16/02/2026
Because They Love Us Every Day — Show Your Appreciation on Love Your Pet Day
We all know that if we love our mum, we should show her that love every day. Not just once a year on Mother’s Day. Same with dad’s and Father’s day. But the existence of a public day to celebrate our mother and father provides an opportunity to explicitly express that love; to show our gratitude, to honour them and the sacrifices they have made for us.
Friday 20th February is Love Your Pet Day, and although of course we love our pets every day, this day provides us with an opportunity to mix things up a bit in addition to all the ways you normally show your love to your pets.
One such way for people living in the Northern Grampians is to walk their pet, (almost certainly a dog) around Cato Park in Stawell between 7am and 9am or between 3pm and 6pm on the 20th to receive a free mini animal Reiki from me – bliss!
If you cannot do that, or your beloved animal companion is a cat, a rabbit, a horse or some other being that you cannot walk around the park, there are plenty of other things you can do to show your love:
If your walk is VERY familiar, that is you do the same route every time, try a longer than usual walk or play session
Sit or lie on the earth together to become more grounded together
Give dogs all the sniff-time on their walk that they want. This is incredibly enriching
Play their favourite game without rushing, let them decide when it is time to stop
Gentle ear rubs – did you know that gently rubbing your dog’s ears stimulates sensitive nerve endings that trigger the release of oxytocin and endorphins that act as a natural stress reliever and offer pain relief
Blink slowly with your cat to deepen your love and bond
Whisper your appreciation to your cat. Cats respond strongly to tone and intention
Spend time with your horse with no agenda, no grooming, no riding, no ground work; just be
Groom your horse or other animal companion as a mindful, loving ritual
Stand at your horse’s shoulder and breathe together
If your animal is anxious or a foster just becoming acquainted with the family check their environment – is it calm and predictable? Is there something else that you can do to make it more so?
Sit quietly nearby, give your presence over interaction
But, if at all possible, bring them to Cato Park in Stawell for some energy loving.
7am – 9am and 3pm – 6pm unless it is a catastrophic fire day.
This is my most recent blog. If you want to read other blogs go to https://heartcentredreiki.com.au/blog-2/
