The month of love is upon us and with Valentine’s Day looming it’s time to celebrate our one true love. But this year Lintbells, manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, are calling for dog owners to appreciate the love and companionship man’s best friend gives them every day.

Here are five reasons why a dog is all you need this Valentine’s Day.

They will always be happy to see you

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and being greeted by your dog who couldn’t be happier to see you, with their wet nose and wagging tail. When you walk through the door your dog won’t be waiting for you with a list of jobs, or to moan about their day. Your canine companions will always be happy to see you, whether they bound over to you, jump up, bark or even give you a kiss, it can sometimes be just the lift you need after a bad day.

They are always loyal

Dogs aren’t known as ‘man’s best friend’ for no reason; it is in their nature to be truly loyal to their owners. There is no worry about your pet pooch leaving your side! And due to their empathic communication skills they have an understanding like no other animal. They can sense your emotions and can tell when you are feeling sad or worried and will be right by your side to comfort you.

Dogs will always make you laugh

For many of us a GSOH (good sense of humour) is incredibly important when it comes to potential romantic partners, but our four legged friends can also provide us with lots of laughs. Whether they’re chasing their tail, barking at dogs on the TV, or finding amusement from an old tennis ball, you can always rely on your dog to make you laugh. Their unpredictable, sometimes goofy antics and even human like behaviour and expressions will always guarantee to put a smile on your face.

They’re the perfect travel buddy

We know they are loyal and can always make us smile when we need it, so why not turn your furry best friend into your travel partner as well. With the right preparation and research a getaway with your pooch can be easier than ever – and you know they will always be free! No more waiting to getaway while your partner struggles to book time off work. With your dog you can enjoy long walks on the beach, explore beautiful outdoor landscapes or even pay a visit to the nearest dog friendly pub. They can make the perfect travel companion, plus they won’t argue with you when you need to ask for directions.

They are good for your health and wellbeing

Last, but by no means least, our canine companions can be hugely beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Owning a dog is linked to lowering blood pressure, they can also help to reduce stress levels and spending time with a furry friend can help to lower anxiety, not always the case with your human mates. A survey carried about by Lintbells, of 1000 dog owners; found that 86 per cent of people believed having a dog can help to bring down stress levels. As well as this, with all the regular exercise dogs need, they can help to keep you fit and active and even help with weight loss.

Macao will soon be filled with the colourful sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as it welcomes the 'Year of the Dog'. From 16 February, Macao's bustling city streets will be transformed with sparkling lanterns and decorations, ready for the week-long festive period, the most important and colourful festival in Macao's events calendar. Excited crowds will be wowed with show-stopping parades, cultural performances and breathtaking firework displays.

The festive programme begins with the Golden Dragon and Lion Parade on 16 February, when a 238-metre golden dragon and 18 lions will lead a parade from the iconic Ruins of St Paul's past some of Macao's most famous sites, finishing at Sai Van Lake Square. On 16 and 17 February lucky red 'lai see' packets will be given out to residents and visitors by tourism mascots and ambassadors, while artistic groups from across Europe and Asia will perform around the city, enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.

The highlight events of the festivities are the two Parades for Celebration of the Year of the Dog, which take place on the third and ninth days of Chinese New Year (18 and 24 February) when illuminated floats and over 1000 performers from around the world make their way through the city's atmospheric streets and plazas. The first parade begins with an opening ceremony at Sai Van Lake Square and culminates in a firework display in front of the Macau Tower. The second parade runs from Rua Norte do Patane to Iao Hon Market Garden, where there will be cultural performances from local singers.

Throughout the festive period, crowds will visit the city's many temples to ask for blessings for the Lunar New Year, while fresh flowers, potted plants and bouquets are given as gifts for good luck. Temporary flower markets spring up across the city selling “auspicious” plants such as mandarin trees and bamboo stems, as well as pussy willow, cherry and plum blossoms, and orchids.

Another indispensable feature of the Chinese New Year celebrations are fireworks and firecrackers, whose loud cracking noises are used to scare away evil spirits; two designated areas are set up for people to buy and set them off in safety.

Chinese New Year is just one highlight in an exciting calendar of events in Macao, from traditional Portuguese and Chinese festivals reflecting the destination's unique heritage, to more contemporary sporting and arts events.

This year marks 100 years since Parliament passed a law allowing the first women and all men in the UK to vote.

To celebrate this milestone the City of Wolverhampton Archives and Wolverhampton Art Gallery are hosting two exhibitions and a talk to explore how the change in legislation transformed the lives of women and how the women of Wolverhampton played a significant part in the fight for women’s right to vote.

Running until Saturday, March 24, Votes for Women, is on at the City Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF.

