Written by PETA
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and hopeless romantics everywhere (we know who we are) are busy getting ready. If you're feeling challenged in the gift department this year, peruse our cruelty-free gift guide for some inspiration:
Still stumped? You can also give a PETA membership or gift certificate, or make a donation in your loved one's name.
Feeling like a hopeless romantic yet? We thought so.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
PDAs are usually just TMI, but when it comes to PDVAs (public displays of vegan affection), we say, "Keep 'em coming!" This scorching cruelty-free couple titillated onlookers in Nashville:
And over in the mile-high city, all the action was on the ground when this toothsome twosome bedded each other in public:
It's not even Valentine's Day yet, but we've already got enough love to go around. Happy (early) V-Day!
Written by Logan Scherer
Oh, PETA Germany and your seal-loving supporters, you had me at "Hallo."
It's not even Valentine's Day yet, but these dedicated demonstrators melted hearts (and snow) with their moving commitment to the tens of thousands of young Canadian harp seals who will soon be slaughtered for their skin. Show your love for the seals by wearing your heart on your sleeve this V-Day.
We were inundated with precious pics of your too-cute-for-140-characters animal companions in our Valentine's Day Twitter contest, and now we're featuring the winners in four V-Day e-cards:
At the top left, meet Meeme and Mochi, who may have been watching too much Twilight before their picture was taken. The cutie in the top right is Fifi and in the bottom left is Cricket, the eye patch–sporting dog who was rescued from a trash bin. Last but not least, meet Lucia and James, who apparently can't get enough of each other.
Choose your favorite card and send it to your valentine with a personalized message. Oh, and not to worry—you're not limited to 140 characters!
Vegan-Sisqó mash-up time: "Meat's wrong, wra-wrong, wrong, wrong!" If that doesn't make you want PETA's "Vegans Taste Better" thong, which is half of this week's "Win It" Wednesday, I don't know what will! The other half is for those who like a looser fit when it comes to their underclothing—a pair of ladies' zebra print boxer shorts that'll take your valentine's zebreath away.
Ready to sport this humane nightwear? Just take some lyrics from your favorite song (don't worry, you're not limited to Sisqó's lyrically rich canon), and come up with an animal-friendly alternative. We're giving a thong and a pair of boxers each to the two readers who come up with the catchiest verse—so start tapping your inner rhapsodist!
Enter by posting your revised rhymes in the comments section. The contest ends on February 10, 2010, and we'll pick the winners on February 12, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. Good luck!
We're saddened to report that a dear friend to both animals and PETA, Cynthia Long, recently passed away after what appears to have been a terrible, tragic accident.
Cynthia and her lifelong friend were returning from a gardening class when they drove past a cat who was stuck on a median, too frightened to cross in front of traffic. Knowing that the cat desperately needed help, they exited the interstate and turned the car around. Cynthia emerged from the car but as she tried to cross the passing lane, she was struck by another motorist. She died at the scene and investigators believe that both the glare from the setting sun and a bend in the road impaired the other driver's ability to see Cynthia until it was too late.
State Trooper Kurt Wagenbach told the Brattleboro Reformer "She was trying to do something out of the goodness of her heart, and it had tragic consequences." Another officer noted that, although the police have received calls about the cat, the animal has not yet been found.
Our deepest condolences go out to Cynthia's family and friends, and for her unwavering determination to help animals, we're honoring her posthumously with PETA's Compassionate Citizen Award. We're also adding a leaf in her name to our "Tree of Life", believing that her commitment to animal protection will inspire other people to always take action to help them, too.
Written by Karin Bennett
With Valentine's Day less than a month away, it's about time you started shopping to impress that special someone in your life. Lucky for you, PETA's got all the goods you'll ever need to show your love for your sweetheart, yourself (hey, there's nothing wrong with buying yourself a little something on V-Day), and animals.
And we've got a gift for you! Enter the promotion code VDAY over at PETAcatalog.org, and you'll get $5 off a $40 purchase. The code is valid until February 14. Happy shopping!
Comic Ricky Gervais roots for the bulls. Actor Marissa Lewis dreams of a world free of cages and chains. Well, one of my many "perfect world wishes" is that every day could be Valentine's Day. Not only could I indulge daily in delectable vegan chocolates like those from Harbor Candy, which happen to be this week's "Win It" Wednesday prizes …
… I also believe that people might become more loving and kinder to everyone around them, including their companion animals. All dogs would be allowed to stop and sniff on leisurely strolls instead of being yelled at and yanked along on hasty morning marches. Cats could enjoy their naps on newspapers, along with some gentle scratches from their human caretakers, instead of being shooed away. I'm confident that my wish would benefit not just my own addiction to chocolate but also the lives of countless otherwise beleaguered and bored companion animals.
So tell us, what's your "perfect world wish" for animals? If you can't narrow it down to one, enter as often as you'd like. Make us snort with laughter or choke back tears and you might win one of two boxes of Harbor Candy chocolates. We've got a deluxe box of chocolates for the grand-prize winner and a sampler box for the runner-up. If you win, feel free to share them with your sweetheart, but if you keep 'em for yourself, we won't tell.
The contest ends on February 3, 2010, and we'll pick the winners on February 5, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting. Good luck!
Our Valentine's Day gift to you. Enjoy!
If you're still not sure what to get your honey this Valentine's Day, take a hint from Carrie Underwood. The four-time Grammy winner and Sexiest Vegetarian Alive veteran recently spilled the beans on what would make her toes curl this Valentine's Day.
Some candles, decorations, good conversation, and a piping-hot home-cooked vegetarian meal are all this songbird needs to get in the lovey-dovey mood. She doesn't mention her favorite dish, but I personally fancy a hearty meatless shepherd's pie with extra mashed potatoes. I'm just sayin'.
Guys, if you want to capture a girl's heart, take Carrie's advice and aim straight for the stomach. You can't go wrong with reputed aphrodisiacs such as stuffed pumpkin, followed by chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.
But if your culinary skills end at microwave popcorn, don't despair. You can surprise your sweetie with one of these no-hassle delights, which are sure to make a lasting impression.
Written by Jennifer Cierlitsky
If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
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