A pet tax-exempt initiative has been put forth, and if passed, will allow animal owners to deduct as much as $3,500 from their 2010 tax returns for pet care expenses. The bill is cited as the `Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act’ spearheaded by actor/animal welfare activist Leo Grillo and Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI).
The findings by Congress to justify the bill:
(1) According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63 percent of United States households own a pet.
(2) The Human-Animal Bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people’s emotional and physical well-being.
A pet tax-exemption will also encourage owners to take better care of their animals, said Grillo. “Pet owners will have more discretionary income from which to do that, and we think there will be a demand for pets since they will be more affordable,” he added.
New bill could make dog owners very "HAPPY"
The New York headquarters of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals agrees. “Pet care can be expensive,” said Emily Brand, ASPCA’s national spokesperson. “And in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship.” Most owners spend an average of $800 each year caring for their pets.
Brand believes if owners are able to receive tax relief, “more pets [will] get to remain in their loving homes and [not] wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system,” she said. ASPCA celebrates Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month each October for good reason. (Newswire)
October 9th, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »
A new initiative at San Francisco City Hall was put forth by the Animal Control and Welfare Commision that would forbid landlords from discriminating against responsible pet owners looking for housing, and allow me to inhabit any rental unit in San Francisco that I want!
New proposal may allow for dogs in rental units throughout SF.
The same issue was brought up in 2006 which attempted to enact a mandate allowing landlords to charge tenants more rent as a motivation to have more pet-friendly housing, however it was rejected by the Board of Supervisors.
Since then, several of those members were not reappointed and the debate is open to discussion yet again. Currently, only 50% of San Francisco rental property allow pets, according to a commission member. According to one dog owner, “[t]he demand for apartments in San Francisco is so high, landlords know they can ban pets and still find tenants”. The hope is a mandate will be one big step in helping to stop the killing of stray animal.
Several groups representing landlords were present at Thursday’s meeting to oppose the mandate.
I've conquered humans of all sizes, now I am ready to take down SF landlords!
While many said they encourage building owners to allow pets and would be open to incentives , including a rent increase, however they felt a mandate was not the way to go since some pets can be dangerous and be a hazard to the building (in the form of damage to property) and other tenants (i.e. allergic reactions), causing unavoidable conflict.
No, not the Disney version. The real Balto is a Siberian husky “who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, in which diphtheria antitoxin was transported from Anchorage, Alaska to Nenana, Alaska by train and then to Nome by dog sled to combat an outbreak of the disease.” Pretty impressive for a dog who wasn’t considered to be a particularly good lead dog by his owner!
October 7th, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »
Reports from April 2009 showed my canine counterparts in Moscow are finding new ways to get around. A pack of stray dogs have mastered the art of riding the subway to get from their suburban dwellings to Moscow’s food center, and back home at the end of the day.
Biologists say dogs have [a] very nice sense of time which helps them not to miss their destination. Another skill they have is to cross the road on the green traffic light. “They don’t react on color, but on the picture they see on the traffic light”, Moscow scientist tells…
It’s funny but the ecologists studying Moscow stray dogs the dogs don’t miss a chance to get some play while on their travel in the subway. They are fond of jumping in the train just seconds before the doors shut closed risking their tails be jammed, [just for fun].
The hunt for shawarma
“The modern Russian dogs are on their urban hunt.” A regular day in Moscow for these dogs starts on busy streets filled with food kiosks and hungry patrons. Instinctively, some dogs sneaked up behind these unsuspecting customers, barking loudly in order to startle humans into dropping food to the ground. A repeatable tactic with rewarding results. This is quite a good idea! I will try this the next time I’m taking a stroll or see someone on the subway who’s eating a sandwich.
Waiting for the next train, this one looks to be full.
October 6th, 2009 by Obi, the wiener dog ambassador Comments »
Did you know us dogs sleep approximately 12 hours a day, sometimes more? There are many factors that cause my sleepiness (or as my owners call laziness) such as age, personality, breed and level of physical activity. But one main reason dogs choose to sleep is because they are bored.
I can sleep anywhere anytime
There exist many other factors causing dogs to sleep excessively. One that comes to mind is pamerping behavior from our owners. When dogs are given a comfortable and peaceful place to rest, such as on blankets, padded mats or doggie beds, they are more likely to sleep. Some dogs are even allowed to sleep on our owner’s bed, which when matched with a comfortable mattress and the ideal warm temperature, make the dog sleep soundly for a much longer time.
Note to humans; When you see a pooch resting peacefully, let him snooze. Us doggies have slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) phases. But unlike humans, we wake up more frequently. So, although it may seem like I am getting too much sleep, there are too many interruptions that prevent me from getting the beauty sleep I need.
Therefore, if your dog seems to be sleeping excessively, that’s normal. Just enjoy the quiet time until they’re back up again bugging you for a walk and food.
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Sniff is full of fascinating bits of science and dog lore. It will deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures. Playful and fun for the whole family – just the way the dogs would want it! Buy a DVD today! 10% of the proceeds benefit Guide Dogs for the Blind. SXSW Audience Award winner MINE tells the poignant and powerful story of animals left behind during Katrina, and of the struggles of hurricane victims to reunite with their beloved pets. A meditation on the essential bond between humans and animals – MINE is an equally compelling story about human nature and the power of compassion. Click here!
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The New York headquarters of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals agrees. “Pet care can be expensive,” said Emily Brand, ASPCA’s national spokesperson. “And in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship.” Most owners spend an average of $800 each year caring for their pets.
homes and [not] wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system,” she said. ASPCA celebrates Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month each October for good reason. (Newswire)
Sniff is full of fascinating bits of science and dog lore. It will deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures. Playful and fun for the whole family – just the way the dogs would want it!
Sandi - Dog trainer extraordinaire.
Tammy - :)