The most outrageous party of 2012 is fast approaching! AIDS Care Ocean State is pleased to announce this year’s Mardi Gras Masquerade will take place on Sat., February 25 at the Providence Biltmore Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

Mardi Gras has become an essential AIDS Care Ocean State fundraiser; complete with dramatic Mardi Gras costumes, live music by the Coppola Sisters Band, delectable cuisine and delightful libations, the event consistently draws throngs of attendees and continues to grow each year. What better way to celebrate and support the community than with a masquerade!

This year, we will be honoring our 2011 Partners in Philanthropy: Richard Brisson and Philip Falzarano of Pharmahealth Pharmacy and Allen Price for their outstanding support of AIDS Care Ocean State. In addition, ACOS will recognize Haley Star and YouTube sensation Davey Wavey for their dedication to the community and extraordinary fundraising efforts. Haley Star and Davey Wavey played an integral role in raising funds for the annual AIDS Walk for Life to benefit AIDS Care Ocean State, and we are delighted to honor them at Mardi Gras.

We invite you to join in the excitement of Mardi Gras by becoming a sponsor of the event. Sponsorships are an excellent way to promote your business or product to a diverse group of people who are committed to supporting the local community.  Another great way to support AIDS Care Ocean State is by advertising in our program book. It is a terrific opportunity to speak directly to a heavily targeted audience, in addition to supporting AIDS Care Ocean State and its clients. Of course, we hope you will join us on February 25, 2012 to eat, drink, and dance the night away!

For more information about sponsorships and advertising, please contact Stephen Hartley or Kalene Brennan at 401.521.3603. We look forward to seeing everyone in their best Mardi Gras garb on Feb. 25th

We all want to fall in love. Why? Because that experience makes us feel completely alive. Maybe you feel Valentine’s Day must be remarkable and should leave an unforgettable impression in the mind of your lover? It’s natural that each one of us wishes to celebrate this day uniquely. But the question arises as to how to celebrate this wonderful day in a special style.

Here are some ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day a bit more romantically and creatively. Try not to celebrate the day out of obligation. One of the least romantic days of the year potentially is Valentine’s Day. The majority of us proceed like robots, purchasing flowers and chocolate for our sweethearts because that’s what everyone else is doing.

Believe your heart, don’t let logic interfere. Love is like being a great dancer. First you must learn to dance by the rules, and then you must forget the rules and dance from your heart. Your Valentine’s Day gift need not be expensive but it should be straight from the heart. Use your own romantic and thoughtful ideas for creating a unique Valentine’s Day celebration.

Keep in mind, to celebrate love simply. Spread love everywhere you go, especially in your own home. Make the day special by creating ‘love ambience’ around your beloved doing something together. A candle lit dinner is unforgettable. When you get home from work, get dressed… and I mean dressed. It’s so nice to be able to play dress up.

Slip into your most beautiful black evening dress; guys wear a black suit and unbuttoned white shirt to look sexy. Set the table, light the candles, and put on some sultry music. End up dancing or sitting on the couch telling your soul mate how much you love each other to discover the most romantic evening of your lives.

A simple yet wonderful way to keep you aware of each others needs is to cut out 365 pink, red and white hearts from paper and lovingly place a special message on each one — every time your lover made you smile; ideas for dates (movie of your choice, dinner out, dinner fixed by me, a drive to the beach, etc.); some as chores; and promises of sweet nothings (sensuous back rubs, candlelight baths, foot massages). Fold all the hearts and place in a large decorated jar on the counter where your love can reach for each day’s note to be used at their discretion.

Love may only last a moment, an hour, or an afternoon. But that doesn’t diminish its value cause we’re left with memories that we treasure for the rest of our lives. A simple ’I Love You‘ with a kiss and kindness in your eyes and a smile on your face can set an awesome mood for Valentine’s Day with style.

GET’s “BEHIND-THE-SCENES” personalized Valentine’s ideas from the creatives on the set of ‘Celebrate Love in Style’. >

It just happened EVERETT HOAG stirred curiosities to dig a bit deeper under his creative hat.

