Features

Posted on February 22, 2018 by indylite

City receives grant for Spray Park improvements

The City of St. Johns was awarded the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant in 2016 which has allowed us to move forward with renovations to the spray park bath house.

Renovations began January 2018 and include three family universally accessible bathrooms, a new pitched roof and updated windows and doors. An anticipated completion date is the end of May, weather permitting.

Builders Club remembers seniors on Valentines Day

The Builder’s Club hand delivered over 200 Valentine’s Day cards to patients at Grace Haven and Hazel Findley Country Manor.

A Look Back – Carla Vincent White

by Barry Clark Bauer

This photo, circa 1968, shows Carla Vincent White hard at work in the advertisement dept. of the Clinton County News. Her boss was Ron Huard and she said of him, “Such a Nice Man!”

Her prior employment included Central National Bank before joining the team at CCN.

Carla and her husband, Bill, retired 14 years ago after she sold her business, Mint City Barber Shoppe, to Jeremy Silm; and Bill retired from Federal-Mogul’s Maintenance department.

They are now wintering in Texas and enjoying better weather than we have had.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – How to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on the Leash

We all have that friend, relative, or rival who walks their dog with expert leash-wielding skills. They aren’t being pulled down the block, tied ’round trees, or tangled up with the friendly neighbor dog who’s also out for an afternoon stroll. I don’t know about you, but I silently envy the person and pet that can walk side-by-side without breaking a sweat.

And I have to admit, good leash walking skills are important for more than just showing off your pet-parent talents.

“From a relationship perspective,” explains Sarah Fraser, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of Instinct Behavior & Training in New York City, “if your dog is walking nicely on a leash, it likely means that your dog is paying more attention to you, making it easier for you to provide direction and guidance as needed along your walk.”

A leash-puller can also run the risk of accidentally breaking away from your grip, which can pose multiple dangers to your pet if he or she continues to run, not to mention the danger for yourself if you end up face-first on the sidewalk. Having proper leash manners minimizes the risk that you will be pulled over in a moment of overzealous leash yanking and will make the time more about walking and less about tug-of-war.

“Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash allows you to take her more places and for longer walks, because it’s more comfortable and enjoyable for the both of you,” Fraser says.

Tips for Better Walking Behavior

Whether your dog is big or small, here are six ways to improve your dog’s behavior on a leash:

Adjust your attitude.

First, ask yourself: “What would I like him or her to do instead?” Instead of teaching a dog to stop pulling, think of it as teaching your dog how to walk nicely beside you.

Remember it’s all about the rewards.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to start teaching a dog to walk properly on a leash is to reward the dog for paying attention to you and for being in the desired position (next to you or close to you) when out for a walk.

“As the dog learns that walking next to you is a pleasant, rewarding experience, she’ll spend less time pulling and more time walking nicely beside you,” says Fraser. Try using very special treats in the beginning, like small pieces of boiled chicken or roast beef, to really get your dog’s attention, she advises.

Play the “follow me” game.

Hold on to your leash and take several backward steps away from your dog. The backward movement is inviting, so your dog is likely to turn and follow you. Say “yes!” as your dog approaches you, then immediately reward him or her with a treat.

“The game helps your dog focus and move with you,” says Fraser. Then back away several steps in another direction. Once again, says “yes!” as your dog approaches and reward him or her with a treat. Repeat this pattern eight to 12 times, until your dog is actively pursuing you when you move away.

Practice on your regular walks.

Once you’ve started your stride, each time your dog looks up at you or walks next to you, says “yes!” and immediately reward him or her with a treat.

Reward often.

“Frequent rewards will help your dog figure out more quickly what behavior you’re looking for and make the learning process easier for her,” Fraser explains.

“The trick to making this work is using very special treats at first, and keeping your rate of reinforcement high, which just means that you are marking and rewarding often — maybe every 4-5 steps at first — for any and all ‘good’ leash behavior.”

Over time, you can thin out your rate of reinforcement, rewarding your dog less frequently throughout the course of the walk, Fraser adds.

Consider additional assistance.

“If your dog is already a practiced puller, consider purchasing a quality front clip harness to provide extra control on walks,” Fraser recommends. But if your dog already pulls hard on a front clip harness, consider working with a certified, positive reinforcement-based trainer.

Finally, remember that walking on a leash is a skill that takes time and practice for both the pet parent and dog, so celebrate incremental improvements and successes.

Features

Posted on February 15, 2018 by indylite

Big snow and growing icicles

an album by Maralyn Fink

A Look Back – Advanced Casting/Burton Mixer Retiree

by Barry Clark Bauer

Unfortunately the retiree in this 1974 photo is unidentified. Not so with James Spousta on the left and his brother, John or Joe (?), on the right. The people in the foreground are unidentified as well.

I knew James because I spent a winter weekend with him and his family up north at their cabin while I was at the Children’s Home.

Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Smucker Withdraws Multiple Dog Food Brands

J.M. Smucker Company has initiated a voluntary withdrawal of various wet dog food products due to the potential to contain low levels of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug.

What Products Are Affected?

Affected products include canned wet dog food versions of the following brands:

Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, Skippy

Message from the Company

The following text is taken from an email received from Smucker by The Dog Advisor on February 15, 2018:

Out of an abundance of caution we initiated a voluntary withdrawal (not a recall) on specific shipments of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy canned/wet dog food because they do not meet our quality specifications.

