Dinner and a show? Chocolates and a stuffed animal? A romantic night on the town? It all pales in comparison to the unconditional love that bonds humans to their furry friends.
That’s why Best Friends Animal Society is offering folks an alternative to a traditional Valentine’s Day date this year. On February 14, a number of partner shelter locations will welcome animal lovers to have a one-of-a-kind “sleepover” with adoptable dogs and cats.
“Single” dogs and cats in six cities will be paired up with folks who will then get to take home their temporary friend “for just one night to see if there is a love connection,” according to a press release from the organization.
It’s a fancy way of fostering, giving a furry friend an opportunity to cozy up in a warm and loving environment for an evening, which could then lead to a lifetime of love.
“We’re excited to give more people the chance to experience the joy of fostering, even if it’s just for a day, and to help these wonderful pets find the love and care they deserve,” Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, told Good Good Good.
“This initiative is a fun and heartfelt way to introduce people to the idea of fostering and adoption while also giving pets the chance to experience a warm, loving environment, even if it’s just for one night. We hope it leads to lasting connections between pets and their potential adoptive families.”
Fostering can also provide helpful personality information on a pet to the animal shelter or rescue group, which can help make better adoption matches for adoptable dogs and cats.
But for those of us who can’t say no to puppy dog eyes or immediately succumb to the power of a purring cat, Valentine’s daters can “make it official” by continuing to foster an animal for a longer period of time, or even adopt them.
“By spending just one night with a dog or cat in need, individuals can get a true sense of what it might be like to welcome a pet into their lives permanently,” Castle added.
“This experience helps people see how their lifestyles and a pet’s needs might align, offering them an opportunity to form a deeper connection. It’s a no-pressure way to explore fostering, which is a critical part of the lifesaving process.”
If interested, all folks need to do is stop by the Best Friends Livesaving Center in the following areas on Feb. 14:
- Houston, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- Bentonville, Arkansas
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Kanab, Utah
Shelters will provide food and supplies to any Valentine’s date who needs them, so all participants need to do is offer up their loving arms — and a cozy home to rest in.
Castle said that there are dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and personalities waiting for their perfect match.
“We know that pets at Best Friends Animal Society are just waiting for the right person to discover them,” Castle said. “Sometimes all it takes is a little Cupid’s touch to turn a temporary sleepover into a lasting love story.”
Header image courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society
