Happy Valentines Day

As I write this month's editorial, I'm ecstatic that the fog has lifted. I returned from an afternoon at the Moonlight Ranch, in Aldergrove, with a new skip in my step. No, its not just me ridding my boots of some barnyard gems.

I took a moment during a photo shoot to cuddle with an adorable teacup poodle, named Coco Chanel. Any moments spent around animals are so rewarding and a great stress release. I'm certain I heard the birds chirping "good riddance" to the dullest days seen in 2009.

It's time to dispense with the gloom, both inside and out. Vancouverites are ready for a warming trend. I'm a hopeless romantic, so this month is a particular favorite. It warms my heart simply because, nestled within, is a "sweetheart" of a day. At MPG, we plan to make February 14th a Valentines Day to remember. We've chosen this day to sponsor the inaugural 2009 Valentine Pet Party, and each and every one of you is invited. All the details appear on the backside of this issue. Email us to get your personal invite at metropetgazette@gmail.com and bring your pets to mingle too! Partial proceeds will go to one of our favorite organizations, Pets’n Friends.

To me, Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. Originally, it is true, it was a day to honor Saint Valentine and to express love to our sweethearts. But these days, February 14th has also come to be a celebration time for families and this includes our animal companions. The modern celebrations of the day sees people treating their family members with gifts that include popular gifts like flowers, sweets and cards. Nothing is better than the unconditional love that our pets give us. So, this is another time to lavish those around us with special appreciation. But never forget, chocolates are off the list of goodies to share with our dogs!

These days, many eyes are focused south of the border. Therefore, I would be remiss not to mention that politically speaking, it is an exceptional time in history. We have witnessed an historical election and there is contagious warmth emanating from the United States. The inauguration of the US President Barack Obama, the first African American President saw over a million people line the streets and every other country stopping in its tracks to watch. How does this relate to MPG, you ask? Well, did you know that US President Obama and his family plan to adopt their first dog from an animal shelter? This alone is enough to win my vote and warm the hearts of many North Americans. Let's have some fun with this hot topic. Email us with your guess on the breed of the next presidential pooch and we'll reward the winner!

Closer to home, this month marks the one year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by our great city. In anticipation of the upcoming games we've interviewed the world's first Olympic Gold Medalist in snowboard racing, BC's own Ross Rebagliati. This man's historic ride to glory came to an abrupt halt when he was stripped of his gold medal. Today, a decade later, he opens his heart and speaks candidly about what happened and what matters to him the most. His sweetheart wife, Alexandra, pregnant with their son, and his three companions, Emma, Logan and Nadie are at his side. What plans are Ross & Alexandra carving out for their future? Check out our centerfold.

Valentine's Day calls us to appreciate the unconditional love of the animals that warm our hearts. They know not the state of our affairs. But our companions are intuitive to our moods. They sense our needs as we attend to theirs. From the most distinguished leaders to the stay at home dad, from the Olympian to the ski lift operator, we all enjoy the recognition we get from Fido as he greets us at the door. Our pets are crazy for attention and we lap it up. The truth is we love it and we love them. Let this Valentines Day be a reminder to continue to celebrate each of them every day in every way. Join us for our Pet Party on Feb 14th & have a Happy Valentines Day!