The Happy Act - Rewarding Pet Owners With $3,500

The simplest concepts in life tend to be the most beautiful. I do things for and with my dog for one simple reason - it makes me happy to see him happy. Really, that’s love in its purest form, completely unconditional. I’m not looking for a payback, even though I get one. You see, loving a pet is like performing a random act of kindness everyday, one that goes full circle and never ends. The happiness I give to him, he gives right back to me. That is my payback. But let’s be honest, caring for a pet has a price tag, there is a payout. If you read my post titled "Love Don’t Cost A Thing" you know just how pricey loving my pooch can sometimes be! The pet industry is a staggering $43 billion business! That’s $43 billion a year! So I know I’m not the only one shelling out big bucks for food, treats, toys, health care and swanky pet resorts in lieu of standard outdoor cement kenneling.

It’s no surprise that 63% of United States households own a pet. The human-animal bond has been shown to have a positive effect upon people's emotional and physical well being. In families with children, pets help to create a nurturing environment and provide ample educational opportunities. For people in later stages of life, pets offer important companionship. No matter the age of the owner, pets have been shown to reduce stress, safeguard against depression, improve social skills, and even ease loss.

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend. But they are so much more than just your four-legged BFF. Just the other day I read about a dog that served alongside his owner/fellow soldier in the Iraq war. Then when his master became injured and returned home, the dog didn’t stop working. The loyal canine not only became a service dog to the injured soldier, but his therapy dog as well, helping him cope with the anxiety and panic attacks brought on by post traumatic stress disorder. You tell me that isn’t a duo that deserves a break in life! So when I heard about a new bill being proposed called the Happy Act, I started to wag my tail!

(HR 3501 IH) The Happy Act, which stands for Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, is a bill that would allow pet owners to deduct up to $3,500 off their yearly taxes for qualified pet care expenses. And in today's crappy economy, who couldn’t use an extra $3,500 in their pocket? Although the best part of all is that this will actually save pet’s lives! How you ask? Well think about it. Money is tight for everyone these days and the sad truth is that many people who are struggling to stay afloat look at their pet as an extra "unneeded" (ouch, that word makes me cringe) expense. They see their beloved pet as disposable income and simply dispose of them. That is why so many animal shelters are becoming overrun with unwanted, or rather unaffordable, pets. Pets are being put to sleep everyday and it’s simply heartbreaking. So if the Happy Act can’t help struggling pet owners deal with the cost associated with properly caring for a pet, I’m all for it!

I honestly think this will help keep our four-legged friends in our families where they belong. Where they can be properly cared for, live long and be loved like the perfect furry companions that they are. Because everyone deserves to be happy, even a dog.

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