This means retailers will remove the impacted shipments from their warehouses.

Letter – 2017 Clinton County Toys for Tots Campaign a great success

The Clinton County Toys for Tots Campaign, sponsored by the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, made Christmas a lot brighter for many children last Christmas. A total of 780 children received toys from the campaign, either from the Chamber directly or from one of the seven agencies that helped get toys to children. Toys were collected at over 35 businesses throughout the county.

Helping out the campaign in a major way was the Rotary Club of St. Johns with their annual donation and a group of “Legends – Elvis, George Strait, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison” that provided a concert back in December.

Sundance of St. Johns graciously donated the use of one of their staff “Coral” to help pick up all the toys from the 35 business locations. Having the help of Coral made things much easier in that Liz and I from the Chamber had more time to count and sort the toys and get them to the agencies and individual families based on their individual needs. We really appreciated all of Coral’s help; she was a great addition to the campaign.

Brenda Terpening, director
Clinton County Chamber of Commerce

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Responsible Pet Adoption

Adding a cat or dog to your family is a big decision, and these days there are many ways for you to do so. Adoption is an option for folks looking to possibly save a little money—and more importantly, save a life.

Adopting a cat or dog shouldn’t be taken lightly—after all, you’ll hopefully have this pet in your home for years to come. Luckily, when it comes to pet adoption, you’ll have plenty of good options when deciding on the best pet for your household.

“I think that people don’t realize the great variety and quality of animals that are available for adoption,” says Carol Novello, president of the Humane Society Silicon Valley. “I think there’s the perception that there’s something wrong with shelter animals, and in many cases they’ve just found themselves in circumstances where the cards haven’t fallen in their favor.”

There are multiple things to consider before you adopt, including what kind of pet you’re seeking, where you might find that pet, how much your new furry friend will cost up front and in the long run, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to know about responsible pet adoption.

Picking the Right Family Member

You might already have your ideal pet in mind, based on what you know about certain breeds or your interactions with them in the past. While that’s perfectly fine, you should realize that you might change your mind once you meet a few cats or dogs.

“While certain breeds do tend to have certain characteristics, there is a lot of variation of personality within individual dogs or cats within a breed, so it’s much more useful to focus on [your] lifestyle and expectations, and then to think about the individual pet,” says Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of the Michelson Found Animals Foundation.

Think about how a pet will fit into your life and your schedule. Do you want a dog that’s good with children? Do you have the time to devote to training a puppy? Do you have the space to accommodate a larger dog? Figuring out those types of questions will be more important than honing in on a specific breed or being swayed by an adorable face.

“Knowing what you’re looking for in terms of activity level, play level, all of those types of things are really important,” says Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness, a no-kill shelter in Texas. He says that some breeds come with special considerations like high exercise, mental stimulation, or grooming needs, and it’s important to keep such things in mind when picking out a cat or dog.

You can narrow down your options if you know whether you’re looking for a cat or a puppy or an older dog. Looking closely and honestly at your lifestyle can help determine if you have time to put the work into a puppy.

“A lot of people love to adopt puppies because they’re cute,” Novello says. “Puppies are also a ton of work. You’ve really got to invest in training and it’s a huge time commitment versus lots of great older dogs.” And while cats, and especially kittens, do require your attention, giving them the care they need generally takes less time and effort than with dogs.

Where to Adopt a Pet

If you’ve already done a search to see what kinds of pets are available in your area, you might’ve been surprised to find how many options you have when it comes to where to adopt from. Depending on where you live, municipal shelters, rescue groups, no-kill shelters, or a local Humane Society might be an option.

“There’s a huge range of options and you can’t use one paintbrush to say, all municipal shelters work like this or all rescue groups work like that,” Gilbreath says. “If the animal’s been in a foster home obviously you’re going to have information about whether or not they’re housebroken, any interesting habits or quirks they might have, potentially how they are with other animals or children. In a shelter in a kennel setting, a lot of times, you aren’t going to have as much information.”

Rescue groups and foster programs typically have higher adoption fees and a longer adoption process than shelters, Gilbreath says: “It can work out great, wherever you adopt from, it’s just a matter of understanding that the process may be different.”

Hanophy suggests asking friends with adopted animals where they adopted from and what the experience was like. Depending on your area, online review sites like Yelp might also give you an idea of a shelter or rescue group’s reputation.

“Make sure you’re dealing with the people and organizations that care for animals,” Hanophy recommends. “Most municipal shelters are reputable and have the best interest of the public at heart. With the freestanding shelters, look at the reputation of the organization, talk to people who have adopted from them. Then it’s just using your own best judgement.”

In addition to being lifesaving for animals, most places that offer adoption want to make sure you and your chosen pet will have a happy life together, Novello says: “A lot of shelters and rescue groups will really take the time to determine what your needs are and create a match that will work for the family looking to adopt.” Most also will accept pets back should a match not work out as expected.

Cost Considerations

Any time you get a pet, whether through adoption or other means, you’ll also need to buy supplies for that pet. Common expenses include those for food, bowls, treats, litter boxes, bedding, crates, collars, leashes, and toys, Hanophy says.

You’ll also have to budget for medical expenses. Although it’s a common misconception, shelter pets aren’t necessarily more expensive than others when it comes to medical costs.

