Valentine’s Day is not just for your better half, your mother, children or friends. It’s a purr-fect time to show your appreciation and love for your pet dog, cat, horse, and even your pet parakeet.

Pets are there to greet you at the door when you first come home; dogs and cats snuggle close when you are under the weather; give you kisses when you are sad; never talk back—only listen and agree with most everything you say! On the gloomiest days, parakeets will sing their song for you. The purring of your cat as she sits on your lap after a long day at work makes it seem all worthwhile. And while watching your tropical fish or betas, you find peace and tranquility. Horses and pet llamas offer a far larger enjoyment by opening you up to the beauty of the mountains. Cows and Herefords are special pets in their own way for many of the ranchers in our community. Each has their own personality -- much like children in the family.

The Paw Paw Patch is one of a number of pet supply centers in Grand County that offers a variety of pet gifts and supplies just right for Valentine’s Day. Owner Pam Bruns opened her shop at the Granby Business Center in November of 2005. For many years, Pam and her husband had a vacation home in Grand County. When the chance to relocate came, Pam quickly chose Grand County to be their permanent home.

Pam Bruns comes to us with a great passion to care for animals and a resume to match. She was a director of Animal Shelters for Tallahassee, Florida, a city population of over 200,000, and president of the Tallahassee Human Society for over two years. A very special project she helped start was “Treats”, a non-profit organization that raised money to spay and neuter animals, provide veterinary care, and buy needed equipment for the animal shelter. Over the years, Pam has fostered many animals until a permanent home could be found.

The Paw Paw Patch is filled to the brim with a items ranging from healthy dog & cat food, treats that look like their fresh from the bakery, clothing attire and even a pet stroller! Pam tells us, “I started out with very little inventory and slowly increased the inventory as business grew. Sales were up 25% in 2007 over the year before and I have the many loyal customers in the County to thank.”

Pam’s future plans are to expand the store to serve a larger client base. She would also like to pursue pet photography. One of her greatest wishes is to have a facility large enough to have obedience training—but a facility of that size is hard to find. Hopefully, in the years to come as the area grows, she’ll find that special place.

The Paw Paw Patch donates 10 percent of sales to Pet Pals during the month of March, donates toys for all the dogs in the doggie drag as part of the Pet Pals fundraiser and supports the many other pet activities in Granby throughout the year. She encourages the community to support the animal shelter through donations of dog food to help care for dogs waiting to find a permanent home.

There are a number of pet supply centers (Mountain Dawg Outfitters Pet Supplies in Fraser, Granby Mart in Granby, Northwest Ranch Supply in Kremmling), and veterinary clinics throughout the County that offer pets (large or small), a Valentine’s Day remembrance.

Stop by The Paw Paw Patch located at the Granby Business Center at 62543 Highway 40, just outside of Granby, or any of the neighboring pet supply centers and veterinary clinics to find that special Valentine pet gift. All through the year, pets provide us with unconditional love and affection. Do something special-they’ll love you even more!