Idea 1: If the pet is buried in the back yard, a memorial garden marker is fitting. Cremation memorials store the cremated ashes of the pet in a sculpture such as a rock, angel, or likeness of the animal. Cremation grave markers can be laser engraved with the name, birth date, date of death, and a sentimental phrase. Pet monuments, grave markers, and headstones are used with burial in a pet cemetery or the garden.

Idea 2: Cremation necklaces and pendants feature a small compartment that holds some cremated ashes of the pet. Pawprint jewelry features a print of one toe on the animal’s paw. Some pendants are laser engraved with a photo of the cherished pet. This jewelry makes a nice gift for pet owners who want to carry the animal with them.

Idea 3: If a child is having trouble dealing with the loss of a pet, the Comfort Cub may be the perfect gift. This cuddly keepsake teddy bear from Gund features an urn that holds a small amount of ashes. Little ones can snuggle with the teddy at night, knowing that their animal friend is with them.

Idea 4: A black and white or ceramic picture of the pet captures the animal at its finest. Colors are baked on, providing lifetime durability. Pictures are available in a variety of sizes and different optional frames. An adhesive backing creates a permanent display.

Idea 5: A blanket or afghan featuring a photo of the pet is the perfect way to snuggle together forever. This attractive covering can even be embroidered or imprinted with the pet’s name and a special message.

You will need:

• Bucket
• Drill
• Drill bits
• 4 hose clamps
• level
• Pipe-wrap tape
• Slip-joint pliers
• Adjustable wrench

Step 1: Remove an existing dishwasher by unplugging it and turning off power to the appliance at the circuit breaker. Locate the dishwasher water supply valve, which is usually under the sink, and shut this off. If you are unable to find this valve, turn off the main water supply to the home and drain the pipes by opening a faucet.

Step 2: if the dishwasher does not have its own shutoff valve, install one. Shut off the main water supply valve to the house. Disconnect the water supply tube to the sink from this valve and drain the tube into a bucket. Use the wrench to unscrew the valve from the supply nipple. Wind some pipe-wrap tape around the threads on the nipple, and then screw the dual-outlet valve onto the nipple.

Step 3: Install the air gap for the dishwasher into an adequately sized hole in the top of the sink. Use the slip-joint pliers to secure the air gap with a locknut at the top. Push the air gap cover into place.

Step 4: Position the dishwasher near the opening under the counter. Drill holes in the back corner of the cabinet for the sink base to feed the power cord, supply tube, and hose through. Push these items through the holes.

Step 5: Walk the new dishwasher into place, taking care not to tangle or pinch the tube, cord, and hose.

Step 6: Reconnect the sink supply tube to the newly installed dual-outlet valve. Connect the flexible dishwasher supply tube to the second outlet on the valve. Connect the other end of the tube to the inlet on the dishwasher. Use the wrench to tighten both connections.

Step 7: Slip a hose clamp onto both ends of the short drain hose that runs from a garbage disposal to the large outlet on the new air gap. Cinch these clamps with the pliers so they are tight. Follow the same process for the long drain hose, installing one end on the small air gap outlet and the other on the drain fitting located at the dishwasher base.

Step 8: Adjust the front feet of the dishwasher to level. Align the dishwasher with the countertop and cabinets. Screw the dishwasher in underneath the counter according to the product instructions.

Step 9: Turn on the main water supply and check for any leaks. If none are found, plug in the new dishwasher.

You will need:

• Level
• Pipe-wrap tape for gas connections
• Stainless-steel connector
• Wrench
• Dishwashing detergent
• Water
• Small container
• Duct tape
• Metal duct piping (straight and elbow sections)
• ¾-inch sheet metal screws
• Drill

Step 1: All types of clothes dryers require an electrical connection to run the motor. A gas dryer uses a standard 120-volt receptacle, while an electric dryer requires a 240-volt receptacle to also power the heat. When installing a gas dryer, the gas supply line and appliance vent must be connected. Begin by turning off the circuit breaker for the dryer and closing the gas pipe valve.

Step 2: Position the dryer and set the level on top of it, then adjust the feet on the front of the dryer to level the appliance.

Step 3: Turn off the gas at the shutoff valve. Wrap gas connection pipe-wrap tape around the gas supply pipe threads. Place the connector on the pipe and tighten it with the wrench. Thread the gas supply pipe onto this connector and tighten it, then thread the other end onto the gas valve on the dryer and tighten that.

