Furry Tails: And They Called It Puppy Love...
Carrie Underwood once sang, "The more boys I meet, the more I love my dog."
Well, a new survey says 20 percent of dog parents across the United States say they would rather spend the most romantic day of the year with their pet than a partner of the human variety.
The survey, conducted by Milk Bone just in time for Valentine's Day, is called the "Doggy Love Index," and ranks the states according to how much they love their dogs.
They call it the "definitive guide to all-American puppy love."
So, what about Pennsylvania? Well, we come in just outside the top 10 – at No. 11.
Big Heart Pet Brands created the list by surveying 3,000 dog parents about the relationship between them and their pooch.
Check out the Top 25 states here:
1. California
2. New York
3. Washington
4. Tennessee
5. Florida
6. Massachusetts
7. Texas
8. Missouri
9. Ohio
10. Arizona
11. Pennsylvania
12. Michigan
13. New Hampshire
14. Kentucky
15. Montana
16. Colorado
17. Louisiana
18. North Dakota
19. Illinois
20. Delaware
21. Kansas
22. Wisconsin
23. Alabama
24. Virginia
25. Arkansas
But the "Doggy Love Index" isn't just a ranking of states. There's also a ton of other data. And it all points to one thing – how much people love their pups!
Well, we don't call 'em "man's best friend" for nothing. Am I right??
According to the "Doggy Love Index," 86 percent of those surveyed said they tell their dog "I love you" at least once a month. Heck, I tell my Golden Retriever that at least once a day!
Seventy-three percent say at least once a month, they buy their dog a gift; and 68 percent allow their dog to sleep in their bed at least once a month.
Speaking of gifts, 60 percent of those surveyed say they'll show their dog love this Valentine's Day by giving them a special treat!
The research even looks at how dogs make our lives better, how they make us better people and how they can even bring us together.
Want to see the full "Doggy Love Index"? Click here!
The "Doggy Love Index" is a really fun look at what we pet owners already know – our furry friends make our lives fuller, better. They open our hearts to a special kind of love.
Significant others come and go – many of them don't stick around for very long and some of them do.
But as far as I'm concerned, the one certainty I have is that my dog is always there for me – to make me laugh, to stay by my side when I'm sad or sick, to give me a furry hug just because, to look up at me with those puppy dog eyes – and she'll be in my heart forever.
And that's enough for me to consider her the best kind of Valentine. Every Valentine's Day. And every day of the year.
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Stay tuned animal lovers for more Furry Tails! You can follow me on Twitter at @HeatherLang24
