The following post comes from Diane Herbst, a freelance writer who is passionate about animals, and has written many articles involving dogs and cats for People magazine. Diane’s two dogs, Rudi and Smokey, love their Spots Stew — which her three cats savor, too.

Chocolate and flowers are cherished gifts on Valentine’s day. But they can also poison your pets.

The ASPCA’s poison control experts warn that the lillies in your Valentine’s bouquet are toxic to cats. And in the week prior to Valentine’s day last year, there was a 74 percent increase in cases of pets ingesting chocolate, another pet poison.

Dana Fabman, an ASPCA pet poison prevention expert, said in a recent article : “We do see an increase in calls regarding traditional holiday gifts, particularly in the few days leading up to and after Valentine’s day — right when those bouquests and lovely boxes of chocolate arrive.”

Lillies and chocolate are not the only toxic substances, warns the ASPCA, which has created a list of Valentines Day safety tips . And remember, that romantic glass of wine can turn toxic if sipped by your pet, possibly causing vomiting, lack of coordination, even coma.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the APCC’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

The following post comes to us from Emily Steers. Emily is part of Halo’s public relations team, and is thankful that her puppy, Margo, is such a cool, compassionate friend.

This holiday season, presents are coming in all different shapes and sizes. “Happy Holidays” has taken on a different meaning, and we have all learned to appreciate those things in our lives that come absolutely free-of-charge: relationships with those who respect and care for us.

It is also the time of year to give thanks and appreciation to our non-human friends—our four-legged family of pets that shower us with unconditional love every day. Never ones to ask for a present or a favor (beyond, perhaps, a scratch behind the ears), our cats and dogs certainly should not go unacknowledged during this time of giving.

On November 22, 2008, Halo, Purely for Pets presented “Give Thanks To Your Pet Day” at a Los Angeles-based dog park. Our event was a true hit with all of the dog owners who brought their dogs to the park for exercise and fresh air. Armed with Liv-A-Little treats and a patient camera crew, we on the Halo team had no problem getting dozens of pet owners to take the time to explain why they were most thankful for their pets.

Pharoah, Bean, Ozzie, Bob, Reese, LuLu, Fannie and all of our furry friends had some remarkably caring, conscientious and eloquent owners. The dogs are a source of energy, of companionship, of warmth, and of love, and families and friends came together over stories and their adoration of their pets.

Watch the video below:

Our pets enrich our lives in so many ways—from their lit-up faces that greet us at the door every day, to the fact that owning a pet is proven to lower blood pressure in adults. Halo hopes that every day is Give Thanks To Your Pet Day in your home!

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