Are you going to be buying something for your sweetheart or a loved one this year? Each year, millions of dollars are spent on flowers and candy. Even in this struggling economy, people are finding ways to spend money buying gifts that will fade, add a little poundage here and there, or soon be forgotten.

Here's my suggestion - why not spend a wee bit of cash helping an animal in need and donate it in the name of someone you love? Or sponsor an animal that needs help - there sure are plenty! I'm listing below 4 very worthwhile organizations that would benefit greatly from your kindness this Valentine's Day, but if you don't like my choices, I'm sure you can find a charity you prefer.

Times are tough ... gifts can be meaningful. Why not? Take a look ...

French Bulldog Rescue Network - the week I am putting this up, 21 new Frenchies came into rescue - that's in one week! Add to that 43 dogs fostered and not yet available for adoption, 8 hospice dogs, and 68 waiting for adoption, that's a LOT of Frenchies needing your help. Have a heart for these little cuties - visit FBRN and sponsor one, and let your sweetheart know which dog they helped.

Mylestone Equine Rescue - Help a horse who was in the greatest need ... once loved and abandoned, a victim of starvation, neglect or cruelty, on its way to auction, or already in the kill pen awaiting a trip to slaughter. Horses are big animals; hay and grain is expensive as is vet care. Give a Gift Sponsorship to someone you love and they'll receive a lovely card and photo of that horse. A sweet way to show you care. Visit Mylestone and take a look.

Kitty City, Animal Haven Farm and Popcorn Park Refuge - all are homes to cats, dogs and wildlife who were victims of abandonment, cruelty, exploitation, injury and abuse. The Share-A-Pet Program for cats and dogs, and Popcorn Park for exotics, wildlife, birds and farm animals each have many animals you can sponsor. Who do you know who wouldn't be thrilled to help support a tiger, a handicapped cat, a black bear or a dog who searched the rubble on 9/11 for his master. Your kindness shows when you give love to an animal ... visit Popcorn Park and help.

Kind Heart Rescue - Kind Heart has just that and rescues an animal often forgotten - the rabbit. Currenty, 34 adorable buns of all sizes and colors await homes, not to mention 2 special needs dogs. These sweethearts are only adopted as indoor house rabbits to live a safe and happy life. Most people aren't aware of how many bunnies are purchased and tossed away each year. You can help with a donation in any number of ways, because you're nobunny 'til somebunny loves you. See who you can help at Kind Heart and make your special somebunny happy.

As for me? I have no new items for Valentine's this year - maybe next year - just a dream of a better world for everyone and a thought as to how you and a loved one can make it happen. Happy Valentine's Day!