Hollywood Tough Guy Teams With Animal Rights Groups Push for Tax Change
I read this morning that a bill is making the rounds on Capital Hill that will give a tax break of up to $3500 for pet care expenses. It's meant to promote pet ownership during economic down times, and thinking about the idea has brightened my morning. I don't know how much of a chance it has of getting through, but just think if it did more people would be neutering and spaying their animals, and providing them medical treatment they need.
Tax write offs are a good way to encourage good behavior. Look how many people have taken advantage of weatherizing their homes and making them more energy efficient when there is a write off involved. If we have more laws that make people understand how valuable and important animals are, that make people aware of the importance of their lives, then maybe we'll see an upturn in they way they are treated by the majority of people.
The sad truth is, Animal Shelters are overflowing with abandoned pets, and something needs to be done about that.
Now I'm going to quote what my good buddy, Solar said at the end of the last thread, because I think it also describes our relationship to animals and every thing else in this world, including each other.
"we all are breathing the same air..we are all connected in some way...
even if you don't know it" Paul
73 comments:
That cute little cat in the picure is not mine. You'd think I would have used a picture from my own, but I liked this one so much from online, that I used it instead. That doesn't mean that everyone of mine aren't beautiful enough to be at the head of this blog, and I will post some in the future.
Whoa, and whew....Im glad that-that isn't your cat, and you holding it....big hand for a little lady...
Chloe, nice idea, but I can't see it in to days climate....Obama, nix that...Axlerod, would never even consider that...
As far as being connected..we are...all of us, and also to every living thing...also by what we eat...we eat what is provided by Mother earth...this in itself proves that we are just one bit of it all...it all goes back into the earth...one way or another...when we die...we all go to one place, all of our chemicals go (when we die) up into the universe...and come back down when it rains...this is the re-incarnation that I told you about that I believe in...we come back in the form of rain, (past lives??) and help bring life to the Earth again...trees.
plants. all are living because they are nurshied by the chemicals that are brought back down by the rains......thats why you like rain so much....maybe???
I was going to tell you this before..but thought it might be a little to science weird like...but in this joint...you can say anything...
This is 'the joint' where you can say anything Solar.
You're right, it probably won't go through, but it was nice to think about he possibility and to think about the good results it could create. Maybe just talking about it will help a little.
When you talked about reincarnation before, I thought you meant you believed in coming back in body form. I think it is so great that you have such a better understanding than most of us of how everything is connected. It takes a lot of thinking to get to that point.
I agree with everything you just said, and I also believe it is very important that we try to keep in mind at all times the importance of that connection. I wish you'd talk more about synergy and the things you understand, things that the rest of us need to be reminded of every so often.
It's too easy to get lost in the details and obligations of every day life, and it's nice that when we come here, we can focus on the important things.
.. like laughing.
Chloe, great post. Who couldn't love that face? Tell us about your non-human companions.
Oh boy, almost noon. I've got to get a move on here. See ya all later.
"...it all goes back into the earth...one way or another...when we die...we all go to one place, all of our chemicals go (when we die) up into the universe...and come back down when it rains...this is the re-incarnation that I told you about that I believe in...we come back in the form of rain, (past lives??) and help bring life to the Earth again...trees."
Solar, I have never thought of reincarnation in this way. You do give me much to think about.
Jan, I just saw your post. I will, but I have a lot of things I should have been doing this morning, and now they've piled up on me. So I have no choice at this point, but to get some work done.
Chloe,
I forgot to add, to my last post...I made this connection, when science and people say that there are not two snow flakes that are the same,and drops of water that are not either.
Just like there are no two people exactly the same...close as in the case of twins that seem to be exact...but they are not...in mind or body...
We do have a person that looks exactly like us...that is said...I once saw another school aged kid (high school) that looked almost like me...not even the same nationality...he was Italian..
Following man, when we left Africa, thru dna shows us how little different we are to each other...some people in Mongolia look like some of my uncles or some American Indians...etc...and if we can see our dna, compared to some one on the other side of the world...that is-and has never been connected to us.....we would be closer to them, or just as close to their dna...as our great. great grandparents.....today's sciences are like reading books, and this is what I mean when I tell you, that I want to understand..it all....
Thats why I say, that if there is a God,,he/she is a cosmic God, and not what we have invented...he could not be so small of a God..as to just be worried about us puny humans...
Jan,
Hello, glad that you are feeling better.! Chloe, and Carol, Ivy are uses to the way that I write, and all of my errors...thanks for putting up with them.
