URGENT CALL TO ACTION -- from Judy Parisi, Editor-in-Chief:  I have seen many blogs and forums on the internet ridiculing Congressman McCotter for introducing this bill to help pet guardians.  I promised Rep. McCotter that I would do everything I could to help support this bill.  While thankful, he said it will be a "steeply uphill battle."  Please join me in this battle, as well as the more than 29,000 others who have signed the petition and told our representatives that we support Congressman McCotter and want them to pass this very important bill.  CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE.

ABOUT THE BILL:  Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan) has introduced H.R. 3501, referred to as the "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act" which would allow pet owners to take a tax deduction of up to $3,500  yearly for qualified pet care expenses. Read more...

We showed you Tarra and Bella - the elephant and the dog who are best friends.  Now check out these great photos of other unusual animal pals.  Click here to see slideshow. (Photo: Telegraph.co.uk)

Happy Ending - Dakota is in Her New Home! -- As of September 2009, Dakota has a new home!  It has been a long and arduous journey for Dakota and all of us who have been rooting for her, but it seems there is a happy ending.  The Jessamine County SAVE Center, where Dakota was held for months, posted the following notice on their website:   "After a lengthy stay at the SAVE Center, Dakota has moved on to start the next chapter of her life.   Read more...

While it appears that there is a happy ending for Dakota, there remain over 80 dogs and 100 cats at the Jessamine County SAVE Center who need help.  Pictured here is Percival, an adorable teddy bear like dog brought into the shelter in bad shape.  He is blind but his condition may be treatable.  Please consider helping the Center who has treated Dakota with kindness through this ordeal, while being besieged by the media and public.  GP salutes them and thanks them.  Please click here to visit their website. 

Pets and their human companions are cheering today.  Finally, an airline that caters to pets -- that provides safe, comfortable transportation and in style.  No more traveling in cargo like an inanimate piece of luggage.  Pet Airways, the first airline for pets, puts animals first.  Their pawsengers (as they call them) fly first class -- in the main cabin! Pictured: Pet Airways founders Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder and their Jack Russell, Zoe.  Read more and watch the videos. 

When we think of Easter, we think of ornate baskets filled with colored eggs, chocolate, marshmallow chicks and, of course, jelly beans. Some people also think of real bunnies and how much fun it would be to get one or perhaps give one as the perfect novelty gift for a child or adult who has everything. Think again. Rabbits do make wonderful pets IF you are prepared for the responsibilities this new bundle of joy will bring.

The following is a message from the Care2 Petitionsite which needs your help to tell Congress that our animals are part of our family and also need help during these tough economic times. All they're asking is for you to sign the petition. During the global economic crisis people are sacrificing a lot but they are not the only ones. Household pets, often considered to be part of the family, are affected by financial hardship as well. Owners of dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, chickens and even iguanas are finding it increasingly difficult to feed and care for their additional family members.

Do you have any idea how your dog drinks water? You may think you know, but for the answer watch this amazing time warp video!