A reader points out that Huguenot Memorial Park on Heckscher Drive (A1A) in Jacksonville has implemented new pet rules this past summer. Pets used to be allowed in the park and on the beach, but are now allowed "only" in a small beachside area just north of the rock jetty. This area is shared with non-pet owners and is way too small. If this concerns you, please, contact your Jacksonville City Council members to request the pet area be expanded to an area sound-side.

Trying to stop smoking? Way to go! Just be careful - there's been an recent increase in poison reports about pets ingesting nicotine patches and gum.

According to a great advocacy group, Environmental Working Group, there are 8 times more companion dogs and cats in America than there are children under the age of five. And seventy percent more households have dogs or cats than children of any age.

Kudos to HELP Animals, Inc., a 5-year-old non-profit fundraising group for others working with animals. They have a low cost shot clinic every month, a spay/neuter program and they've worked to acquire oxygen masks for animals for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles in 49 U.S. states, Canada, England, New Zealand, and Iraq.

In case you missed this last month, The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 3501 and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. This Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet care expenses" - including veterinary care - for a legally owned, domesticated, live animal. You can read the bill here. If this excites you, please sign the petition here, ask your friends to sign the petition, and encourage your lawmakers to support the bill.

One of our readers reports on what may be a disturbing new trend at dog parks. While visiting Mary Brandon Park in West Palm Beach recently, her 11-year-old Australian shepherd was attacked by a pit bull puppy. The other dog's human did little to break up the fight until our reader screamed at him get his dog. "It was so weird that I gave the whole situation some serious thought," she said. "I am convinced that this was a 'fighting dog' in training. The guy seemed to want to see how the situation would 'play out.' Be on your guard. Even a harmless puppy can be a big problem. The guy was driving a black pick up truck. Watch out just in case I am right."

A vaccine to treat Canine H3N8 - dog flu - is now available. Read more about it on the CDC web site and ask your veterinarian if it's right for your dog.

I've traded links with My Pet Card which offers a way to get help with the cost of pet medications. Visit the web site for all the details.

Dog Scout Troops have formed in Broward, Duval and Orange counties. For more information about joining a Troop or starting a new one, visit Dog Scouts of America.

Poll question: The U.S. Marines have just announced they may follow the Army and outlaw pit bulls, Rottweilers, wolf hybrids, and mixes of those breeds, at any installation. Some cities in Florida have already done so. Do you agree with breed-specific bans? Give us your opinion by going here.

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.