(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Your furry pal is your best friend in the world and there's nothing you wouldn't do for him or her. In fact, many people go above and beyond for their dogs. A recent Western Financial Group study showed that six in 10 individuals always buy their pet a birthday or Christmas present – and nearly one in three consider their dog to be a family member.

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

When you’ve made a “love connection” and feel it’s time to introduce your two-legged companion to your four-legged friend, here are a few tips from PetSmart Charities and Match, the world’s largest dating website. They have teamed up to reveal the important role that pets play in our dating lives.

Start with a Photo Session

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Leaving young children and pets unattended inside a vehicle, even on relatively mild days, can be very dangerous, even fatal. According to Health Canada, outside air temperatures as low as 23ºC/73ºF can climb to more than 50ºC/122ºF inside a vehicle. Imagine how hot it could get during an actual heat wave. Every spring and summer in the U.S. and Canada there are reports of babies, toddlers and pets dying after being left unattended inside vehicles.