Sugar, Patches, Candy, Kitty & Whitefoot, pictured above, have lost their loving human companion and are hoping for new forever homes soon. We've asked them to welcome you to the December issue of the NewsPetter, in hopes that love can once again come into their lives - perhaps with you?

Pet product warnings include a recent study that found lead in 25% of tested dog toys. Other pet items have their own problems. Before you stuff the holiday stockings, better read this.

Worth watching: The U.S. Supreme Court is getting involved in a Florida beach access case which argues the State can control any new land created with its own beach replenishment programs. Property owners have concerns about hot dog stands and the like popping up in front of their beachfront homes. Why should you care? Because, depending on the Court's decision, access to your favorite dog-friendly beach could also become compromised. We'll keep you updated.

Seeking a good vet? Read reviews from clients about various Florida veterinarians, their staff, and their business practices, or leave some of your own comments here.

If you live in Florida, Citizens for Pets in Condos Inc. would like you to contact your Florida state-level lawmakers and ask them to sponsor a bill that would require only a simple majority to change anti-pet rules in condos (and other types of association-run housing). If you have a personal story, share it with them and remind them that the Florida housing market will be helped by passing this bill.

You can help canine cancer research by donating recycled cell phones to the South Florida Chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Politicians aren't always full of it. Some of them do very good work for those who cannot speak for themselves. Find out which Florida lawmakers are pro-animal here. And be sure to let us know if we've left someone off our list.

Animal writer, Paulette Callen, announces the upcoming publication of her new book "Command of Silence." Paulette's reverence for the lives and spirits of animals is easy to relate to and enjoy.

Last month's "What's Your Opinion" question was, "Do you think children under the age of 12 should be allowed in dog parks?" Most readers said no, that both young children and dogs can be unpredictable and dog parks do not allow enough supervision to prevent accidents.

This month's question: What can be done to decrease the number of homeless animals? Please write me with your ideas.

New dog park alert: Auburndale just opened a 2-acre dog friendly area near the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex at the intersection of Berkeley Road and Denton Avenue. Open dawn to dusk, the dog park offers a large and small dog area, play equipment, waste receptacles, water and more.

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

That's it for this year. 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. Happy Holidays!

~ Patricia ~