I think that is why I write long post...cos I can't get to the point is short sentences like them...and they are used to me...I think that Carol,,even has fun with my cross word puzzle rants....I would have like to have know you two when we were young..sound like you did a lot of fun things...thanks...later
Carol,
These are the things that I wouldnt say..when you asked before,,about orbs..how things are connected...they are real, I think, but not in the way that we thing...I don't know, how..but it all has to do with...Time...Energy, and connection to these...???
And not religion....we made that up...because of all the spirituality that is innate in everything living...watch your animals just look into a perfect day, or moon..they have it....ok thats it..later.....and "I mean it this time" haha
Chloe,
Did you make it out to Lowe's to look for the balloon-bird feeder? With your encouragement yesterday, I went out there today and found there were at least 6 in stock. No markdowns, I think the store is counting on them selling as Christmas presents. I didn't want to wait that long. I got mine. (^_~)
No word on "Miss College's Cat" yet, she's still at the vet's getting checked. They should be calling me soon to pick her up.
I must have been thinking about Charlotte
Afternoon peeps. After catching up:
Chloe, great post. Who sponsored that bill? I really can't see that passing unless Bo gets to put in his two cents. Still would like to see your animals or are they in a witness protection program?
And Ivy, your poem this morning...let me see...does it mean that when I get really lonely I can just find a bug? Well I've got plenty of them around here. Never thought of them as pals before but I'll reconsider it. I did have that spider that I bonded with that time.
No, I think Solar's interpretation is much better. And Solar, don't worry about your writing. It's no worse than the rest of our's and we started with English. Anyway, when writing gets too perfect, it loses it warm fuzziness.
Jan, no need to apologize about Lynn. I haven't hung with her since she retired from the University and that was about 12 years before I retired. I've been retired for about 12 years. Also, it was kind of hazzardous to hang around with her.
Jan. Nice that you were able to get some therapy and it helped you. I tried therapy once. I found that I was spending my time just trying to entertain the therapist and I was paying to do it.
My older sister is the only one, in our family, who got any therapy and she's no saner than the rest of us even though she thinks she is. That's one delusion it didn't fix.
Ivy, I didn't get to Lowes today, but will within a couple of days (I hope). I think you were very smart to go get that feeder. It'll give you years of enjoyment.
Carol, This is one of the only times I've ever heard you use sarcasm on me: "Still would like to see your animals or are they in a witness protection program?"
You know I have a slight problem getting myself to take pictures. I've lots about it right here on your sight. But I'll work on it, and try to take some this weekend for your weekend pictures.
Carol, The main force behind the bill was Robert Davi (an actor) whose cousins runs a animal rescue foundation.
"Davi reached out to Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., whom Davi had befriended after watching his work against the stimulus package. McCotter was intrigued enough by the concept to craft it into legislation he offered this summer.
What a pro-active way to be able to help the economy and change the culture in this country around animals," Robert Davi, a veteran actor ("The Goonies," "Die Hard," "License to Kill") who was a main force behind the bill's introduction, told ABCNews.com in a telephone interview.
This money goes back into the economy, and it encourages people to understand the social responsibilities we have toward animals," Davi said.
Davi's cousin runs a prominent California animal rescue foundation, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, and is always looking for ideas that would get more pets adopted, he said. Why not let people deduct expenses like pet food and veterinarian bills from their taxes, like child care expenses or mortgage interest can help reduce your tax burden?" http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/pets-save-taxes-congress-debate-happy-act/Story?id=8811927&page=2
... there are also some videos at the bottom of the page
(I know it probably hasn't got a chance, but in a perfect world...)
I've lots about it = I've 'talked' lots about it
Didn't mean to be sarcastic Chloe, just trying to light a fire under your ass, girl. Did it work?
I was also trying to be funny. Did you laugh???
I added a dog to the lead pictures, to balance things a little. I felt something was missing, by not including a pup too. The guys is the actor that pushed the bill.
Carol, I didn't know if you were being funny or if you were nudging me to get with it on my camera. I don't take pictures, and now I've got a new one picked out to ask Santa to bring me for Christmas. But Santa says I have to start using the one I've got now, before I can get he new one delivered down the chimney.
Can we call them 'Weekend' pictures, instead of just Saturday morning pictures. I need a bigger window of opportunity. You know what a procrastinator I am. Add stubbornness to that, and I don't accomplish much of anything.
