Illinois Readers Share Valentine's Love Letters To Their Pets

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Ahh, Valentine's Day! The holiday when everything is plastered in pink and red, and chocolate becomes an official food group. Not for these Valentines, though. These Illinois pets warm their owners' hearts on Valentine's Day and every day. Check out these love letters to our pets, but be sure to have a box —or pallet— of tissues around. There are some tear jerkers.

Frankie, 1.5 years old

"Hi, my name is Brandi G. and I have the best pup in the world. He is a 1 1/2yr old Border Collie mix named Frankie. I adopted him at an adoption event at Petsmart in Matteson on February 23rd, 2019 from the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights, IL. When I walked into the store, this handsome fella picked me out of many people passing by him. We locked eyes and that was it. My pup picked me! I said, 'I know who is going home with me today!' We have been inseparable ever since. He is so spoiled and I couldn't imagine a day without him. I love this pup so much! He means the world to me! Happy Valentine's Day Frankie! " -Brandi Garner

Zoe, 12 years old

"Zoe is a 12 year old Shih Tzu. She has been with us since she was just a few weeks old. For sure, she is the best friend to both of my kids for the last 11 years! She guarded the twins bouncies when they were babies, chased them around and pulled off their socks when they were toddlers, and ran eagerly to the door when they came home from early elementary school. Now she is older and more tired, but still brings a lot of joy. The snow actually made her spry today! We loved her so much." -robydoo

Maggie Mae

"[This is] Maggie Mae, our senior rescue. She lights up our whole house and we can’t imagine life without her. Take a chance on those senior dogs in the shelters, they have so much love!" -Laura Rudow.

Sinia and Rayo (parents), Hercules and Mickey Mouse, 1 year old

"We had two puppies and the mama wouldn’t sleep without me, so for six weeks I slept on the couch so I would be next to her. Mama is Sinia, daddy is Rayo, puppies,who will be a year old in March, are Hercules and Mickey Mouse or Mickey moo moo." - Vicky Aguirre

Bentley

"I would like to tell you about our Bentley.....BEST. DOG. EVER. We got him as a puppy at 3 months old from the Plainfield vet there on Route 59. As soon as the guy brought him out I told the kids.....tell Dad we're getting the dog. Had not even touched him or held him.....I fell in LOVE!!!!

He is the best friend, best snuggler, best listener, best eater and best sleeper!! He is PERFECT! Everybody that meets Bentley falls in love with him. He is LOVED more than any other dog." -Tina Estopare

Dogs: Miki 10, Napoleon 4, Ruby 9, Sheba, 6; Cats: Rummy 6 and GinGin 4.

"My babies are my Valentines all year long, every single one rescued. They have rescued me more than I have them. They make me laugh and smile from the moment I wake till night time, when we all snuggle again. I can be having a bad day but when I walk through the door and see their precious faces, my mood automatically changes. They are the best medicine. Each one with their own personality and each one loved dearly" -Sandy Tesar

Maxwell, 8 and Piper, 1

"Here are Maxwell age 8, and Piper age 1 not letting me leave for work." - Dana de la Vega

Luciana

"We adopted our sweet terrier-mix, Luciana, from PAWS 6 years ago. She has added so much happiness and laughter to our lives — she Is an angel! We couldn’t imagine life without her — she makes us smile, gets us out walking and opens our hearts every day. She is a tiny, but powerful and positive addition to our family. We adore her." -Camilla Fabbri

Amber

"This is Amber. She was such a good girl loved by her family and community. She was the first member of my family. Then came my wonderful Son Jack,(Stevenson HS Student) and 17 months later followed my twins Michael and Matthew (currently students at Twin Groves Middle School). Amber was a resident of Chicago.

Unfortunately, Amber decided not to join us in our move last year to Buffalo Grove. I know she would have loved it. She was super friendly and loved to meet new people. Love is never forgotten and follows us everywhere. Love is Amber. 'Aw she’s a good girl'" -Marguerite Hinshaw