The western festival of Valentine's Day has long been popular amongst young Chinese people. This year, however, lovers are no longer satisfied with roses and chocolate as Valentine's Day gifts.

The Valentine's Day in the Year of the Dog features Chinese flavor with people's love for dogs. Kunming's dog market sees hot sales as well as the romantic scene of lovers buying dogs as this year's Valentine's Day approaches.

After the Spring Festival, Kunming's dog market enjoyed flourishing business. A dog market close to Kunming's People's Victory Memorial Hall is packed with tens of stalls selling dogs together with over 100 dog lovers and buyers.

Ms. Li, a dog seller at the market, said that since it is the Year of the Dog this year, much more people come to buy dogs. After the Spring Festival, she can sell three or four dogs every day and even one or two dogs of high pedigree priced at over 200 yuan (US$24) on a good day.

Presenting dogs as a gift for the Valentine's Day in the Year of the Dog has dual connotations. According to a Mr. Zhao who has bought his girlfriend a Pomeranian, first, it embodies a prosperous Year of the Dog and a smooth relationship with his girlfriend. Second, because both Zhao and his girlfriend love dogs, they regard it special to have a dog as the Valentine's Day gift. He even named the dog "sweetheart" to express his deep love for his girlfriend.

(Chinanews.cn February 14, 2006)