Step 4: Turn on the gas. Mix dishwashing detergent with water in a 50-50 solution and dab this on the connections made in Step 3. Look for bubbles, which indicate a leak. If any bubbles appear, tighten the relevant connection with the wrench and continue to test and tighten until no bubbles are seen.

Step 5: Fit the metal duct pipe onto the dryer vent connector located in the wall, which should vent outdoors. Run this piping to the vent outlet on the dryer using straight pipe and elbows as needed. To secure the vent pipe, drill the sheet metal screws through this pipe and into the flanges. Wrap all pipe joints with the duct tape.

Step 6: Plug the electrical cord into a 120-volt outlet. Turn on the dryer and let it run for a minute to make sure it operates properly. Turn the dryer off and push it into place, leaving several inches on each side of the appliance for air circulation.

Idea 1: Many dogs love to play fetch so they will have hours of fun with an automatic fetch machine. Just load tennis balls into the machine, plug it in, and watch it pitch the balls for your dog to chase or catch. If you have an outdoor cat that likes to fetch, it may also like using this machine. You may even be able to teach your pet to load balls into the machine.

Idea 2: In our country, obesity is an epidemic for both humans and dogs. While you are walking or running on a treadmill, why not let your dog run on its own model? This exercise equipment is a miniature version of what humans use and comes in different sizes to accommodate different sized dogs. Some feature conveyor belts powered by the dog’s walking movement, while others are automatic and motorized. Cats can also use the automatic version if you can train them to stay on the tread belt.

Idea 3: Some dogs and cats love to get dressed up so why not buy them some funky accessories and clothing. Punk rock collars, leashes, and clothes make your pet look like a rocker. What dog or cat would not want to wear a hoodie featuring a skull and crossbones?!

Idea 4: Cleaning up dog poop is not the most enjoyable part of being a pet owner. The Doody Digger makes this task more convenient. It can be operated with one hand, keeps hands clean, and requires minimal bending. The shoveled end picks up the feces without damaging the grass. Invert the unit to transport the waste from the shovel to a removable bag at the other end of a tube. Simply slide the bag off the o-ring, tie it, and dispose of it in the trash.

Step 1: Select the recipient for the Valentine poem. It can be a best friend, someone you just began dating, a spouse, or another important person. Select someone who you know something about so you can write about him or her accurately.

Step 2: If you want to minimize your work, play off the old “roses are red, violets are blue” theme. Change the words to express a humorous or more sentimental feeling. For example, “Irises are purple, orchids are white. I feel so special when you hold me tight.”

Step 3: Find words that rhyme, which is not as difficult as it seems. Compose a phrase or sentence and then look for other words that rhyme with the last word in it. For example, “awhile” rhymes with “smile.” You can rhyme the first and second lines, the first and third and second and forth lines, or create other rhyming patterns. However, do not get so caught up in rhyming that the process becomes stressful. The poem should be cute and express emotions.

Step 4: Stick to the same theme so the words flow rather than jumping from one subject to the next. This is easier when you choose concepts that you can write a lot about, such as the time you spend together.

Step 5: There is no set limit on words or number of lines. Decide how much or how little you want to say. If the relationship is new, it may be better to keep the poem short.

Step 6: Do not worry about writing like Shakespeare. Keep things genuine and in the tone of your relationship. If you always joke around with your love but the poem is extremely serious, it will not seem authentic.

Step 7: Proofread the poem several times to make sure it flows and all words are spelled correctly.

You will need:

• Utility knife
• Setting type joint compound (drywall mud)
• Fast-drying setting compound
• Pre-mixed vinyl compound
• Drywall knife
• Paper tape
• Spackle

Step 2: Mix the setting type joint compound according to the manufacturer instructions. This type is preferred because it dries hard and has less cracking and shrinking. Spread it over the crack with the drywall knife. Fill in the crack and the area immediately surrounding it, flattening the compound against the wall as much as possible.

Step 3: Apply the paper tape to the crack. This reinforces the area, helping to prevent it from re-cracking. Press the tape against the crack with the drywall knife. Let the area dry.