Was it a shock to move to Rhode Island coming from NYC? I moved up here right after 9/11and wasn’t sure what to expect. Providence had gone through such a transformation; opening up the river really helped bring beauty to the city. I guess I wanted to be a part of that process. And I love the people I meet and work with here, especially our gay and lesbian community that have always been so incredibly supportive of my work, from Kalediscope Kabaret in Intermezzo at PPAC (which was my first venture here) to attending StyleWeek Providence when I was featured as a local designer. It’s the warmth and style of our people that make this region special!

What influences you when you design? As a collaborative, process-oriented person like fellow designers Zack Lo, Jacqueline Quinn, and Dawn Eger Rizzo, I’m influenced by the people I work with… I recognize entirely new means of expression evolved from a focus supporting an integration of fashion, costume and sustainability. 2012 will bring Everett Hoag Hats a new collection of The Conjured Garden in the Spring/Summer, including many new shapes and styles. We are excited and hope to share upcoming news of our brand with you soon.

What inspires you most as a designer? My hats and my wearable fiber art, in fact my body of performance work, are inspired by nature; specifically the landscapes of our earth, the transitions of the seasons, and the calculated twists of human nature. I find a microcosm of worn, weathered, and natural textures to be compelling and quite beautiful so my work is many layered, often way, way ‘outside-of-the-box’, and strives to be inspirational with substance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SET AN AWESOME MOOD FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!
“Love is that elusive but identifiable factor that gives meaning to everything we do in our lives. It does not matter whether this “love“ exists as the natural bond between family members or in the laughter and tears shared with trusted friends, or felt as the embrace between romantic partners. What is important is giving love from our hearts, and being open to receiving it from others at the same time.“ – Zack Lo, Designer

“I think driving home after a long day at work and knowing that I have a strong chest and embracing arms there waiting for me is a constant in my life. When you walk in your house there should always be a loving welcome. Love is something everyone deserves. This is mine.” – Cathy King;
Agency Director, Safari Modeling

“Love is giving and encouraging; kind and graceful. Love is the way to and through all in life.” – Dawn Eger Rizzo, Designer

“Love means ‘to regard with a strong feeling of affection; to have a devoted attachment; feelings of one’s sex to the other.’ Love means getting laid on a Saturday night on a weekly basis, although any other night will do.”  –Jacqueline Quinn, Designer

“Love is remembering their name afterwards.”

Bryant University might be known primarily as a business school, but that doesn’t mean it’s not progressive. In fact, Bryant is among about 5% of four-year universities in the United States that have enacted some sort of gender neutral housing on campus. In the same year, Bryant has set aside space for a GLBTQ Center which opened November 30, 2011. Our school is a reminder that progress and business can go hand in hand.

Through Bryant Pride, our gay-straight alliance, we fought for equality on campus. We both joined the organization as soon as we came to Bryant. Jonathan is a senior and currently the vice president and Sara is a junior and the secretary. For the past few years, our focus has been bringing a GLBTQ center to Bryant.

In 2010, it became clear that a GLBTQ center wouldn’t be enough. Students needed to feel safe in their dorms as well. Jonathan experienced first-hand the ignorance and misunderstanding that can lead people to act on their hatred. His suitemate, in a drunken rage, broke a university-issued coffee table, so Jonathan told him he was going to have to pay for the table. The suitemate responded by making threatening gestures and calling him a faggot.

After this, Jonathan didn’t feel safe living with him. The next year’s housing lottery would be taking place soon, so we went to the director of Residence Life to propose living together. But there was no policy in place regarding opposite sex roommates. So we decided to go to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Thomas Eakin, who understood our reasoning but couldn’t do anything for next year’s housing. This meant we would both have to find same-sex suites to live in.

Despite this, we decided that it was important to fight for gender neutral housing, even if it wouldn’t directly benefit us. We wanted to spend Jonathan’s last year at Bryant making sure nobody else had to go through what he did. He wanted to leave the campus knowing he had made a difference.

With the help of Bryant Pride gender neutral housing became another top priority. Bryant Pride had submitted several proposals over the years for a GLBTQ Center, so we didn’t expect to receive one anytime soon, let alone gender neutral housing—which would require a huge policy change. We just wanted to start the long process so the students after us would have a foundation for change.

