Love.
Between humans, it’s complex, at times messy and it doesn’t always last.
Between humans and their animal companions, however, love is simple and enduring. There seems to be an increasing cultural awareness of how intelligent animals are, both emotionally and intellectually, and how empty our lives would be without them. So, for this year’s Valentine’s issue, we tell stories of the pets who share our lives (plus we throw in a few of your favorite pet photos).
Justin Croteau visits a variety of pet rescues — including sanctuaries for animals like big cats that maybe shouldn’t have been kept as pets in the first place.
Cathy Salustri examines the stigma that surrounds pit bulls, a breed admired by some and feared by others.
Leslie Joy Ickowitz tells us an intriguing tale about orangutans (which, as Edgar Allan Poe once pointed out, don’t make terrific house pets).
I investigate what some places are doing (and what Hillsborough might do) to protect animals and humans from abuse, given that those who harm pets are also likely to hurt humans.
Looking for tunes to help you celebrate your puppy love? Leilani Polk has you covered with a list of songs that were inspired by pets.
For your doggie dining pleasure, Meaghan Habuda has compiled a guide to pup-friendly eateries, and Paige Butterfield provides a glimpse of a soon-to-open dog-themed bar in St. Pete.
What's more, you can check out the winners of our Heavy Petting readers' photo contest.
That’s what we’re here for: to keep you and your (fuzzy/scaly/feathery) loved ones up on all the latest.
—Kate Bradshaw
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2016.