Step 4: Apply a coat of fast-drying setting compound to the patch with the drywall knife, feathering it by covering a wider area and pressing on the edge of the spreading tool. Be sure to cover both sides of the tape. Allow this to dry for 40 minutes.

Step 5: Apply a finishing coat of pre-mixed vinyl compound with the drywall knife and immediately remove it from the area, a process called skimming. This will not bleed through the paint, so it is best to use as the final coat. Do not allow too much buildup or the repaired area will show when the wall is painted.

Step 6: Repaint the entire wall.

For heartstrings, you will need:

• Beads
• Needle (small enough to pass through bead holes)
• Cardboard tube
• Embroidery thread
• Red paint
• Paintbrush
• Pushpin
• Scissors

Step 1: Cut the cardboard tube in half with the scissors. Paint the inside and outside of the tubes with red paint and let the tubes dry.

Step 2: Flatten each half of the tubes and cut each one into one-inch wide pieces. Push one of the creased sides toward the center of the tube, creating a heart. Do this for each piece.

Step 3: Use the pushpin to pierce a hole in the bottom and top of each heart.

Step 4: Thread the embroidery thread into the needle. Tie a knot at the end of the thread. Slide the needle through a bead and push the bead to the knotted end of the thread. Loop the needle back from the bottom to the top of the bead, pushing it through the bead again.

Step 5: Thread a heart on the needle and add another bead above this, following the looping process in Step 4.

Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to create a long strand of beads and hearts. Hang across a window frame or doorway.

For lollipop hearts, you will need:

• Green and red construction paper
• Lollipops
• Glue stick
• Scissors

Step 1: Cut out a heart from red construction paper, making it slightly larger than a lollipop. Use the glue stick to glue the heart to the back portion of the lollipop wrapper.

Step 2: Fold the green construction paper in half. Starting at the folded edge, cut a leaf shape with the scissors. Leave the two sides of the leaf attached at the paper seam.

Step 3: Unfold the leaf, coat its inner surface with glue, and fold the paper around the stem of the lollipop, pressing the two glued sides together to secure them. Follow the same process to create and secure a second leaf to the lollipop stem, below or above the first one.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each lollipop.

You will need:

• Bucket
• Flathead screwdriver (for certain types of water heaters)

Step 1: Locate the temperature setting dial on the water heater. If the appliance is gas-powered, this is a knob located on the gas valve. If the water heater is electric, the thermostat is located behind a panel.

Step 2: Turn the temperature dial to between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces energy use and keeps the water tank from overheating.

Step 3: The temperature and pressure relief valve is located on the side of the water heater. This valve is important to both operation and safety of the water heater. Place a bucket underneath the drain tube coming from this valve. Test the valve by lifting the lever up a portion of the way. Let go of the lever so it snaps back into place. A gurgling sound will be heard as the vale releases water into the drain tube. After the water stops flowing into the bucket, empty the bucket into a sink. If the valve does nothing when operated, it is malfunctioning and should be replaced.

Step 4: To prevent corrosion and rusting and improve the operating efficiency of the water heater, a mini flush is recommended to remove sediment from the bottom of the water tank. The most effective approach is to a full draining and flush but this is labor-intensive. A mini-flush is less work and does not require shutting down your water heater.

Put the bucket under the drain valve located at the bottom of the water tank. The valve will have either a handle or a short stem featuring a slot. With the second type, you will need a flat screwdriver to do the mini flush. Turn the drain valve counterclockwise, nearly filling the bucket with water. Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to close it. Empty the bucket into a sink.

For pineapple salsa, you will need:

• 2 pickled slices of jalapeno pepper, deseeded and chopped finely
• 1 medium tomato, cubed
• ½ cup canned or fresh pineapple chunks
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Non-reactive small sauce pan
• Stove

Step 1: Put the ingredients into the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes on a burner set to low heat. Cool and then refrigerate until the salmon has been prepared.

For maple-glazed salmon, you will need:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• Non-reactive measuring cup or bowl
• Spoon
• Resealable plastic bag
• Grill basket (if using outdoor grill)
• Grill

Step 1: Put the salmon fillets into a plastic bag. Combine the remaining ingredients in the measuring cup or bowl. Pour this marinade into the bag and refrigerate for between 1 and 24 hours.