Some pet medical expenses are likely to be covered for you before you even adopt, depending on the facility. At the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, for example, a health exam, spay or neuter, vaccines, and a microchip are all included in the adoption fee. Learn more about what to expect from adoption fees here.

“There are a lot of added services that you get when you adopt a dog from a shelter as opposed to getting a dog from Craigslist or a breeder where you have to incur those additional expenses for vaccines or veterinary care,” says Dr. Cristie Kamiya, chief of shelter medicine at the Humane Society Silicon Valley.. “Probably about three-quarters of the animals that come through our doors need some level of medical or behavioral support, These are dogs that might have an injury or an illness that needs to be treated and we spend a lot of time fixing these guys. If we have animals that have chronic conditions we might take a little bit longer to find a home for them.”

If it’s not included with your adoption fee, Gilbreath recommends looking into microchipping your pet, noting that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. While a collar with an ID tag is essential, a microchip can be a good backup option should the pet become separated from its tag.

“We want all pets to get a happy, loving home and keep that happy, loving home, but things happen,” she says. “Pets are animals, they naturally have an instinct to wander. A microchip is the only form of permanent identification.”

Consider Dog Breed Restrictions

No matter how much you love a certain breed, check to make sure your city or town doesn’t have a law preventing that breed before you adopt. While it may seem unfair to prospective pet owners, these laws (known as breed-specific legislation) may ban breeds such as Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and more according to the ASPCA. More than 700 cities have such laws.

Breeds may also matter for homeowner associations and for homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Some insurance companies will deny coverage if you adopt a dog of a specific breed. These rules vary by homeowner association and insurance company, so check with yours before you adopt a dog.

Not Ready for Pet Adoption? Try Fostering

Many organizations have limited space and many animals to care for. Or they may have dogs or cats who do better in a home setting than in a kennel day after day. Whatever the case, many shelters and rescue organizations seek foster, or temporary, families for the animals in their care.

“The beauty of fostering is it can be for as little as a weekend or as much as 10-12 weeks,” says Hanophy. “We have some fosters that love to take the pregnant moms, deliver the puppies, and help the puppies grow.”

By fostering you can “try out” having an animal in your home and see if it’s a good lifestyle fit for your household. If you’re unsure about what type of animal you eventually want to adopt, most shelters have cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies available for foster programs. As a bonus, most organizations give you all the pet supplies and food you need while fostering, so it’s more of a time commitment for foster families than a financial one.

“It’s a lower commitment way to get pets in your home and get your feet wet,” says Gilbreath. “At the end of fostering, if you don’t want to keep the animal, that’s fine, and if you do want to keep the animal, that’s great, too.”

If you do end up adopting the animal in your care, that’s called a “foster failure” — and it’s not a bad thing.

“Fostering is fantastic,” says Kamiya, who is a foster failure herself. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s a win for the adopter and it’s a really nice entry into pet ownership for people who are interested in getting a cat or a dog, but aren’t quite ready to make that commitment yet.”

Features

Posted on February 8, 2018 by indylite

A Winter Walk

by Maralyn Fink

A living Valentine at Postal Connections

courtesy of Mark Smith

After 28.5 years in a local factory, I learned that they had decided to close their doors. I only had a year to re-plan my future, and figure out what it was I was going to do to continue to help support my family. My wife and I came up with the idea to open up a mom and pop copy shop.

We learned through our networking with a local business owner/friend that there were plans of a pack and ship store coming to town the 1st of the year. When we learned that the plan had fallen through, we also learned about Postal Connections.

I was going to be out of a job in June and knew we had to move quickly. We took the time to educate ourselves on the vast varieties of pack and ship franchises that were available. We were excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. Once we had agreed upon Postal Connections, we set out to find our financing. Through the process, we learned that financing was presenting more of a challenge than we had anticipated. Finally one of our local financial institutions took a chance on us and helped our dream become a reality.

With financing in place, it was time to find our location. When we found what would become the new home of Postal Connections, we had confidence that it was going to be perfect! Plenty of traffic and great parking access. We had great family support to help us get the store set up ready. There were many long nights getting ready for the big set up day, and the franchise was building our layout.

As the opening of our store approached Cherie, my daughter Nicole, and myself set out to Lancaster, PA to perfect what would become our new craft in a very successful and busy Postal Connections store. Every night we went back to our hotel, our heads were spinning with all of the new knowledge that was being given to us everyday. We all wondered if we had bit off more than we could chew! 2 days after we arrived home, it was our time to shine and implement what we had learned over the past week and make it into having a successful opening! All of our family and friends gathered to help us over the weekend to be ready for 8:30 am Monday morning.

Postal Connections sent one of their corporate trainers to help us set up the computers, internet, fax lines, etc. The morning of July 23, 2007 Postal Connections opened its doors for the very first time to the public. One of our very first customers came in and wanted to open up an account, time to put our training into action!

The corporate trainer left to go back home at 11:30 am the next day. The three of us looked at each other as he walked out the door, and that’s when the fear, excitement and nervousness really hit us. Cherie went back to work the following day, which left Nicole and Ime to run the store.

A few of the struggles in opening a new business is getting your name and services out to the community, educating our potential customers know what services we offer, and actually being able to pay yourself. I personally did not did not pay myself for a couple of years. Just as any other household, the bills still come in like clockwork whether the money does or not. The goal then was, to help keep the bills paid the best I could.

