Many of us can't live without our furry, four-legged friends. Whether our pet is a cat, dog or hamster, these creatures need to eat, and Petco is having a storewide sale to assist pet owners during February.

With their Petco P.A.L.S. discount card, shoppers can receive savings on dozens of items including dog and cat food, biscuits, treats, litter, cages and aquariums. For instance, the store offers $8 off Hill's Science Diet dog or cat food and 15 percent off Nutri Dent Dental Chews.

If you've been searching for a pet, there are also discounts on guinea pigs, parakeets and community fish. The sale ends Feb. 21.

PetSmart also has a sale for 15 percent off many varieties of pet food and 20 percent off cat litter boxes, scoops and mats. Customers must present their PetPerks Savings Card. The promotion ends Feb. 23.

Pets are entertaining because they seem to have a personality all their own. If your pet is anything like my family's dog, it has preferences about its food choices. To find good prices and not skimp on the taste or nutrition value, make an effort to search for deals. When you find a good deal, stock up while prices are low.

Shoppers can find deals on pet food and treats at Dollar General Store, Big Lots, Wal-Mart and grocery stores, such as Kroger. I've even heard that some people make their own pet treats to reduce their costs.

The newspaper is a great place to find coupons on pet products.

If you've been cutting back on grooming or veterinarian visits because money is tight, perhaps you could negotiate a discount with the facility, especially if you've been a loyal customer.

COUPON OF THE WEEK: Today's editions of The Augusta Chronicle have $183.35 in coupon savings. In the Valassis coupon book, with the Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the cover, you'll find a coupon to save $4 on any adult Zyrtec (30 count or larger). The manufacturer's coupon expires May 8.

RECAP

If you missed The Pinch last week, here are some highlights:

WIN FREE RENT: The Traditions at Augusta, an apartment community at 3722 Walton Way Extension, is giving away $1,000 in rent, according to apartment management. Tenants can register to win if they move in this month.

FREE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TICKETS: Want to see the Harlem Globetrotters in action? Buy a pair of glasses with Transitions lenses from America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and receive two free tickets.

For a limited time and while ticket supplies last, Augusta customers will receive two tickets to the March 6 Globetrotters game, in addition to a free eye exam when purchasing two pairs of eyeglasses and adding Transitions lenses to at least one pair.

Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays -- helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes, according to a news release.

AQUARIUM DISCOUNTS: The South Carolina Aquarium offers a $10 flat rate admission during the entire month of February.

The aquarium's "Sea and Save" promotion allows South Carolina residents access to the South Carolina Aquarium with a savings of $7 off adult admission.

The offer is only available to South Carolina residents with valid proof of residency and might not be combined with any other offer. It expires Feb. 28. For more information, call (843) 577-3474 (FISH).