Step 2: Apply cooking spray to the grill basket and put the salmon into the basket (or use an indoor grill without a basket) with the skin side down. Flip after cooking for 2 or 3 minutes. Cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until the salmon reaches the desired level of doneness.

Step 3: Spoon the pineapple salsa onto one side of the plated salmon.

You will need:

• 2×4 boards
• Lumber
• Plywood
• Shims
• 3-panel pre-hung door
• Silicone caulk
• Ten-penny finish nails
• Trim
• Plumb bob
• Level
• Hammer
• Reciprocating saw

Step 1: Remove the housing wrap to determine where the wall sheeting ends. If this stops at your floor, make vertical cuts in the middle of it with the reciprocating saw. Cut through nails on each side and remove each of the sections. Trim the excess sheeting and drywall and ensure that the lines are even down to your sub-floor.

Step 2: To accommodate your new entryway, you must frame the bottom and top of the opening. Install a 2×4 plate across your sub-floor and frame down your top header with two 2x4s. This will lower the opening to correspond with the new door dimensions.

Step 3: To bring the 2x4s flush with the remaining framing, add a plywood strip to the face of them.

Step 4: Apply silicone caulk to the face of the door opening and on the bottom plate. Have someone help you set the door into place. Check for level and plumb. If the door is not level, use shims to level it.

Step 5: Use ten-penny finish nails to secure the new door to the door frame, nailing through the molding into the house stud framework.

Step 6: Dress out the overhead area by adding a ripped 1×4 as trim for the plywood.

Step 7: If the exterior of the home is brick, finish the area around the door by setting new bricks, applying some mortar, and dressing the joints. The mortar color will look different initially but after it is fully cured, it will blend in with the existing mortar.

Idea 1: If the budget is small, consider greeting cards or stationery. You can design cards yourself by taking a cute photo of the cat and adding it to a greeting card design template from an online printer. For stationery, put a thumbnail of the photo in the header or create a paw print border. Upload the file to the printer and you will have your cards or letterhead within approximately one week.

Idea 2: Cat-themed jewelry is another thoughtful gift that is not always expensive. Gold, silver, or enameled cat earrings will get a lot of wear. A cat pin is the perfect accent to a jacket or sweater. If you are creative, purchase a plain bracelet and some cat charms and make a cat-themed charm bracelet. A sterling silver charm on a necklace also makes a nice gift.

Idea 3: Cat lovers often incorporate a feline theme into their home décor. These folks will love cat-themed flags, doormats, and afghans. Look for an item featuring a similar looking cat and the person will think the gift was special ordered. Some companies will create afghans from a photograph so you can make a custom throw from a photograph of the kitty with its owner.

Idea 4: A true fan of cats will love paw print-themed reading glasses. These adorable black glasses feature white or multicolored paw prints on the frame and come with a matching glass case.

Idea 5: If kitty and its owner spend serious time in the kitchen, electric stove knobs featuring cat-themed designs are the perfect gift. Images include a cat portrait, kitty paw prints, a mouse, and the word “meow.”

You will need:

• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Reciprocating saw
• Level
• Screwdriver (optional)
• Junction box (optional)
• Mask
• Gloves
• Pencil

Step 1: Locate the window to be converted and determine the type of door to use. Draw different designs on paper or use a computer design program that allows you to change doorway images with the click of a mouse. You may even be able to upload a photograph of the area so you can see exactly how the finished project will look.

Step 2: Remove the future from the room. Remove the window treatments, including blinds.

Step 3: Use the utility knife to score the paint on the window trim at the location where the trim and wall meet. Also, score in each 45-degree corner. Use the pry bar to carefully pry off the top piece of window molding, followed by the sides. Inflict as little damage on the surrounding walls as possible.

Step 4: With the knife, score along the top and in the corners of the window baseboard. This board has mitered corners so use the reciprocating saw to cut it down the middle. Use the pry bar to pull the baseboard loose. Lift the baseboard up and pull it out from under the window. During this process, try not to damage the baseboard because this piece will be reused.

Step 5: Put on the mask and gloves. Use the level and pencil to mark your wall at the bottom of the window on both sides. Cut through the drywall in this area with the knife, break it up, and pull it off in several large pieces. Remove the insulation because this will not be needed.

Step 6: If an electrical outlet is located in this area, turn off the power to it and remove the socket and electric box with the screwdriver. Push the wires through the floor to your basement. Join these wires in a junction box in an accessible spot.