It looks at the contribution of women from Wolverhampton in the fight to gain the vote.

The exhibition is free and showcases historical documentation, and imagery of the women involved in this triumph.

Visitors can see Votes for Women during the City Archives’ opening times on Wednesdays (1pm - 7pm), Thursdays and Fridays (10am - 4pm) and Saturdays (10am - 1pm).

At Wolverhampton Art Gallery, on Thursday, March 8, emerging academic and art historian Hannah Squire will give an illustrated International Women’s Day Talk about the forthcoming exhibition Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality, celebrating the city’s Suffrage campaigners, factory workers, women artists and activists, and their part in the national movement for gender equality.

The talk will take place from 11am to noon, and costs £2 per person.

Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality opens at the Lichfield Street gallery on Saturday, May 26, and admission to the exhibition is free.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am delighted the city archives and gallery are highlighting the huge part the people of Wolverhampton played in securing the right to vote for women.

“I would urge everyone to go along to these fabulous exhibitions. Not only is it a chance to learn more about this critical moment in history, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the determination and strength of those involved in the fight.”

February is LGBT history month, and this year Haringey Council will be marking it by catching up with some of those making a difference in the borough.

From charity work to fantastic school achievements and even a Mustang being transformed into a unicorn, they'll bring you some inspiring LGBT+ stories from Haringey.

The borough has the eighth highest LGBT+ community in London and has a proud LGBT+ rights history, including community marches in the 80s in support of the gay community, and great work from local politicians to campaign for LGBT equality, including the successful scrapping of Section 28 (which banned councils from promoting homosexuality) and support for gay marriage.

The council is also currently putting together proposals to further Haringey’s commitment to being an LGBT+ inclusive borough.

As part of LGBT History Month in Haringey, you can expect to hear from Zenith Motorcycles owner Karen Neill, the Wise Thoughts charity, Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing Cllr Alan Strickland, Woodside High School and Haringey Police. We are also holding staff events to promote LGBT+ equality within the council.

Check out their page to learn more about LGBT History Month in Haringey, and look out for updates and interviews on their culture pages throughout February.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Eugene Ayisi, said:Haringey’s diversity is one of its brilliant strengths and I’m really pleased we are able to highlight some of the people who are making a real difference in our borough as part of LGBT History Month. As a council we are proud of Haringey’s inclusivity and are committed to doing all that we can to promote this across the borough.

Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back – and it’s asking people to bust their best moves in support of their local Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 3 March in Kings Heath, the event will allow dance enthusiasts to strut their stuff for six continuous hours to help raise vital funds for the charity.

From BollyTone to Clubbercise, SwingTrain to Freestyle, participants will have the chance to groove their way through six different styles of dance, with experts on hand to lead the way.

Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Let’s Danceathon is a really lively and energetic event in which participants of all abilities are welcome – whether you’re a complete beginner or a dancing queen. We’ve got a great mix of different dances to suit everyone, so it’s a fun way to get active, experiment with new styles and find a dance you love.”

This is the second Let’s Danceathon that Birmingham St Mary’s has hosted, with last year’s event quickly selling out to 200 participants. It raised over £23,000 for the Hospice, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

Lucy added: “It costs £8million to run our crucial services every year, so we truly rely on the generous support of local people to ensure we can continue to provide the best hospice care to individuals, their families, loved ones and carers, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Let’s Danceathon takes place from 3.30pm to 11pm at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys. Early bird tickets start from £10 and can be booked at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/lets-danceathon

Three new arrivals are attracting the crowds at Forge Mill Farm in Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich.

Victoria, Beth and Polly the Jersey cows have moved in and visitors are invited to go along to meet them and see them being milked.

The ladies, who are on loan from Sheldon Country Park, can be seen being milked at 11am every day.

And their delicious milk – they produce around seven litres each a day – should soon be on sale at the farm shop.

Cabinet member Councillor Paul Moore said: “The Jersey cows are another great addition to Forge Mill Farm.

“We have some more new arrivals on the way as we have sheep, goats and pigs on the farm about to give birth.

“Spring is a great time to visit both Forge Mill and Sandwell Park Farms.”

Admission to Forge Mill Farm is free, with a small charge for admission and some activities during school holidays.

The farm also offers educational visits for schools at Sandwell Valley aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2.

They include woodland walks including hunting for and identifying mini beasts, pond-dipping, farm visits and learning about the production of homegrown produce in the Victorian gardens.

The school visits take place from May to July and can be booked by 0121 569 3070.

Neighbouring RSPB Sandwell Valley, located just off the Newton Road in Great Barr, also offers educational visits designed to give primary school pupils hands-on learning experiences whilst having fun and making memories.