PDP strives to lift up non-profits
by Maralyn Fink
In 2016 Katrina Harden became aware of a list of non-profit organizations that were spending a high percentage of their profits on fundraising that was being spread around social media. That is, these organizations were spending a lot of money, just to make money. Like many others, she was outraged, and self-righteous in her charitable giving that year, leaning on sources like Charity Navigator, a website that rates nonprofits on financial health, and transparency and accountability, to decide who she blessed with her giving. That may have been short-sighted because soon she started wondering about fundraising in general.
Learning about what it takes to start a non-profit, she realized that fundraising was first of all, necessary, and second, very expensive, time consuming and not as simple as creating a flyer and mailing it out.
She and her husband talked about how they felt and decided that they would both like to give back, and help as wide range of causes as possible. And that’s how Pretty Damn Positive (PDP) was born. They researched Michigan based non-profits that were spending resources responsibly and were making a real difference in people’s lives. And when they settled on their first attempt being for Underground RailRoad of Michigan, they blazed forward.
On Saturday, August 18th, they hosted an ice cream social to gather donations and meet the community. Though they had less of a turnout that they would have liked, they collected 6 boxes of items for URR, along with cash donations, and they are proud to be sending those along this week.
In the future, PDP will strive to lift up non-profits in Clinton County, and in Michigan. They hope to host four fundraisers a year, once a season. Networking with local businesses will help them spread the word about these charities that are doing good work, and they hope to help new and upcoming nonprofits grow and make a difference in our communities.
Keep an eye out for new events coming in the fall.
Local fitness place hosts national award winner
On Tuesday, August 21 (National Senior Citizens Day), DeWitt native Sally Miller was presented with the 2018 Swanson Award through SilverSneakers, a national senior fitness program, courtesy of Tivity Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The event took place at Snap Fitness in St Johns where Sally is a member. Receiving thousands of votes (34% to be exact) among hundreds of national nominees, Sally is being recognized as a participating senior who has improved her life through a healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity while inspiring and motivating others along the way.
Nominated by her son, Sally doesn’t just work out at Snap Fitness, she befriends everyone she meets. According to her son, it’s a “fitness family business” and Sally makes it her personal mission to greet new members, send get well cards and organize birthday parties and outside events for her fellow SilverSneakers members. Sally’s energy is contagious and she loves motivating and cheering on those around her. She loves to talk to members about the SilverSneakers program and listens with a warm heart when members are having life challenges. It is because of her enthusiasm the SilverSneakers program at her location has grown to 25 members.
SilverSneakers is part of all Blue Cross and Blue Care Network Medicare Advantage plans and provides access to more than 15,000 fitness locations nationwide. It’s a popular benefit for those looking to stay active and healthy as they age.
A Look Back – Boy’s Club
by Barry Clark Bauer
That’s Edgar Conley on the left in the back. He was a volunteer helping to train the boys for Golden Gloves Boxing at the Boys Club located at 323 N. Clinton Ave. The other three are unidentified.
This is either a promotional photo for a fund raising raffle to win the Rifle, or the boy holding it has already won it!
This comes to us from 1968.
Bennie and Jessie’s Pet Info – Pet Safety Tips for Public Events
Courtesy of Nancy Dunham
For many dog owners, public events like street and beach festivals definitely make the list of must-do dog activities.
But in the rush to share the festivities with your beloved canine, you want to make sure that pet safety doesn’t take a back seat to fun.
“My feeling about taking your dog to a street festival is the same as taking your dog to a dog park,” says Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM in Los Angeles. “The most important thing is that the dog is okay with people and with other dogs.” If he’s not, he’ll be happier staying at home.
Dog safety, health and enjoyment should be pet owners’ main consideration when deciding whether their dogs attend public events. And that truly depends on the individual animal.
If you think your dog would enjoy it, or if happenstance finds you at an event with your dog by your side, here are the steps you should take to ensure pet safety.
Buckle Your Dog Up
If you’re driving to the event, secure your dog, says Amy Burkert, author of the book “The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip.” “It is terrifying to me how few people have their pets buckled up in their vehicles.”
