deserves all and the best of my time this Valentine?s Day. Labradors are water lovers, so I think a trip to the beach would be a great way to spend the day. The moment doesn?t need to be dramatic. Because I?m always out of the house, the best gift I can give him is my time and undivided attention. He deserves it.?Luwill Al-ag, lawyer, on his Labrador Dian Suh, 5 years old

I got Hugo shortly before New Year of 2007. He was already turning 2 years old then, but we hit off immediately. I bring him around everywhere I go and we?ve even travelled to other cities together?the longest was 8 hours on a public bus! Hugo is very insightful. He knows when I?m feeling hyper and playful or just want to relax, lay back, and cuddle. And the ladies love him! He?s now a Philippine Champion and I trained, campaigned and handled him from scratch. He makes me proud because he became a champion in just eight months, which is a difficult feat, as dogs in the province normally take two years to attain this title. Additional chicken liver will be the highlight of his Valentine?s Day, since he?s not allowed chocolates, sweet treats and other fancy food. Then we?ll probably go for a short walk around the neighborhood. My female pug Bertha has just come into heat, so Hugo will probably be thrilled to have a date!?Dave Morales, pug breeder and enthusiast, on Hugo, 3 years old.

E-mail the author at ness_doctor@yahoo.com