You will need:

• 1 cup frozen or fresh raspberries, thawed
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 10 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces store-bought biscotti, broken to form pieces
• Crème fraiche or whipped cream
• 8 to 9-inch fluted tart pan
• Food processor
• 2 bowls
• Medium size stainless steel bowl
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Offset spatula
• Wire rack
• Strainer
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tart pan within easy reach.

Step 2: Put the biscotti pieces into the food processor and process them until they are finely ground. Transfer the crushed biscotti to a bowl. Add melted butter and stir ingredients to combine them. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of your tart pan. Bake until golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and cool it completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the raspberry sauce by placing the thawed raspberries into the food processor and pulsing until they are broken into pieces. Set the strainer over a bowl and pour the raspberries into the strainer. Press the raspberries gently to extract the juices. Add granulated sugar to taste. Reserve 1/3 cup of this raspberry sauce for the truffle.

Step 4: Put the chopped chocolate into the stainless steel bowl. Pour the cream into the saucepan and heat it on a burner set to medium heat. As soon as it reaches boiling, pour it over the chocolate and allow this to stand until melted, about 5 minutes. Stir until smooth, using the mixing spoon.

Step 5: Stir in the 1/3 cup raspberry sauce. Pour this chocolate filling into the crust and use the spatula to smooth the top. Cover the tart with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight.

Step 6: Serve with crème fraiche or whipped cream, additional raspberry sauce, and raspberries.

You will need:

• Trash compactor
• Circuit breaker
• Liquid household cleanser
• Water
• Bucket
• Cardboard
• Soft cloths
• Pliers
• Scissors or utility knife
• Saw (for cabinet installation)
• Smoothing plane (for cabinet installation)
• Safety goggles (for cabinet installation)

Step 1: Select a location for the trash compactor. It should be located near an electrical outlet. If the appliance will be placed inside a kitchen cabinet, find a model that fits into the available space. During a remodel, choose a trash compactor based on the dimensions of the new countertop and cabinets.

Step 2: If you have the skills, install a separate circuit breaker for this appliance. A 60-Hz, 115-volt fused electrical supply is required. If you cannot install the circuit breaker yourself, have a professional do it.

Step 3: A compactor installed in an existing cabinet usually requires about 6 inches of free space on the right side, 25 inches on the front, and enough room on the countertop for a trim kit. This is where the carpentry tools come into play. In addition, make sure the back of the cabinet features an electrical outlet and install a circuit breaker.

Step 4: Remove the tape and protective packaging material from the outside of the trash compactor. Put a piece of cardboard under the bottom of the compactor to prevent the base of the appliance from damaging flooring when moved. Mix the liquid household cleanser and water in a bucket, dip the cloth in the solution, and use it to remove any waxy residue. Dry the appliance with another cloth. Plug the power cord into the back of the compactor.

Step 5: Adjust the appliance toe plate to accommodate the floor area. Cut along the designated line with the scissors or a knife. Adjust the compactor height in relation to the height of the kitchen cabinet by using the pliers to adjust the leveling feet so the appliance is ¼-inch lower than the cabinet height. Make sure the compactor is off, plug the cord into the electric socket, and slide the appliance into place.

You will need:

• 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cups carob chips
• ½ cup chicken or beef broth
• ¼ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Rolling pin
• Large bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Cookie sheets
• Waxed paper
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave
• Oven

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Combine the applesauce, egg, honey, broth, oil, and molasses in the large bowl. Stir in the flour gradually.

Step 3: If the dough is too stiff, add some water. If it is too runny, add more flour.

Step 4: Flour a flat work surface and roll the dough out to ¼-inch thick with the rolling pin.

Step 5: Use the cookie cutter to cut treats out of the dough. Lightly grease the cookie sheets with cooking oil and place the treats on the sheets. Bake treats until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.

Step 6: Put the carob chips into the microwave-safe bowl and melt them in the microwave, following the product instructions.

Step 7: Dip one half of each cookie heart into melted carob. Put the cookies on the waxed paper and allow them to sit until the carob has set.

Step 8: Put the cookies into a basket and present this to your pooch on Valentine’s Day. Watch the pup pull a cookie from the basket with its teeth and enjoy the healthy treat.