Buckling a dog into a dog car seat minimizes driver distraction, ensures the dog remains safe and protects people, says Burkert, who lives with her husband and two dogs in an ever-moving RV.
Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, says, “Having them buckled up also ensures they don’t jump out of the car when you stop and get lost or leap into traffic and cause accidents.”
Feel the Heat
You may think that nice weather is ideal for a walk through a festival or outdoor event with your dog, but you should stop and feel the sand, pavement, etc., with your hand. If it is burning or uncomfortable, it’s too hot for your dog, says the Emmy Award-winning Dr. Jeff Werber, who hosted “Petcetera” on Animal Planet and “Lassie’s Pet Vet” on PBS.
Pavement and asphalt retain heat after the sun sets, so you should check the temperature no matter the time of the day and at night, he adds.
“I can’t tell you how many dogs I’ve seen on beaches with no umbrellas, no dog booties and no hydration,” says Dr. Werber. “That’s unfair to the dog and can make [him] ill.”
Dogs who are out in the summer need plenty of water and plenty of shade, advises Dr. Werber. “Take plenty of breaks and check their feet,” he adds. “If they are panting or agitated, it might be too hot for them. It’s time to go home.”
Control Your Dog
“Be sure your pets have well-fitting collars with up-to-date ID tags just in case your pet gets lost,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM at Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Clinic in Ohio. “Today, in addition to permanently identifying your pet with a collar or microchip, newer services geared to help locate lost pets include Pet Amber Alert and pet GPS.”
Some dog experts recommend that owners only use a non-retractable dog leash, especially at large outdoor events. To help ensure dog safety, it is important to closely control your dog while around large crowds. A dog on a retractable leash can get tangled around objects or people, which may lead to injury, or at the very least, a potentially unpleasant situation.
You May Love a Parade, But Your Dog Doesn’t
“Even the most gregarious, socialized pet shouldn’t go to a parade,” says Russell Hartstein, certified pet behaviorist and CEO of FunPawCare in Los Angeles. “No dog loves to do those things. Some will behave if they are forced to go, but that doesn’t mean they thrive or enjoy it. People become intoxicated, step on the dog… It’s only a matter of time before a dog might growl or bite because they are stressed and overwhelmed.” Hartstein recommends against taking dogs to public events like festivals.
Dogs and other animals can also be fearful of loud noises and other boisterous forms of human entertainment, like fireworks. “Loud noises scare pets and most dogs and cats do NOT enjoy fireworks,” says Dr. Osborne. “Leaving pets home during fireworks is wise. Pet ears are far more sensitive to loud noises than ours.”
To keep your pet calm during loud noises at home, have your pet listen to classical music, which has been shown to reduce canine anxiety. Pet ThunderShirts are also an option to help comfort stressed dogs. In extreme situations, your veterinarian can recommend dog anxiety medication, supplements and behavioral modification techniques that will help your dog deal with loud noises.
Watch What Your Dog Eats
Most people like barbecues, but the combination of foods, beverages and grills can prove unsafe or deadly, says Dr. Osborne.
Beer, wine and alcohol can lead to life-threatening seizures and/or respiratory failure in dogs and cats, says Dr. Osborne, so take special care that they are well out of reach.
It’s also wise to keep dogs away from the grill. Obviously, fire is a hazard, but so are unlit matches and lighter fluid if they are ingested. According to the ASPCA, both might contain chlorates, which can potentially damage blood cells and result in respiratory issues and even kidney damage in severe cases.
The ASPCA also says, lighter fluid is irritating to skin and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in dogs. Inhaling lighter fluid can leave your pet vulnerable to pneumonia.
Many types of human food can make dogs ill, adds Dr. Osborne.
“Barbecues are tantalizing,” she says. “However, keeping your pet’s meals and snacks as close to normal as possible helps avoid upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea and emergency room issues like pancreatitis.”
Having fun with your dog might involve some outdoor dog activities in public venues, but make sure your pet’s safety and health come first.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Solar Dermatitis in Cats: How to Prevent Cat Sunburn
courtesy of Kate Hughes
There is pretty much nothing that cats enjoy more than lying sprawled out in a warm patch of sunlight. However, while lazing in the sun may look safe (and feel really good), it is not without its dangers.