We had a lot of support from faculty and staff; Judy McDonnell, a professor of sociology and one of the founders of Bryant Pride, spent a significant amount of time trying to convince the administration of the benefits of gender neutral housing. She was one of the first people to find out when gender neutral housing was passed. We were the first ones she told, even though she wasn’t sure it was completely official.

We set up a meeting with Dr. Eakin to find out the logistics and how the change would actually be implemented. The pilot program would begin in Bryant’s newest dormitory, Hall 17, because it’s the only residence hall that has two bathrooms in each suite. This would give students the option to designate bathrooms by sex if they chose to. Up to three suites would be set as gender neutral.

Prior to housing selection, students can opt to be in a gender neutral suite and would go through a separate housing lottery. Similar to other schools with gender neutral housing options, students are discouraged from living with their partners.

We didn’t expect the news to come this quickly; we expected to spend all year fighting for this, so getting it before the first semester was over was startling. At the same time, the school was allotting space in the student center for the new GLBTQ Center, and the opening was in a few weeks.

The opening of the GLBTQ Center began with a March for Inclusiveness around campus. Jonathan and I organized the entire event—everything from speakers to advertising. We didn’t expect many people—we knew from experience that when events focused on anything related to the GLBTQ community, they were not very successful. So the turnout was unexpected. Over 30 people came, and the students came from many organizations on campus. Many of the people were part of Bryant’s administration and had helped us achieve our goals. Among them were President Ronald Machtley and Dr. Eakin.

We hope that the GLBTQ Center and gender neutral housing will inspire more GLBTQ students to consider Bryant as a school. We want the student population to diversify, just like Bryant is diversifying their academic programs to include more liberal arts. The GLBTQ Center will supplement gender neutral housing by giving students a place to further explore their identities.

The GLBTQ Center is already in operation, and gender neutral housing will begin the Fall 2012 semester. We take comfort in knowing future generations of Bryant students will be able to feel safe and included where they live. Even if it only makes one student on campus feel safer, it’ll be worth it.

Photography Captions & Credits From left to right:

1. Hall 17 (Bryant University’s newest dormitory and gender-neutral housing)

2. Bryant University President joins students Sara Elder, Jonathan De Costa and others for the University’s Inclusiveness March.

3. Walking the walk for progress and equality

“No woman will ever be truly satisfied on Valentine’s Day because no man will ever have a chocolate penis that ejaculates money.”

We’ve heard it all before – don’t look for love, let love find you. You are looking for love in all the wrong places. You have to wait for the right one to come along. BLAH BLAH BLAH! As much as I think Valentine’s Day is a commercialized holiday that makes single people sad and horny and makes couples annoyed and full of cheap chocolate, I do believe that love will find us when the time is right! I can certainly speak from experience, as I have left my claw marks on plenty of men… but Mr. Right has yet to come along. Usually he is just Mr. Right Now.

But I digress… If you do have a Mr. Right, make sure to treat him extra special for Valentine’s Day. Granted it’s just another day on the calendar, but it gives you an excuse to go the extra mile and make him (or her) feel amazing. Cook a candlelight dinner, pour some wine, wear some sexy edible undies, and just enjoy each other’s company. Make it not just another day on the calendar, but a day the two of you will remember. And if you play your cards right, nine months from now you’ll have a constant reminder of that!

Whether you have a special someone or not for this Valentine’s Day, focus on the love you have for yourself, and if you aren’t sure where that love is, FIND IT! Having been single for some time now, I find that the best relationship you can have is the one with yourself (and your pharmacist). When push comes to shove, the only person you can ever truly rely on in your life is YOU. Look in the mirror on Valentine’s Day and say “I love you.” You’ll be surprised at the effect it will have on you, trust me. As for me, I’ll be spending Valentine’s Day doing what I do best . . . exceeding the speed limit and mooning the chain gang that works in South County! (Could you imagine?!)

All kidding aside, February 14 is truly all about love. Let the ones close to you know how you really feel, and be sure to tell them how much you love them. You never know what tomorrow might bring so make each day count. And if all else fails, write your special sweetie this little poem, and it will surely get you both in the mood . . . or a slap across the face.

