A dream come true: Tax deduction for Fido or Fluffy

My husband and I joke all the time about how cool it would be if we could claim our canine crew on our income taxes as "children with fur coats." No, we haven't tried it, but now it seems this is an idea whose time may just come - and soon.

Yes, you heard right. Someone in our government wants to give tax deductions to people with companion animals. It's called, "H.R.3501 - Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (Happy) Act." It's purpose is to "amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction, up to $3,500 per year, for pet care expenses (including veterinary care)."

The Happy Act was introduced July 30, 2009, by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI. I've never heard of this man, but I have quickly become a fan.

H.R. 3501 is now in the House Committee on Ways and Means, awaiting further review.

I will be closely following the progress of the Happy Act and so can you. Just go to the following site, register, and opt to track the bill at:
OpenCongress.org.

Note: Please pass the word about H.R. 3501 and write to your lawmakers and ask them to support the bill. Since over 60% of Americans have pets, chances are they have one or more themselves. And perhaps this would entice more people to adopt a pet in need and wouldn't that be beautiful?