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I see some interesting press releases as the writer of this blog.  There is pretty much an unbelievable amount of needless products marketed for pets. And this from the woman who bought a stroller for her cat. 

These photos came from one of those releases.

"Have you ever thought that pets are better at expressing love than some of your exes?" the writer of this promotional material asked. Well, as a matter of fact, I do find most pets to be more loving than ex-boyfriends. That's kind of why they are exes, no? What's the point?

The point, I believe, is that you should contemplate pampering your pet this Valentine's Day with these "chic" pieces of pet furniture. And that will somehow make up for the crappy relationships in your life.

Uh huh. I am so ready to redecorate my living room to incorporate a tiny couch with hot pink feathers. Doesn't this just scream "cat house," and not in a good way?

And this would make you appreciate a holiday that markets romantic love through greeting cards and makes people who do not have a significant other feel like they are missing out on something, how, exactly?

To each his own, I suppose. If you really want to spoil your pet this Valentine's Day, click here and pick out a bed that says "I love you" for your critter. 

And send us a photo. I promise to hold all the snarky comments. Really.

And if I do make fun of you, feel free to laugh at me if you see me pushing Thai around in his stroller. Really.

I am working on a resource guide for pet parents here in the Valley.

This would be a permanent fixture on the right side of the blog here replacing that rather outdated calendar of events that somehow migrated over when we changed software and I am trying to kill it but it just won't die because the Internet is ruthless like that and it just keeps reminding me of all the things I want to do and can't get the technology to work because I am challenged when it comes to the Web...

Breathe.

So I need your help. And not just in mastering the intricacies of Wordpress blog software because I actually have people for that but I think they are afraid of me because I am that crazy lady who thinks her cat talks to her and writes about hairballs and types way too many run-on sentences when she's stressed and she's always stressed when she's screwing up the Internet...

What would you like to see in such a resource guide? I was thinking a list, with hyperlinks, of kennels, groomers, pet supply stores, trainers, rescue groups, etc.

Is there anything else you would find helpful? Post a comment and let me know.

In an open letter to Malia and Sasha, President Barack Obama's young daughters, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush, the daughters and granddaughters of former presidents, offered this piece of advice among other tips for surviving life as First Family members:

Cherish your pets "because sometimes you will need the quiet comfort that only animlas can provide."

Ever wonder what your cat would tell you if he or she could speak human?

Kind of a scary thought, huh?

Well, since I have full two-way conversations with my cat Thai, I think I am already tuned in to his kitty demands. But an outside opinion may be helpful, and this weekend I could get a glimpse into Thai's heart and mind if I tote his photo to the Star City Cat Fancier's "Cats in Coat" show.

Pet communicators Suzanne and Chuck Fisher will be offering free 2-minute consultations to cat assistants who bring them a picture of their boss.  The event is this weekend at the Holiday Inn on Ordway Drive near the Roanoke airport.

Suzanne Fisher chats up a cat named Taz

The pair of pet communicators, who are based in Aylett, Va.,  have been featured at pet expos and cat shows all over the country. Suzanne Fisher has taught basic pet communications at some of these venues, but there will only be consultations at this weekend's event.

The Fishers said in a news release that by chatting up felines, they can help the kitties' personal assistants get to the  root of unhealthy and undesirable behaviors. Who wouldn't want to find a solution to problems like your kitty's lack of appetite, or your kitty relieving himself outside the box or leaving his signature scratches on people and furniture.

No need to bring your kitty to the show to meet the Fishers personally; they said they can get information from just a photo of your cat. I have a lot of photos of Thai, so I may bring a few for them to choose from.

Even if you are not really into the whole pet communication thing, it's free and takes two minutes of your time. I may be a little skeptical myself despite my wild imaginary conversations with Thai (yes, folks, I know he doesn't really talk to me) but it could be fun and enlightening.

You will find the Fishers at their Nature's Country Store vendor booth at the cat show. They will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

PetSmart has recalled seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products as a precaution against possible salmonella contamination.

Though there have been no reported cases of illness, the company has withdrawn the dog biscuits, which contain peanut paste made by the Peanut Corp of America (PCA), from store shelves and its online shop.

According to PetSmart's Web site, you should discontinue feeding these biscuits to your dog and return them to the store for a refund. Call PetSmart's Customer Service line at 1-888-839-9638 with any questions.

These UPCs numbers are recalled:

Titan is waiting to be adopted at the RVSPCA.

If you were thinking about adding a pet to your family, you might consider taking advantage of a one-day-only event a the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

The first 10 pets adopted at the RVSPCA on Saturday will have the adoption fee waived.

The non-profit, no-kill shelter found out today they can participate in the Hill's Science Diet "Change the Life of a Pet Day" this Saturday, Jan. 24.  That means the pet food company will reimburse the RVSPCA the adoption fees for the first 10 pets on this day only, so adoptive families can take a critter home for free.

