Warwick’s Bookstore put on a Valentine’s Day event for kids called “Puppy Love” yesterday, Feb. 10. Wee ones were given a free paper valentine frame for dog pictures, a doggie photo show-and-tell opportunity, story-time featuring readings about dogs, treats and discounts on select dog books. Children shared photos of their favorite canines and talked about their pets. It took this writer back 35 years ago when my son was in first grade at Marcy School in University City. His teacher had the kids create a valentine and send it to one special person. Moms were far and away the favorite choice. I was looking forward to getting that valentine. However, it turned out our family dog, a noble German shepherd, was the recipient of that special valentine. In his 5-year old mind, my son decided that our dog wouldn’t get any valentines, while Mom would probably get a few. He didn’t want the dog to feel left out. Initially I was crushed, but eventually it was a wise choice on the part of my son. Our German shepherd gave us 17 years of unconditional love, loyalty and one attempt at biting our mailman. (No one is perfect.) This faithful dog slept outside on the covered patio or in his doghouse for most of those 17 years, from 1967 to 1984, without guilt on the part of his owners and with an undamaged psyche on the part of the dog. Our current canine, a busy Border collie, sleeps on a plush chocolate circle of a bed on the floor of our bedroom. In almost four decades, dogs have gone from benign neglect to pampered prince and princess. All of our dogs have been the perfect Valentine date: inexpensive, forgiving of our human foibles, and always happy to see us — unlike some family members. Poet Mary Oliver’s poem, “Little Dog’s Rhapsody in the Night,” goes like this: He puts his cheek against mine and makes small, expressive sounds. And when I’m awake, or awake enough He turns upside down, his four paws in the air and his eyes dark and fervent. Tell me you love me, he says. Tell me again. Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over He gets to ask it. I get to tell. Name a two-legged family member who could fill the dog booties (shoes) of this puppy dog, the subject of Oliver’s poem? Colette, the famous French writer, adored dogs: “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” It is true that dogs appear to love their owners unconditionally, and today’s owner reciprocates that love. Has a friend ever told you that she couldn’t have gone through her divorce without her dog? Do you find yourself talking to people about your dog’s cute ways the way you once described your child? Does your Christmas family photo feature the dog front and center? You are not alone. I imagine someone will eventually start an Addicted to Dogs self-help group for people who can’t relate to others unless they are wearing a collar, sporting dog tags and catching biscuits in mid air. Sign me up. On my only trip to France I attended Sunday Mass and noticed a small poodle in the pew in front of me. It was awkward when the peace sign came. Should I shake his paw or pet his head? If he had gone to communion, I would have left in a heartbeat, so maybe I’m not addicted to dogs. The French truly love their dogs, but evidence outdoors has shown they don’t pick up their dog droppings the way Americans do. We have dog parks and dog beaches and mobile dog washing vans. We have small bags to pick up dog droppings at San Diego parks. The marketing world of canine products increases around Valentine’s Day. Dogs get Hallmark valentines and send valentines. Owners can buy everything from bones to toothpaste, both chicken-flavored. Dog-friendly restaurants welcome dog owners, as do four-star hotels. Small pet shops have been replaced by corporate giants. Think Petco where the Padres play. Mark Twain said “if you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” When my husband hears these words: “Where are you sweetie? I missed you,” he is certain I’m talking to the dog. American Pet Product Manufacturers Association’s National Pet Owners Survey points out that $40 billion was spent on pets in 2007, double the amount from a decade ago. Well, that is a wake-up call if you equate buying gifts with giving love. Cultural anthropologist Jim Williams observes, “the humanization of pets is one more sign of the isolation of humans.” Dog lovers do trust their pets above all. Empty-nesters want dogs to keep them company when the kids take off for college or are living on their own. Younger couples delay having children and practice parenting with their dogs in tow. Single folks see a dog as the best kind of roommate. Dogs don’t ask to get a driver’s license at age 16, either. Dogs truly improve one’s health. Taking your dog for a walk is making you get out and exercise: lowering your blood pressure, helping your heart, encouraging you to socialize with others you might meet. Dog parks in San Diego are great places to make friends. So, send a Valentine to your dog this Sunday: Roses are red, violets are blue, my faithful pup, true love is you. Come to think of it, maybe it is not coincidental that dog is God spelled backwards.