Cat owners should be aware that, like humans, it is possible for cats to get too much sun. Kitties that spend too much time soaking in rays may develop solar dermatitis.
Some cats are more susceptible to the disease than others, but with proper protection, owners can help keep their cat safe from the sun and the damage it can cause to their health.
What Is Solar Dermatitis?
Solar dermatitis is a progressive skin disease that can eventually lead to cat skin cancer in the form of malignant tumors called squamous cell carcinomas.
Symptoms of Solar Dermatitis in Cats
In its initial stages, solar dermatitis can look like scaly skin or redness. As it advances, ulcers, crusts and scabs may develop. Another indication that your cat may have this disease is that he won’t stop shaking his head or scratching at the affected areas.
Cats who develop solar dermatitis usually get it on their faces and ears. “It’s often seen on the nose and around the ears where there isn’t much hair protecting the skin,” says Dr. Corey Saba DVM, DACVIM, associate professor of Oncology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
“We also see it around the eyes, on the eyelids and on a cat’s lips,” adds Dr. Susan Nelson, DVM and clinical professor at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas.
Which Cats Are Most Susceptible to Solar Dermatitis?
All cats can get solar dermatitis, but they are not all equally susceptible to the disease. “When someone says solar dermatitis, the first image that comes to mind is a white cat,” says Dr. Nelson.
“Cats with white or light-colored fur, as well as cats that were recently shaved, are at greatest risk of the disease, which most often affects the lighter portions of light-colored cats. Also, the cat doesn’t have to be entirely light-colored—even cats that are black and white have a high risk.”
Dr. Saba adds that outdoor cats are at much greater risk of solar dermatitis than indoor kitties. “However, the risk for an indoor cat is not zero, because many cats sit in the sun by windows,” she cautions.
How to Prevent Solar Dermatitis in Cats
There’s always some risk when sun exposure is involved, but there are ways protect your cat from solar dermatitis, especially if she’s susceptible to it.
Preventing Solar Dermatitis in Outdoor Cats
For obvious reasons, outdoor cats are at highest risk for solar dermatitis. “In these cats, try to limit their outdoor exposure during peak sun hours. That is, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. should be off-limits,” Dr. Nelson explains.
If that’s not possible, make sure your cat has shady spots to hang out in so she isn’t in the sun all day. “This is especially important if you only let your cats outside in an enclosed space like a ‘catio,’” Dr. Nelson explains. “Not all of those enclosures are built with shade. It’s just something that owners should be mindful of.”
Preventing Solar Dermatitis in Indoor Cats
Inside cats are at a lower risk for solar dermatitis, but any time a cat sunbathes, he’s soaking up UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Nelson says that curtains can be helpful in blocking out sunlight, but most cats won’t let a little bit of fabric stop them from getting some sun. “I recommend getting UV-blocking films for your windows. That way, light still comes through, but some of those harmful rays will be filtered out,” she explains.
Is Cat Sunscreen Effective at Preventing Solar Dermatitis in Cats?
While there are pet-friendly sunscreens on the market, most of them aren’t recommended for cats. Dr. Fiona Bateman, DVM, DACVD, assistant professor of Dermatology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, says that many of the active ingredients found in sunscreen are toxic for cat health. “These include zinc, salicylates and propylene glycol,” she notes.
Dr. Nelson adds that sunscreens can be particularly dangerous for cats because once applied, cats will almost immediately start grooming themselves to get it off. This means that they’ll be ingesting the ingredients anytime they clean themselves.
Treatment for Solar Dermatitis
If the disease progresses into cat skin cancer, the site of the squamous cell carcinoma is usually treated with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Dr. Bateman says that other possible treatments include cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, intralesional chemotherapy, laser ablation and topical medications. “Typically, squamous cell carcinoma responds poorly to systemic chemotherapy protocols,” she adds.
Any cat owner who suspects their cat is at high risk for or is suffering from solar dermatitis should make a visit to their veterinarian, who can offer more specific cat health advice regarding diagnosis, prevention and treatment.