Oh? That's why my ass was burning.
Awwwwh. Those are both sweet pictures. We have nice threads that run through OUR blog. Makes me think of that song...
"Let me tell ya bout the birds and the bees
and the flowers and the trees,
and the moon up above,
and a thing called Laaa a ove."
There's a song for just about everything.
The Birds and the Bees
If you lost your directions for your old camera, you may be able to find them on the Net. I did. I have mine bookmarked so I can look at them each time I want to try something different. Those digital cameras are difficult if you want to do something besides just point and shoot.
You can just ignore me Chloe if I get on your nerves. Lot of people do it.
I agree with Santa. You need to pratice with the old one if it is digital. Santa doesn't want to waste money on a new one if your not going to use it. Huh, Santa.
We're going to have highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s, but clear skies, this weekend Chloe. Break out the longjohns.
I have a very narrow range of temperature tolerance.
Carol, You NEVER get on my nerves. And I would never ignore you. I was just playing around about my lack of picture taking (can I just say) habit.
I did post those hummers moving around on my camera the other day (although it was a little fuzzy). But it's very easy to use, if I'd stop moving around so much. It's a little pocket size nikon I picked up a week or two ago. My other one was digital too, but was a little large for my pocket, and you said to keep it with me. That was my intention, and still is... I just forget. Those picture moments don't usually last long enough for me to run back to get my camera.
I even bought myself a little tripod last weekend, but it's still sitting on the floor in the box. I thought that will help with the pics I take out the window.
I have LOTS of good intentions, just haven't activated them yet.
I have a narrow temperature tolerance range too. When it's in the 50's at night, I'm bundled up and even wear my indoor slipper boots. I wear outdoor boots most of the winter, because my feet are 'always' cold. You'll hear me complain plenty, once winter gets here.
It's raining again. I think this is going to be one of our rainiest years in a while, if this keeps going like this.
We picked up another Texas star, one in Maybank. There are now 3 in Houston, and 2 in Dallas. That makes a grand total of 10 in Texas alone. What a state, it's huge.
Carol, Did you see we picked up one from Viet Nam, but lost a few others. How can we lose them, once they're on there?
Solar, I just saw our electric bill sitting on the kitchen counter, and was reminded it is called 'Synergy', Mid-South Synergy. It's been that for a long time, but it rang a bell today, because you talked about synergy earlier today, and many times in the past.
The first digital camera I bought was about 7-9 years ago. I could not figure out how to use it. I love reading but hate reading directions to anything - so It sat all that time. Finally got tired of using disposable cameras and my old instamatic (although it took good pictures). The trigger to my buying another digital was we went on a cruise to Alaska last summer. Everyone around was taking pics with digitals & I was still using the throw-aways and when I got the pics back they were not very good. One of our excursions was on a whaling boat and we got up close and personal with some whales - John and I were actually on the back stairs of the boat, with our feet almost i the water when these whales were coming up to feed. I could almost reach out and touch one. That was when I really wished I had a digital. I promised myself that I would get one I could use. And I did.
Chloe and Carol, I hear you about not liking to be cold. I like cool weather but put lots of layers on.
The weather here is 40's and 50's early morn and then 70's afternoon. It is perfect. I put my coat on and take a little quilt to cover my legs and sit on the porch and have my early morning tea. Lobie almost runs over me getting out the door with me. It is chilly but that is my favorite time of the day.
Who is in Oak Lawn - is that Illinois - is that Solar?
Chloe you are in Houston
Carol, I think Houston must cover you up on the map.
The directions for those digital are not good. I guess because they are made in other countries and the directions don't translate well. I need elementary instructions.
Chloe, I think if someone doesn't continue to read the blog, their location disappears after a few days.
I think that is Mabank Chloe. There is one in Texas.
"Miss College's Cat" had to stay overnight in the kitty hospital. They're trying to squeeze some #1 out of her and she's "holding it." I've had that attitude in certain gas station restrooms myself.
Miss College herself took time out of her busy schedule to call for an update. She asked if she needed to be concerned about the bill. I said probably.
PBS here is showing "Hubble's Amazing Rescue". Very interesting. It will replay again.
Ms. Cat, you never mentioned a name, must have had to do #1 sometime today. Exactly, how are they trying to catch it? Do they have specimen cups hidden in the litter box and waiting for her to hit one?
Nope, no #1. Must not care for the facilities. The word "aspirate" was mentioned among the efforts they've tried so far. I think that's a fancy term for squeeze.