Our store has grown into what it has today by providing the services of our brand, and adding our own touches over the past 10 years. As can be expected, we offer packing and shipping services with UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. However, we also offer printing, copying, and so much more.

We do as much as we can to support our community when we can. A few examples include boys and girls sports teams, Relay 4 Life, Habitat for Humanity, No more sidelines of Michigan, and so many more.

With all of this being said, none of this would be possible without my wife Cherie. Even though she is not part of the day to day operations; she has been my listening ear, coach, cheerleader and has helped me the whole way.

A Look Back – Montgomery Ward Catalog Sales

By Barry Clark Bauer

This long time location of the Amstutz Hatcheries at 308 N. Clinton Ave. became the location of the Montgomery Ward Catalog Sales store circa 1970.

Its manager was Don Rice, formerly employed at Dean’s Hardware (now Gill-Roy’s) as manager of the Sports Center.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner -Gabapentin for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Although gabapentin has been around for many years, its use in dogs and cats is fairly new. Your veterinarian may recommend gabapentin for several conditions: as a mild sedative before coming into the veterinary clinic, as an add-on pain medication, or as part of a seizure management protocol.

It wasn’t that long ago when people assumed pets didn’t feel pain as acutely as humans did. Some even thought that a little pain was good for a pet because it kept them from overdoing it during recovery from a surgery. It was a misguided approach, and modern veterinary medicine no longer works that way. Now, veterinarians are guided by the principle of “assuming pain.” That is, if a pet is experiencing something we know to be painful—an injury, a surgery, certain medical conditions—we should give a pet pain medication even if he or she isn’t outwardly crying or limping.

Medicine is an art as much as it is a science, especially when you are treating a patient who can’t tell you in words how he is feeling, or whether a treatment is helping. Veterinarians used to just give one pill and hope that it worked well enough. But now, the idea of multi-modal pain management has finally become the standard in the field. To understand why the use of gabapentin has become popular in veterinary medicine, it’s important to review our current understanding of pain.

Pain Relief for Dogs

The more we learn about pain, the more we realize that it is a complex phenomenon. For example, take a stubbed toe. This painful stimulus activates local receptors in the toe, called nociceptors. The signal then transmits through the nerves up into the spinal cord, and then on to the brain, which is responsible for reacting to the signals and creating the actual conscious perception of pain.

The important takeaway is that different classes of pain medications work at different levels in this pain pathway. Anti-inflammatory agents like NSAIDs work on the nociceptors, decreasing the inflammatory response that amplifies pain, where opioids bind to receptors in the nervous system to decrease the transmission of the pain signals themselves. Emotional factors such as fear or anticipation can also alter the experience of pain.

Veterinarians have many different gateways they can act upon to affect the pain pathway. What they’ve learned over the years is that it’s better to address multiple areas of this pathway all at once rather than focus on one area with high doses of a single medication. This is known as multimodal pain management, and this is where gabapentin comes in.

Uses of Gabapentin for Dogs

Gabapentin is an unusual pain medication in that it is rarely used by itself. On its own, gabapentin is not particularly effective in preventing pain. However, when used in conjunction with other pain medications such as an opioid or an NSAID, it has shown great potential in amplifying the pain reduction effects of those other medications. Although its mechanism of action is not fully understood, gabapentin is thought to decrease the release of excitatory neurotransmitters by affecting the calcium channels in the nervous system. Think of gabapentin as the noise-canceling headphones of the nervous system; while it doesn’t change the levels of noise being generated, it dampens your perception of it.

Because it appears to work specifically in the nervous system, gabapentin has also shown promise in a variety of nervous system issues, such as seizures and anxiety. It also is a particularly helpful drug for managing chronic pain, which is defined as pain that has been present for over six months. It’s a challenge to find medications that specifically target chronic pain, so it’s reassuring that gabapentin has been helpful for these patients.

Risks and Side Effects of Gabapentin for Dogs

While gabapentin is generally considered a safe drug, there are a couple of precautions pet parents should take. Because the drug is eliminated through the kidneys, owners should use gabapentin with caution in pets with kidney conditions. In addition, it’s vital to ensure the gabapentin is specifically formulated for pets, as the liquid form for people contains xylitol—an artificial sweetener lethal to dogs.

To get the maximum benefit, use gabapentin as directed and in conjunction with any other prescribed medications. The side effects most commonly noted with gabapentin are sedation and wobbliness, which can be mitigated by starting the dosage low, then gradually increasing to the effective dose. The drug should not be abruptly discontinued, as pets may experience withdrawal symptoms if not gradually weaned off the medication.

Pain is one the of the most challenging conditions in veterinary medicine to appropriately manage, so it’s good news that veterinarians have another tool in their arsenal to help pets live long and pain-free lives. If you think your pet is experiencing any sort of pain, don’t wait to talk to the vet. Veterinarians have a wide variety of tools available to them to bring your pet relief.