The program is being sponsored nationwide by the pet food maker teamed with actress and adopted-pet advocate Kyra Sedgwick.

Normal adoption fees will apply for the rest of the adoptions on Saturday, and all the typical adoption procedures will be followed, including the application and screening process, for the 10 pets that Hill's Science Diet will cover. No pets can be placed on hold, so it's first come, first home.

All pets adopted from the RVSPCA are up-to-date on shots, spayed or nuetered, and microchipped, and all are sent home with a starter kit that includes food and tips on making the pet happy in his or her new home.

Even if you aren't able to take advantage of this generous offer from Hill's Science Diet, the adoption fees are very reasonable, especially considering the pets have already been fixed, chipped and vaccinated.

Click here to visit the RVSPCA Web site, which includes photos of adoptable pets and a quiz you can take to help match you with the ideal animal.

Adopting a pet should not be a rash decision, and really shouldn't be influenced solely by a bargain deal. But if you were already considering opening your heart and home to a new pooch or kitty, this is a great way to get off to a good start.

As we stand today on the eve of history, it is important to reflect on the deeper meanings of life.

Positive thoughts can make a big difference in mental, spiritual and physical health, studies have shown. Finding inner peace will improve your overall outlook and help you handle the problems that life hands out daily.

This theory is apparently true for dogs as well as humans.

"Arffrimations: Meditations for Your Dog," by authors Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman with photos by Susan Burnstine, is a tiny book of great wisdom. We have been reading an arffirmation each day to our dogs to help them attain personal enlightenment.

Actually, we read to them each day while the dogs are in the room. They are usually napping during the reading, as that is pretty much the only way they all stay still in the room at the same time. But that proves to me that they may already be at the pinnacle of self-actualization. 

And so far none of our dogs have tried to eat the book, so it must be precious and mystical to them.

The book is divided into specific meditations, including: Arffirmations for Attracting and Accepting Food ("I want to eat everything and everything wants me to eat it"); Arffirmations for Protection and Safety ("I bark at people walking past my house in celebration and warning"); Arffirmations of Self-Love and Self-Acceptance ("I disobey you because I fully love and respect myself").

I really think this little book is most helpful to humans. It will help you understand the journey your dog is tugging and pulling you on at the end of the spiritual leash. Listen and you will understand what a magnificent creature your dog is and how he or she fits into the cycle of life and the universe. 

And it's really good for a daily chuckle, which is feeds your own inner joy.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner (which you will find is your karmic obligation to share with your dog.)

Click here to read today's Happy Wag column, which is all about the hairballs that kitties hack up all over the house.

I have been told not to take it personally when my cat coughs up a loogie in inappropriate places. That's easier said than done, especially when I recall that I have stepped in them. Barefoot. 

There are very few things in life that gross. Seriously.

But all the hairballs in the world are worth it to have a kitty in the house. At least, that's what I remind myself when I scrape one off the window sill. Or out of the carpet. Or the hardwood floors.

If you have experiece with hairballs you would like to share, please post a comment. Misery loves company.

If you go to Valley View Grande 16 theater this month to catch a movie, you may want to bring a donation of pet food with you.

The theater will continue to accept donations for the PET program (Pets Eat Too) for the rest of the month. PET provides food for cats and dogs through the Meals on Wheels program and Manna Ministries.

The kitties take the stage this weekend at the annual Star City Cat Fanciers "Cats in Coat" show at the Holiday Inn near the Roanoke Airport.

Felines from across the region will compete for honors including best in breed and of course, best in show. Shorthairs, longhairs, no hairs, you name it, you can see it. Whatever kind of kitty suits your fancy, the Fanciers have it.

If you like cats and have never been to a cat show before, you really should go. You will not see Fluffy strut her stuff around a ring like the doggies do at their shows. The more dignified felines interact with the judges one at a time, but there are always several rings going on simultaneously, so there is never a lull in the action.

The kitties are kept in carriers in conference rooms while they wait their turns to impress the judges, which allows fans the opportunity to look at the cats and their tricked-out mobile homes and chat with the servants who tote them around.

The servants, sometimes called the owners, are passionate about their felines and are usually happy to answer questions about their kitties, but they do have to listen for their call to be judged, so if they don't want to converse, it's nothing personal.

If your kitties are like mine, they do not really appreciate a lot of excess handling. Believe me, the show kitties have no problem with being patted down like suspect in custody. They are the most agreeable cats you will ever meet. Hardly any cat-titude at all.

This year the Roanoke Valley SCPA will also be at the show with adoptable kitties. So you can go to the show and go home with a purring  souvenir.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The hotel is located at 3315 Ordway Drive in Roanoke.