They're trying the hidden specimen cups tonight. Maybe she'll go when nobody's watching her.
I don't know much about cats, but have heard that urinary tract problems are the most common problems they have. Hope miss cat pees soon.
She's been doing a lot of that in all the wrong places...why she won't cooperate when it's needed is beyond me...the inscrutable mind of the cat?
Cats pretty much never do what you want them to do. It's their nature. If you want them to come, they ignore you. If you want to read the paper, they sit in the middle of it.
Maggie may have a touch of cat in her.
Ivy, She may be having bladder problems.
"The weather here is 40's and 50's early morn and then 70's afternoon. It is perfect. I put my coat on and take a little quilt to cover my legs and sit on the porch and have my early morning tea. Lobie almost runs over me getting out the door with me. It is chilly but that is my favorite time of the day."
That sounds like a very pleasant time of the day Jan. I know, from what I've seen of New Mexico, it's a beautiful state. We normally don't get a large spread in our night and day temperature here, but I guess you know that, since you lived in La. for a long time.
I bet you enjoy that dry climate, after leaving such a humid area. I, for some reason, do much better in a high humidity. We spent our last 2 years in California in a deserty area, and I started to get asthma. As soon as we moved it, it was gone, as well as my other allergies. Most people don't like humidity though.
"Cats pretty much never do what you want them to do. It's their nature."
That's one of the reasons I love them so much Carol: their nature.
Oh, I see Jan already mentioned that Ivy. Here, if they can't empty a cats bladder, but can tell it's full, they automatically diagnose it as a blocked bladder. They normally empty it immediately, because it can be fatal.
Hopefully your vet has ruled that out, but if it were me, I ask them directly. I've never seen them not be able to get urine from a cat with a full bladder, except in the case I just mentioned. Either that, or maybe she's not drinking water (or) has a bladder infection.
And aspirate usually means stick a needle in it and drain it. Hope they don't have to do that. Cat will be pissed, literally.
Chloe, do we need to do an intervention here with you and your digital. I'm not sure how we start but Jan might be able to lead the way.
I'm wondering if maybe you might be too much of a perfectionist and don't want to do something unless it's perfect?
Ivy, I'd like to see a pic of your new hummingbird feeder. I'm kind of partial to cheap. Those $3+ were right up my alley. If I got something expensive, I'd probably break it right away.
Hey Coreen, how are you feeling today? Hope you are better.
Hey Chloe,
I'll try here to link a photo from Lowe's website. If it doesn't work, just go to the Lowe's home page and google for it as below. The feeder is actually prettier than their photo shows. I don't have it up yet, I'll probably save it for next season. I'm going to keep it on display as a decoration in the meantime. It was hard for me to pony up for it, but you encouraged me and I went for it. No seconds thoughts.
http://images.lowes.com/product/694675/6946755880532.jpg
Garden Treasures Hot Air Balloon Hummingbird Feeder
That seems to be working on my end.
Thank you for the post today, Chloe, and everybody for your encouragement with Miss College's Cat. I think that's an official name change for her.
Wow, that's beautiful Ivy. It's worth every penny you paid. May have to break my old habit and get one.
Carol,
That bird feeder post was to you. Memory, hearing, eyesight...they're all going fast.
Thanks Ivy
Carol,
Maybe somebody will give it to you for Christmas...or your birthday whichever comes first.
That's a good idea. Mary are you seeing this? She's always asking me what I want and I don't usually need anything. That aggravates her.
Mary, it's perfect for her.
Carol,
Hope that helped.
Ivy, that feeder is really pretty, I may have to go out buy me some of those.
I had a friend in Austin who had a cat who had a lot of urinary problems ant it seems the vet said the cat needed more "ash" in his diet. I would ask the vet what diet might help prevent urinary problems.
Chloe, I like your butterfly and hummer pic by your posts. I changed my pic too.
Ivy, I had to giggle when you told your daughter that "probably" she needed to be concerned about what this is going to cost. I only giggle because I have gone through this with my kids.
I like ms. college cat.
Chloe, I had to get used to the dry climate. To be honest I prefer a more humid climate. John and I both have more allergies since moving here.
An update on Dancing...Stars - the ultimate fighter got kicked off.
Chloe, sounds like you are partial to kitnics.
Well, nite all - here I am "alone again."
Maybe I will have some stories to tell from the health fair stu's and I are doing tomorrow.
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