As if it wasn't annoying enough that Hallmark has turned Valentine's Day into a monumental holiday, Purina would like to remind you that the holiday isn't just for humans. It's also the day when you're supposed to show your dog some serious affection as well. And it has the research to back it up: According to a survey conducted by the pet food company, 26 percent of dog owners "say 'I love you' once a day to their dogs—the same percentage that says 'I love you' once a day to a spouse or significant other."

Dogs aren't pets. They're our "true partners," according to Purina, and no different from a husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend. One difference: A human partner has the ability to tell you that he/she would really rather stay home tonight since it's God-awful outside, whereas a bunch of poor dogs will be dragged outside against their will by their C-list celebrity owners this evening to attend a "doggie dinner party":

PURINA® CHEF MICHAEL'S™ AND ACTRESS ELISABETH ROHM HOST "BE MY VALENTINE" DOGGIE DINNER PARTY

Celebrities and Dog Lovers Join Chef Michael's to Celebrate New Trend: "Doggie Valentines"

WHAT: Elisabeth Rohm, dog owner and current star of the hit TV show "Heroes," and Purina® Chef Michael's™ celebrate the unique relationship between dogs and owners at the first ever Chef Michael's Be My Valentine Doggie Dinner Party. Taking place at Gotham Hall, one of the City's most prominent and prestigious social event venues, the festivities will include an evening to remember for dogs and owners alike with a thoughtfully prepared dining experience, live entertainment and doggie gifts.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, February 10, 2010
6:00. – 7:00 p.m. Red Carpet Celebrity Arrivals
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Doggie Dinner Party

WHERE: Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway (At 36th Street)
New York, NY

WHO: Celebrity guests and dog-lovers will join adoptable dogs from New York's Posh Pets Rescue at Chef Michael's Be My Valentine Doggie Dinner Party.

Celebrity guests include:

- Elisabeth Rohm, dog owner and star of NBC's "Heroes"
- Jennifer Esposito of ABC's "Samantha Who?" and Oscar award winning "Crash"
- Michael Urie, star of ABC's "Ugly Betty" and his dog Sprout
- Jill Zarin of "The Real Housewives of New York City"
- Roxy Olin of MTV's "The City"
- Cat Greenleaf of WNBC
- Constantine Maroulis of FOX's "American Idol" Season 4
- Cast Members from "Rescue Ink" on National Geographic
- Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, lifestyle expert and author of "Dog Parties: Entertaining Your Party Animals"
- National winner of the Chef Michael's "My Doggie Valentine" contest Kristin Hartman and her dog Ouzo

WHY: Dogs captured our hearts long ago, and now they have made their way into our holiday traditions. Dogs are not just considered pets anymore; they are our best friends, our true partners, and this Valentine's Day, dog owners are proclaiming the four-legged loves of their lives their "Doggie Valentines." In fact, a survey by Purina found:

- 60 percent of dog owners plan to include their dogs in their Valentine's Day celebrations; and
- 26 percent of dog owners surveyed say "I love you" once a day to their dogs – the same percentage that says "I love you" once a day to a spouse or significant other.

CONTACT: [redacted] at [redacted] to attend the event and schedule interviews. (Please note that this event is not open to the public; RSVPs are required for attendance.)