Until next time . .  peace, love and cupcakes!

RI Pride is pleased to announce the creation of a new event which celebrates the contributions of the members of the LGBT community and their allies. The Rhode Island Pride Honors will be held on Sunday, February 19 at 6pm in The Greenhouse at the Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI. Admission is $35 for individuals and $60 for couples. Table reservations are available and can be purchased at: http://ripridehonors.eventbrite.com.

Rhode Island PRIDE Honorees:

The Pyramid of Pride is awarded annually to an individual or organization who has made outstanding contributions to our community. This year, RI Pride is pleased to award this distinguished honor to an amazing couple who have been the personification of commitment, hard work and unconditional love. RUSS & BETH MILHAM have long been associated by their work with AIDS Quilt RI cultivating and maintaining this important tool which promotes healing, awareness and inspires action in the struggle against AIDS. As vocal advocates for fairness and equality, they helped create the Straight But Not Narrow Coalition, which fought for the successful passage of the 1995 Civil Rights Bill. They worked to make Channing Memorial Church a Welcoming Congregation and are committed to the fight for Marriage Equality. RI Pride is pleased to present its highest honor to Russ and Beth for helping make our state a better place for all of its citizens.

RI Pride also wishes to recognize two individuals whose commitment and sacrifice have served as an example for all to follow. The RI Pride Spirit Award is presented to the late PATRICIA BAKER and her surviving wife DEBORAH TEVYAW. The community lost a truly spirited fighter when Pat Baker succumbed to lung cancer last year. She and wife Deb Tevyaw spent Pat’s last months battling RI lawmakers for the protections they, and all Rhode Island families deserve. Deb tirelessly continues the fight in Pat’s honor.

Our final honoree has been a zealous fighter and organizer for over twenty years. It’s impossible to imagine Rhode Island Pride without RODNEY P. DAVIS, it’s fearless leader who has devoted so much of his life to creating opportunities for Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community to become more visible, integrated, accepted and united. Born and raised in Newport RI, Davis now calls Providence his home along with his partner Brian Mills. His service to the community not only includes his work with Pride but also as past president of the RI Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, volunteering for AIDS Care Ocean State, InterPride/NERP and a host of community groups and causes. His impact on the vital issues in our community is immeasurable and RI Pride is pleased to celebrate twenty years with him at this year’s RI Pride Honors.

Host Committee:

Kate Monteiro, Anthony DeRose, Brian Mills, Alexis Gorriaran, Miss Kitty Litter, Jenn Steinfeld, Lauren Nocera, Dawn Euer, Ray Sullivan, Ken Fish, Martha Holt Castle, Senator Frank DeVall, Senator James
Doyle, Senator Josh Miller, Senator Donna Nesselbush, Rep. Chris Blazejewski, Rep. Grace Diaz, Rep. Jeremiah O’Grady, Rep. Deb Ruggiero, Rep. Anastasia Williams, and Speaker of the House Gordon Fox

Presenting Sponsors:

Maureen DeLoreto, Andrew Snyder & Bob Waters, Mirabar, GET RI Magazine, Rep. Frank Ferri & Anthony Caparco & Town Hall Lanes, Cassarino’s Ristorante, The Melting Pot, Waterplace Restaurant, Marriott Downtown Providence and Marriage Equality Rhode Island

Event Sponsors: Options Newsmagazine, PFLAG, International Special Events Society (ISES) Rep. Maria Cimini, Rep. Edie Ajello, and Senator Rhoda Perry

In this alphabet soup of a community we live in, finding that perfect Valentine’s gift can be challenging, down-right confusing. Those traditional silky red panties might make a lesbian homemaker cringe, while the same pair could make that transbear hipster boyfriend of yours squeal! What is a queer to do! Never fear, dears; we have a few fail-safe solutions for you.

Your first stop should be a fantastic bistro that serves liquor and light fair; the light fair is important because nobody wants to hanky panky with a full belly. Nor would the next stop be much fun which is to stop by your local erotic boutique and try some things on. Try on a corset and have the shop keep show your lover how to cinch you in. The sight of the body shaping can be very arousing. In fact seeing a lover slip into that silken teddy or strapped into a leather harness can fuel many a night’s worth of passion.

