CHRIS CURLE

Two for the price of one is the special this Valentine’s Day at the “Pet Lovers’ Passions” event at the Humane Society of Naples.

CHRIS CURLE

Two for the price of one is the special this Valentine’s Day at the “Pet Lovers’ Passions” event at the Humane Society of Naples.

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Let’s assume you and your honey plan to observe Valentine’s Day together, enjoying each other, marking the day with sweet somethings.

Want some company? Want another “twosome” to join you?

It’s not as silly a question as it sounds.

The “company” I’m talking about could brighten your Valentine’s Day, not just the one Thursday, Feb 14, but more happy hearts days for years to come.

It’s a very clever promotion by the Humane Society of Naples, to, as the information flier reads, “offer an adoption deal to feed pet lovers’ passion.” In short, if you go to the Humane Society headquarters Adoption Center near the Naples airport on Valentine’s Day, you can adopt two fabulous pets for the price of one.

You can choose from a special ”Loving Couples” List, including dozens of dogs and cats. The combinations of fun are many — two dogs, two cats, maybe a senior pet and a puppy or kitten or even a dog and a cat.

What? A dog and a cat? Some people assume that’s an oil-and-water situation, a Romney – McCain match up destined for disaster.

Not necessarily true, says Toni Smith, assistant shelter manager at the Humane Society.

“Dogs and cats often get along very well.” I’ve heard from pet-loving friends that some dog-cat combos end up being best friends and don’t like to be separated. But I’ve also heard that sometimes a cat will tease and badger the dog just for kicks.

The animals up for adoption on Valentine’s Day will have had medical exams, vaccinations, sterilization surgery, ID microchips implanted, licenses and 30 days of free pet health insurance.

Prices run from $35 to $250 per dog. Examples:

Purebred dogs are $250, small dogs under 20 pounds are $125, dogs up to four months old are $95 and so on. Basically the older the dog, the less the adoption cost. And on Valentine’s Day, don’t forget, you get two-for-one.

“The most popular breed among people who want to adopt a dog seems to be the Yorkshire Terrier.” Toni says. “They don’t shed, having hair not fur and at seven to 10 pounds they can fit in a purse.” Maltese and Chihuahuas also are in demand. Older, bigger dogs are harder to place. Toni says the shelter normally has a full complement of about 30 dogs. And even more cats.

“We get more cats because some owners don’t have them spayed and end up with a lot of unwanted kittens.” Most pets at the Naples Humane Society shelter are brought in by people no longer able to care for them.

Some are moving to nursing homes or other facilities that don’t allow pets.

The Naples shelter is a “No kill shelter,” in that the dogs and cats there are kept indefinitely if not placed with owners. They are not put down.

Animals that are picked up by authorities as strays are cared for by the Domestic Animal Services (DAS) of Collier County. It too has education programs and active adoption and rescue efforts. Still, many pets go unwanted.

In the 12-month period ending last September, Domestic Animal Services took in 7,464 animals, including many sick and injured dogs, cats and other critters. Of the total, more than half eventually had to be euthanized.

DAS welcomes pet-seekers to its “smooch-A-Pooch Kiss-A-Kitty Adoption Fair Saturday, February 16th, at 7610 Davis Blvd., (239) 252-PETS (7387).

DAS offers a valuable service, saving a lot of potential pet companions. But the Valentine’s Day two-for-one deal is only at the Humane Society of Naples at 370 Airport-Pulling Road.

This special adoption program is available form 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Thursday. Phone 643-1555 for details.

I hope the “four” of you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

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Chris email: chris@chriscurle.com.