Features

Posted on February 1, 2018 by indylite

St. Johns Heritage Rediscovered

courtesy of Paul Dexter

As we approached St. Johns on Highway 27 in our rented Chevy Suburban, my four siblings and I remembered similar road trips from our childhood more than 60 years earlier. Back then as youngsters, we drove with our grandmother, “Granny” Ms. Robert Chauncey Dexter, from Kalamazoo to visit our great aunt, “Auntie Y” Ms. Florence Jeannette Dexter, then still living in her parents’ stately brick home at 200 Church Street, now the residence of Mr. Jon Rise. We remembered eagerly anticipating Auntie Y’s offering of piping hot Constant Comment tea with cookies, while listening to her and Granny tell stories about our St. Johns ancestors and her beloved parents, Roswell Chauncey Dexter (1859-1936) and Jeannette Paine Davies Dexter (1862-1953). R.C. Dexter was the President of the St. Johns National Bank, and his reputation as “The Dean of St. Johns Bankers” always influenced our upbringing. He was also the Senior Warden of St. Johns Episcopal Church.

This Dexter sibling road trip finally came together last summer after much juggling of busy work schedules and making flight arrangements as far away as Hawaii and Jakarta, Indonesia. Our Dexter family is widely dispersed across the world, and after our father, John Roswell Dexter (1920-2016 and the last of his generation in our family), passed away two weeks shy of his 95th birthday in December 2016, we all felt a need to reconnect with our Michigan roots. Thus we flew to Ann Arbor this fall to spread Dad’s cremated remains over Mom’s grave there and to visit our cousin Julie. We then rented a large enough vehicle to carry us and our luggage and drove to Kalamazoo to spread the rest of his remains over his parent’s graves. There strangers willingly pointed us to where we could find Grandpa Dexter’s downtown bank vault and our great uncle Ellis’ sidewalk clock on which is cast my younger brother’s middle name. Then to Grand Rapids to see the older sibling’s elementary school and Dad’s first church as organist, and finally into St. Johns to see again our Dexter and Davies ancestor’s homes, graves in the Eureka and Mount Rest Cemeteries, and churches, St. Johns Episcopal and the former Greenbush United Methodist.

So it was on a perfect fall Saturday, October 21, 2017, that we arrived at the front door of the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum where we were warmly greeted by Jan Upton, a volunteer. She had kindly offered to open the museum especially for our visit. We also met Judy Hubler and several other local historian volunteers. All generously shared their knowledge of our Dexter and Davies ancestors and even showed us documents relating to those ancestors researched just for us. They showed us an original Davies fanning mill (a large wooden contraption that separates hulls from seeds) and a milk safe, a large wooden cupboard that kept milk cool. Both are preserved by the museum and we felt very lucky to see them. This museum does a fine job through its many exhibits showing what regular life was like in St. Johns 100+ years ago. Our visit exceeded every expectation and I think our gracious hosts were pleased to have guests with genuine family heritage interests.

We also stopped briefly to again view Auntie Y’s home, still so lovingly preserved by the Rise family, and also to briefly see the former carriage house next door at 204 Church Street, where our Great Grandmother Jeannette lived out her last years. The younger generation of that day was fascinated by her long “hearing trumpet” as Dad and Auntie Y used to tell us. Longtime homeowners there, Barbara and Cayle Beagle, greeted me and then without hesitation, offered a gift of an ancient red elephant crafted of wood and an 1890ish photograph showing Auntie Y as a small child clutching that obviously precious toy. This was a totally unexpected surprise, and I pledged to cherish the heirloom and keep it in the Dexter family. Such wonderful spontaneous generosity!

Our Davies ancestor was Great Grandmother Jeannette, who married William T. Davies on September 22, 1856. Their story reflects the hard work, integrity and strong family orientation — five Davies families settled in Greenbush Township — that was so typical of St. Johns area pioneers. Along with clearing and farming more than 300 acres in Greenbush Township, William T. and his brother Robert E. started a prosperous factory in 1855. They initially partnered with expert cabinet maker and neighbor, David Sevy (another Greenbush Township pioneer), and manufactured fanning mills and milk safes for many years on their property, selling them directly throughout the region. The Davies employed 14 factory workers by 1880, donated the land for the now former Greenbush United Methodist Church in 1898, served as various town officials and contributed liberally to the church and the life of the community.

We then visited the North Scott Road home of David and Judy Hubler which was built in 1874 by William T. Davies. The Hublers have restored and preserved most of the original features of this beautiful house and they explained how it has changed over the decades. They discovered a painted decoration on the original front door and significantly modernized the energy systems of the house. They also rebuilt the original Greenbush Fanning Mill factory building and let us turn the crank on another original, but still functioning, Davies fanning mill. Their commitment to historical preservation is impressive and the Hublers also naturally preserve the warmth and welcoming nature of their home just like the Davies established long ago. Stories of large family holiday gatherings in that Davies home are told by Auntie Y in an oral history now preserved by the Clinton County Historical Society and can be found at this link: http://dewittlibrary.org/CCHS/audiofiles.html

Our St. Johns heritage persists in our family names — my older brother’s and my daughter’s middle name is Roswell, my first cousin’s middle name is Davies and several aunts, uncles and cousins carry Davies, William T. and Jeannette in their names. That heritage also persists in our hearts. Each of my siblings and I were truly moved by the generosity and warm hospitality that was so spontaneously offered by so many people we encountered on our road trip. That was especially true in St. Johns. As we departed back to our busy lives (business executive and musician in HI, music teacher in Jakarta, professional string quartet musician in NYC, singer in MA, and busy volunteer musician in WI), we felt, and we continue to feel, grateful and deeply privileged to have such wonderful St. Johns Heritage. We thank everyone who made that possible.

