Let's start with what could be the best news possible for people with pets - being able to claim them on our taxes! The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act H.R. 3501 - read the bill here - was recently introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet care expenses" - including veterinary care - for a legally owned, domesticated, live animal. If this excites you, please sign the petition here, ask your friends to sign the petition, and encourage your lawmakers to support the bill.

I'm on a quest to find durable, safe toys that can hold up to the year-old, very sturdy, very intelligent dachshund/mini-pin mix pup pictured above. Jazzy came to us via PetFinder and Voice4Pets.org in Savannah. Miss Jazz loves to play with our other dogs and the only toy that's held up so far is the rope tug. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Did you know that more than half of Americans who don't share life with a cat believe anyone who has more than one feline at home is a "crazy cat lady"? Announcing "Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness." The goal of the campaign is to give Americans a platform to share their stories of how they live their fulfilled life with multiple cats and help to redefine what it means to be a "cat lady - or man!" The contest for a grand prize of $5,000, a year's supply of Tidy Cats Scoop, and the chance to star in a Webisode is running now through September 11 at TidyCats.

A reader wants to know if anyone knows anything about a newly-opened dog park on Daniels Road in Ft. Myers, near the airport?

In what may be the first of its kind, the University of Florida will offer a veterinary forensics program starting in 2010 for vet students and those involved in the investigation and prosecution of animal abuse.

Listen up, non-profit animal groups! The Pet Chamber of Commerce is now providing free memberships to rescues and other humane groups. For more information, write to info@petchamberofcommerce.org and please mention "FloridaPets.net."

One of our readers has started a Pet Taxi service for the Northeast Florida area for guardians with busy schedules who need to get their pets from one point to another. "Auntie Spike" can carpool pets to and from events, locations and appointments, for a minimum fee. Auntie Spike is insured. She doesn't have a web site yet, but you can reach her at: bowwowmeow1@mchsi.com.

Danny Meek, Esq., our favorite dog-loving attorney from Naples, has written another great article for FloridaPets.net entitled, Power of Attorney for Your Pets .

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter where we're always dishing out pet-friendly treats.

That's it for this month. Thanks for continuing to "tail along" with FloridaPets.net. Please drop us a note anytime you have a comment or suggestion, or would like us to feature your pet or a pet-friendly event in your area.