Don’t forget to pick up some edibles while you’re there; you’ll need them for dessert. Non-dairy whipped cream, butter cream nipple nibblers, Kamasutra chocolate body paint, and some wild cherry lube can turn your lover into the most delicious dessert ever. And certainly don’t leave yourself out of the equation; there is plenty of candied accessories to choose from.

For the more cerebral amongst you now would be the perfect time to pick up the Kamasutra, especially now that it comes in both gay and lesbian versions. The Kamasutra is not just a “positions” guide but also speaks of intimacy as a way to be a whole and healthy individual. A few more fantastic book recommendations are Sometimes She Lets Me (butch/ femme themed), Sweet lips (a gay western romance), and Boy in the Middle.

Valentine’s is the perfect time for you and your lover to take risks, try new places both physically and mentally. Some things might end up being just silly; just remember to laugh, because what could be more romantic than laughing, full-bellied unabashedly with one another?

by Emily M. Danforth
|  Harper Collins  |
$17.99 hardcover

Boy oh boy, is it ever a great time for gay teens! Here’s
the kind of story many of my friends who were miserable about liking girls and
shunned for it would have loved back when we were in high school. Our heroine
Cameron Post is actually relieved when her parents die in a car crash because
now she’ll never have to tell them that she has just kissed a girl for the
first time. But this doesn’t turn out to be a novel about gay shame, far from
it! This is as a fine a read for adults as it is for teenagers.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .

Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie

by Francesca Lia Block
|  Harper Collins  |
$17.99 hardcover

I have been an avid fan of the whimsical stories of
Francesca Lia Block for longer than I care to remember, beginning with the
Weetzie Bat series. And now, after all these years, Ms. Block gives us a
wonderful blast from the past with a prequel that delivers to us the origin of
the name Weetzie Bat. So here is another perfect story and great whether you
are a fan from way back like me or brand spanking new to her work. Good for an
introspective teenager or a jaded adult because the author speaks to us all.
Not for nothing has she been already been awarded the prestigious Margaret A.
Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award. How is possible that I have been a Weetzie
Bat fan for over twenty years? All I know is that is impossible for me to ever
stop being a fan!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .

Grow Girl

by Heather Donahue
|  Gotham Books  |  $26
hardcover

The girl from the Blair Witch Project leaves Los Angeles,
deciding it is better to do something else with her life than be known as The
Girl From the Blair Witch Project. She moves to Nuggettown to attempt to grow
medical marijuana. Being  the new girl in
a grower subculture rife with folks who eyeball one another for dominance in a
game of “hippie chicken” doesn’t exactly work out like she had hoped. Spider
mites, a melt down at Burning Man, bonding with chickens, the love of a puppy,
and lots of good reasons not to get involved with hippie dudes make this a
really enjoyable read. I never even saw the Blair Witch Project and had no idea
who she was but found myself cheering for her as well as occasionally fearing
for her in the journey chronicled here. The best post-Hollywood memoir since
Julia Phillips, also exiled from Hollywood, though in Donahue’s case it is a
matter of self-imposed exile. The chapter and sub-chapter titles are as clever
and witty as Julia Phillips’ in “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again.”
Another one of those “I Can’t Believe This Isn’t a Novel” type memoirs because
of the great writing and unlikely yet somehow true scenarios.=

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of February is St. Valentine’s Day, a holiday that honors love and lovers. Of course, the origins of this sacred time is pre-Christian and has very little to do with holy men, Hallmark cards, or saints. The celebration dates back to an ancient fertility ritual called Lupercalia, festival of The Wolf Goddess. Young lovers would be brought together by the hands of fate, in the hopes of discovering true love, birthing the next generation, and revering the Goddess. February is a manifestation month, orgiastic in form, with tremendous energy to create anew. The planets tell a story of awakening love, and the rest is for us to discover. Blessed be!

ARIES (March 22-April 21) It is impossible to help others without helping ourselves in the process. You will be hard at work fulfilling commitments and trying to launch new projects. You may have to wait for the end results, but people will be showering you with affection and encouragement as things unfold.