We Must Take Action

courtesy of Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director, The Voice For Clinton County’s Children

Attention to sexual assault is prevalent now in the National news, but victim’s experiences are not new. These crimes happen right here in our communities, even to our youngest residents—the most vulnerable among us—and are often inflicted by those they know and trust most. The Voice for Clinton County’s Children provides services to these young victims of abuse. We administer two very important programs that support abused and neglected kids in Clinton County.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), are specially-trained volunteer citizens from all walks of life who are assigned, by a judge, to a child who has entered the foster care system. Each volunteer gets to know their assigned child through regular visits to develop a trusting relationship, and to make sure no aspect of the child’s experience is overlooked or disregarded. CASA volunteers may be the only consistent adult a child knows while in the foster care system.

In one case, after quite some time of being in the system, a young lady disclosed she had been raped beginning at a very young age by multiple perpetrators. While true-to-life stories like this are difficult to hear, a CASA advocate stood beside this young lady who was brave and strong enough to open up and tell her story. There are many children like this, who could benefit greatly from having a CASA volunteer advocate beside them. It is our dream to have enough volunteers so all children who enter foster care in Clinton County can be appointed a CASA advocate.

The Voice for Clinton County’s Children Child Advocacy Center (CAC) ensures children are not further victimized by the judicial system designed to protect them. The CAC provides a safe, child-friendly place for children to share their stories of sexual and/or physical abuse, and brings together representatives from county service agencies who work together regarding the legal investigation, treatment and potential prosecution of child abuse cases.

CACs provide so many benefits such as more immediate follow-up to child abuse reports, more efficient medical and mental health referrals, increased successful prosecutions, and consistent support for victims and their families.
We have designed our new CAC facility to be welcoming with colorful murals painted throughout. The walls of the interview room have heard detailed accounts of sexual and physical abuse, and will hear more as time goes on, but as one young person said, “It’s not so scary in here.” This feedback is a reflection of great planning and intention—that we are providing a place for abused children to be heard, encouraged, protected, and for kids to know their story matters. As challenging as it may be for us to hear, if a child is strong enough to tell their story of abuse, we must be able to hear it and provide necessary response and support.

While we see the national news a trend to support victims of sexual assault and abuse, it is not enough to just give a moving speech and be part of a public display of unity. We must also act to support victims and allow them to speak out without fear, be supported, and for perpetrators to be held accountable. The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is doing this for children in our community with our CASA and CAC programs.

We invite you to contact us to learn how you can take action to help our valuable mission. Any support you give matters: volunteer, donate, spread the word, and support victims of abuse. Visit our website at VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org, or call 989-640-5681 to learn more. Together we must act to protect Clinton County’s children.

A Look Back – Annette White

by Barry Clark Bauer

It’s my understanding that Annette White worked on the society section of the Clinton County News. That’s something we don’t see anymore.

She was the wife of Brandon White, banker, and mother of Brandon White II.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Canine Influenza Vaccination: Does Your Dog Need It?

Living in the where we do, there are those of us that dread the snow, ice and frigid temperatures while others can’t wait to frolic in the fresh powder or bundle up for some sledding. We will remain split down the middle on that debate, but one thing we all can agree on is that there is nothing worse than flu season.

As humans, we’re fortunate enough that the flu is generally limited to a season. Our canine friends, however, are not so lucky. Canine Influenza (or dog flu) is a highly contagious disease that is a threat all year round.

What is Dog Flu and Where Did It Come From?

There are two identified strains of influenza virus that can affect our dogs and are classified as H3N8 and H3N2. The first recognized outbreak of the H3N8 strain of canine influenza occurred in January 2004 at a greyhound race track in Florida. There have been reported cases in a total of 11 states in the U.S., but only among dogs in race track facilities.

The H3N2 virus was first identified in Asia in 2006. There is no evidence to confirm, but it is suspected that in 2015 the H3N2 strain was introduced to the United States by dogs that were rescued and imported from Asia. This U.S. introduction occurred in Chicago when several dogs at a boarding facility became ill. The company quickly shut down multiple Chicago locations for disinfection, but not before the city experienced the worst outbreak in 35 years. At that time there were over 1,000 cases of infectious respiratory disease reported. From there the H3N2 virus spread through the Midwest and continued to stretch throughout the country.

Do I Need to Worry About Dog Flu?

Canine influenza is transmitted from dog to dog by respiratory secretions (i.e. coughing, sneezing, and barking). The virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so dogs can pick up the virus from kennel surfaces, water and food bowls, collars, leashes, etc. The virus can live on clothing for 24 hours and on human hands for 12 hours, so people can also carry the virus from infected dogs to uninfected dogs. All dogs are susceptible to the virus at any time but dogs in restricted spaces (like shelters, boarding kennels, day care, etc.) are at a much higher risk.

Symptoms of Dog Flu

Dogs infected with the virus will show symptoms two to three days after being exposed. They will have a cough that can present as a moist, soft cough or a dry hacking cough that can persist for anywhere from 10 to 21 days. The cough can be accompanied by discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, lethargy (decrease in activity), decrease in appetite and fever. Dogs with a weaker immune system (young puppies, geriatric dogs or dogs with complicated medical histories) can be more severely affected and present with symptoms of pneumonia (high-grade fever, increased respiratory rate and labored breathing).

