Today's guest blogger, Shauna, is a proud pet parent. She has shared her popular and entertaining blog about "dogs and other messy things," Fido and Wino, with us in preparation for Valentine's Day.

As Valentine's Day approaches you could be thinking a couple of things. Maybe you're contentedly daydreaming about perforated paper bunny cards, too-hot cinnamon hearts and the various secret admirers you are sure to have doting on you this year.

Or perhaps you are thinking, "Ugh."

You're not alone. Yahoo News reports that one in five people would prefer to spend Valentine's Day with their pet over their partner.

So here are the top ten reasons why a dog makes a better date this Valentine's Day:

1. Dogs don't talk. I could elaborate, but I think we can all agree this is a good thing.


2. If you worry your dog will destroy your lovely home four seconds after you step out the door, you can put him in a crate. The authorities frown upon this when it comes to dates.

Find out the other eight reasons after the jump!