Two of my favorite events for February are “Love Your Pet Day” on February 17 and “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” On February 20. How will you celebrate during a pandemic?

If you don’t have a pet, you can mask up and make an appointment at a local animal shelter to rescue one or you can donate to buy food, provide medical care, or help offset the costs of a spay/neuter program.

If you’re a pet owner, give your pet a few extra treats today. Brush them and show them a little extra love. Weather permitting, take your dog on a nice long walk or play a game of fetch in the yard. If like me you have a cat or cats, extra brushing, a few treats, and a rousing game of feather should make their day.

If you have young children, have them read a book to their pet or read a book about pets. You’d be surprised how well some pets listen. Let them draw pictures of animals and take some photos. Years from now, you’ll be glad you did.

Our pets give us so much love and affection and all they really ask in return are to be loved, fed, and cared for by their humans.

Random Acts of Kindness during a pandemic is a bit trickier. We can’t all afford to buy groceries or a meal for the person next to us in line at the store or the drive-thru window. If you can, go for it. I’m thinking my Random Acts of Kindness will be more in the line of phone calls, emails, or text messages to friends and loved ones letting them know how wonderful they are and how important they are in my life. Respecting that some people must be extra cautious until we’re all vaccinated, and the pandemic is under control, delivering food, cards, or even paper hearts can be questionable activities. Why not put a sign in your yard (hang it on a tree if the ground is frozen or put it in your window) telling everyone who passes they are special and they are loved on this very special day and every day.

It may take a little planning, but don’t let it take away from the specialness of these two days.

Remember, stay safe: stay well; you are important, and you are loved!