TAURUS (April 22-May 21) Your ruling planet Venus is behind the scenes stirring the cauldron of unconscious fears, causing uncertainty within. The challenge is to move beyond limited thinking. Trust your instinct, listen to your heart, and make some necessary changes. This is your breakthrough year!

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may generally feel restless and weighed down within the confines of your everyday routine. It is an excellent month to try something new and explore the unknown. Moving out of your comfort zone, whether in body, mind, or spirit will renew your enthusiasm for life.

CANCER (June 22-July 21) This is the month to purge your mind of old and toxic emotional patterns. Many things will come to a place of closure, and the more you are willing to release, the brighter you will shine. Cherish and nurture your relationships; they will blossom in the spring.

LEO (July 22-Aug. 21) Love, romance, and passion are on your mind; but the frustrations that relationships can bring will weigh heavy. Be patient, avoid rash decisions, and take time to think before you speak. It takes two to tango. Be sure you are in synch and stay open minded.

VIRGO (Aug.22- Sept. 21) Most Virgos will be as busy as a bee, both in the work place and at home. This is a month to get organized, finish projects, and clean house. Your energy level may be a bit off the usual beam. A Valentine’s getaway may be just what you need to restore the passion.

LIBRA (Sept, 22- Oct.21) Your creativity and insights will border genius this month, and those closest to you will benefit from your altruism. It will be a romantic roses and chocolate kind of Valentine’s Day! Make the most of this benevolent energy, for you are capable of great things.

SCORPIO (Oct. 22-Nov.21) Both the elder and the child coexist within the heart of human beings. This month they will be at odds, and you may find yourself feeling distressed, rebellious, and overwhelmed. Try getting out of your own way; play a new game, and see what emerges.

SAGITARIUS (Nov.22- Dec.21) Everything will seem to be moving at warp speed this month yet getting nowhere. Make time to reflect on your goals and personal objectives. Relationships are delicate. You will need to be clear in communicating and flexible with your commitments.

CAPRICORN (Dec.22- Jan.21) Love can come in many forms, but security has been the basis of your affairs. This month the tide is shifting, and it is time to redefine your values and take a few risks. Don’t rush into the arms of a stranger. You will need some emotional anonymity to make peace with the past.

AQUARIUS (Jan.22- Feb.21) The Sun is on the horizon of new beginnings, and you will be moving further along the path of re-awakening. When we make a decision to love ourselves unconditionally, a whole realm of possibilities opens before us. Communicate your needs and remain open hearted.

PISCES (Feb.22-March 21) Your intuition will be strong, and the desire to nurture your creative and mystical side will be prevalent. Business relationships may need an extra boost of energy to get off the ground; leave room to redefine terms in the spring. Love is universal but intense this Valentine’s.=

Dog fashion is here to stay, like it or not. High-end designers, such as Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, just to name a few, are all designing dog-inspired collars, leashes and clothes. We have all seen the celebrities in the tabloids and on TV with their cute little dogs dressed to the max and looking like the perfect accessory to the celeb. While this may not be the style around here, we have our fair share of doggie fashionistas. If you love fashion, there is a good chance your dog may be fashionista too. Most dogs will tolerate a nice collar with some bling, but not all dogs will allow a crystal tiara and a full set of painted nails. Of course, there are those dogs that really seem to love to match their cute little outfits to their humans, or wait, it must be the other way around, right?

I am a firm believer that fashion can live with functionality. A nicely designed collar and leash can always be found on my dogs, as well as their seasonal Patriots jerseys. I am thoroughly convinced that whenever my dogs wear their football jerseys the Pats win. Tom Brady, you are most welcome. Over the years I have seen many dogs wearing different outfits, costumes, and accessories. In almost every case the humans were happy and proud to have their dogs in high fashion. Some dogs look totally embarrassed, and some dogs totally rock it.

How do you know if your dog really wants or needs a $300 leather Coach collar? Well, you don’t. It is really about what makes us humans happy. If you love designer labels, feel free to spread the love with your furry friend. And if you can find an actual function for the crystal tiara, go for it. Remember to hug your dog everyday … yes, everyday!