Because these symptoms are the same as any number of respiratory infections, canine influenza cannot be diagnosed on symptoms alone. There are tests that can be preformed to confirm the diagnosis. Because the cough can persist for up to 21 days, a 21-day quarantine is recommended for infected dogs.

Treatment can include fluids to maintain hydration, anti-inflammatory medications for fever reduction and discomfort and antibiotics for any suspected secondary bacterial infections are used to support the dog’s health until the virus is fought off by the body’s immune system.

Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu?

If your dog needs to be taken to boarding, grooming, or daycare facility, be an advocate for him. Make sure these facilities follow a strict cleaning regiment and schedule using proper disinfecting products and that the personnel are appropriately trained to understand cross contamination and how to prevent it. Lastly, finding a facility that requires all dogs to be vaccinated before entering their facility will also help protect your dog.

Dogs that are at higher risk of exposure should be vaccinated. The first canine influenza vaccine was introduced in June of 2009 to aid in controlling infection with canine influenza virus H3N8, since that was the only strain found in the United States at that time. In 2015, following the Chicago epidemic, Merck Animal Health announced the availability of an H3N2 vaccine. Now that both strains have been identified in the U.S. and the occurrence of one strain or the other is unpredictable, it was recommended that high-risk dogs should be protected against both strains of the virus.

In October, a vaccine was introduced to aid in the control of infection with both strains of the virus. Healthy dogs seven weeks of age or older can be given the vaccine, which requires two vaccinations given two-to-four weeks apart. Initial studies have shown that dogs do not maintain long duration of immunity so it is important to revaccinate them annually.

Although the dog flu has been reported in 40 states (including Washington DC), the vaccine has not become a requirement in all high-risk facilities. In general, only those that have had reported cases of flu in their facility or city feel compelled to require it. Because of this, not all veterinarians are keeping the vaccine in stock. If you have decided to protect your dog using the canine influenza vaccine, be sure to speak to your veterinarian so they can order it for you if they don’t normally stock it. To ensure that your dog is receiving the vaccine’s full protection, it should be given at least two weeks prior to possible exposure.

We as pet parents do need to understand, however, that vaccinated dogs can still become infected and develop the illness. The purpose of the vaccination is to control the spread of the disease by reducing the severity and duration of illness and symptoms, reduce the amount of virus that is shed by infected dogs and how long they shed the virus.

If you have more questions about dog flu, are uncertain if your dog is at risk or wonder if the vaccination is needed/appropriate for your four-legged friend, please have a conversation with your veterinarian. They will help you decide the best way to protect your best friend.

Remember When? – Dr. Luton’s office

by Maralyn Fink

The old Hart Hospital located at 108 Spring St., is where I had my tonsils out in the 1940s. I remember how scared I was and laying on the table. A few words of encouragement from Dr. Frank Luton sort of helped calm me down. The next thing I saw was someone with a wet rag and placing it over my nose that had an awful smell to it. I woke up and remember how sick I got from that stuff called Ether. The nice thing was all the popsicles I got to eat.

Dr. Luton later built a new clinic across Spring Street where he had his office until his retirement. Dr. Wholers later had his dentist office there.

Features

Posted on January 25, 2018 by indylite

Emergency Services Team performs ice rescue exercises

The Clinton County Emergency Services Team preformed their annual ice rescue re-certification exercise at beautiful Clinton Lakes County Park. They also practiced how to support county response partners when they have a long-term cold weather incident by providing shelter, light, and heat.

Redwings swimmers win meet

The Redwings swim team went to Holt for a dual meet recently and came away with a hard fought victory against a very good Holt team, winning 104-82. The team as a whole had a terrific meet, including Cayden Petrak posting a pool diving record of 321.65, the 500 freestyle saw St. Johns finish 1, 2 and 3, and Zeke Ely came through with a very strong finish to help win the 400 freestyle relay by 0.08 seconds.

A Look Back – United Way

by Barry Clark Bauer

Ink White looks on as Charles Huntington finishes posting on the United Way sign to indicate that they’ve reached 100% of their fund raising goal. This took place circa 1968, and the sign was out in front of the old Courthouse.

The United Way got in trouble years ago for their political stance on Gun Control. The issue was later resolved.

Letters – The lady on the phone

Brandon White says that’s Nancy Wells on the phone in this week’s, A Look Back.

The lady on the phone in Barry Bauer’s photo is Nancy Wells, wife of former Judge Richard Wells.

– Jan Bensinger

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Benefits of Oats for Dogs and Cats

More formally known as Avena sativa, inexpensive and readily available oats have a long list of nutritional and health benefits. So, it’s not surprising that oats have quite a history of being used to promote the well-being of people and pets, whether taken internally or applied directly to the skin.

Nutritional Benefits of Oats for Pets

Simply put, oats are nutritious. Compared to other types of cereal grains, oats are relatively high in protein and fat. Protein quality is also high in oats, meaning that that it can be digested and used by the body and provides a good balance of amino acids. Oats also contain a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals (including vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, iron, and selenium), all of which play an important role in maintaining or improving health.

