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Your pet can help you meet your Valentine
Desperate and dateless for St Valentine's Day?
Why not rely on your petıs matchmaking skills After all, in modern society, Cupid has shed his wings and been transmogrified into a furry, four-legged pet - drawing a bow at unsuspecting pet owners and helping them meet new friends.
More than 58 per cent of pet owners say they have met and made friends through having pets* says Petcare Information and Advisory Service Consultant Denise Humphries.
"The presence of an animal can facilitate interaction between people. Pets can act as a reason to talk to others and, therefore start new friendships or relationships," Ms Humphries said.
And there's no shortage of places or opportunities to meet other like-minded pet owners. Pets can foster human friendships during pet-specific activities such as obedience training days, dog and cat shows, or in the vet's waiting room! Even everyday activities such as coffee at an outdoor cafe or a walk in the park with your pet can help introduce you to new, single friends.
There are a number of trendy streets in Australian cities that are popular with singles. Oxford Street in Sydney, Chapel Street in Melbourne, Park Road in Brisbane, Rundle and OıConnell Streets in Adelaide, Oxford Street and Bayview Terrace in Perth and Elizabeth and Salamanca Streets in Hobart are popular places to be seen with your pet.
Pet owner and fashion model, Helen Kent says she often meets people while walking her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Arthur, along her local shopping strip. "The area I live in is bustling with cafes and shops so it's not hard to run into people. Passers by will smile and point at Arthur and even stop me in the street to chat about him," Ms Kent said. "It's a great way to start up a conversation and meet other pet lovers with similar interests."
* National People and Pets Survey, 1995