Oats can be a good source of nutrition for pets who have a dietary sensitivity to gluten. Oats that have not been contaminated with grains like wheat, barley, or rye contain no gluten. Also, oats do not currently undergo any genetic engineering or modification.

Of course the nutritional value of oats needs to be judged in view of a pet’s overall dietary needs. For example, most cats do best when eating foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Even though oats do contain relatively large amounts of protein for a cereal grain, they are still high in carbohydrates and should therefore be limited to a small role in the feline diet. One way cats can safely enjoy oats is in the form of “cat grass.” Oats are easy to grow indoors. Simply stick some organic seeds in a pot or purchase a ready-made kit and add water and sunlight. Wait a few weeks until the stems are a couple of inches tall before you let your cat indulge in her natural instinct to nibble on grass.

Oat tea is another way to safely incorporate oats into your cat’s diet. To make oat tea, steep about one tablespoon of organic oats for 15 to 20 minutes in a cup of hot water. Mix a small amount of the tea into your cat’s canned food or apply enough to her kibble to thoroughly moisten it.

Due to their more omnivorous nature, dogs can thrive on a higher proportion of oats in their diets than do cats. Some commercially available dog foods are made with oats, or you can add a little cooked oatmeal to your dog’s current diet. If you are feeding a homemade diet, ask the veterinary nutritionist you are working with whether he or she can incorporate oats into one or more of your recipes. Alternatively, a tablespoonful of cooked oatmeal for every 10 to 20 pounds of your dog’s weight can be safely added to her diet in lieu of other treats. Talk to your veterinarian about the specifics of your pet’s nutritional needs.

Topical Benefits of Oats for Pets

Oats have been incorporated into many commercial products that protect the skin or help it heal. Most of these make use of colloidal oatmeal, which means the oats have been so finely ground that they remain evenly dispersed throughout the product. Research has shown that skin products containing colloidal oatmeal have anti-inflammatory, itch-relieving, and moisturizing properties. Options include:

Shampoos: Natural oatmeal shampoos are readily available and can be a good choice for bathing pets who have dry, itchy, or irritated skin.

Soak: For more anti-itch and anti-inflammatory actions, consider a soak. Commercial soaks are available or you can make your own. Put a handful of oatmeal in a nylon sock and attach the sock over the bathtub tap. Fill the tub to desired level with water filtered through the oats. Let the pet soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes (or for however long they will sit still). Rinse well and dry. Remember, pets prefer tepid water, and cannot tolerate really hot baths.

Dry “Shampoo”: Dry oat shampoos can help absorb oil from the coat and skin and relieve itchiness. Roast some oats until slightly browned. When they have cooled to room temperature, grind them up and work them into the pet’s hair so they come into contact with the skin. Let stand for about 15 to 30 minutes, then comb out. Try this on a small area first, as some hair coats don’t lend themselves well to this type of application.

Oat Poultice: For “hot spots” or other localized skin irritations, make a slurry of ground oats and water, wrap the slurry in cheese cloth or a tea bag (available from health food stores) or soak a clean washcloth in the mixture, and apply as a poultice directly to the affected area. Leave on for 15 minutes or so (or as long as the pet will tolerate it). Repeat several times a day.

Healing herbs such as calendula, chamomile, or lavender can be added to oat mixtures to further enhance healing. Talk to your veterinarian about what type of treatment might be best for your pet based on his or her particular diagnosis.

Oats in Alternative Medicine

Oats are considered a nervine, an herbal compound that acts as a general nerve tonic, calming the nerves when necessary, stimulating their activity when needed. Oats are used for treating a variety of nervous disorders. Herbalists and homeopathic practitioners will often prescribe oats to treat exhaustion, irritability, and anxiety, to name just a few of the more common conditions.

Oats may benefit many other body systems including the skin, digestive tract, spleen, reproductive tract, lungs, hormonal system, and urinary tract. Oats also contain the compound b-sitosterol, which appears to have anti-tumor effects based on recent research. Check with your holistic vet for proper uses and dosages.

Features

Posted on January 18, 2018 by indylite

City asking residents and landlords to clean their sidewalks

Winter has made an appearance and the City of St. Johns is reminding residents and landlords that it is their responsibility to keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice. Prompt removal of snow and ice keep the city’s sidewalks safe and accessible, particularly for people with limited mobility, neighbors, postal carriers, and children walking to and from school.

City Code requires that occupant of every lot or premises adjoining any street, or the owner of such lot or premises, if the same are not occupied, shall clear all ice and snow from sidewalks adjoining such lot or premises within the time herein required. When any snow or ice shall cease to fall during the daylight hours, such snow or ice shall be cleared from the sidewalks within 12 hours after such cessation. When a fall of snow or ice shall have ceased during the nighttime, it shall be cleared from the sidewalks by 6:00 p.m. of the day following.

Ordinance 95.85 Failure to clear states:
If any occupant or owner shall neglect or fail to clear ice or snow from the sidewalk adjoining his premises within the time limited, or shall otherwise permit ice or snow to accumulate on the sidewalk, he shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter, and in addition, the Chief of Police may cause the same to be cleared and the expense of removal shall become a debt to the city from the occupant or owner of the premises and shall be collected as a single lot assessment. Your compliance is required to avoid the single lot assessment for snow removal.

Be careful when removing or having snow removed from your drive. It is against the state statute to deposit snow, ice or slush in the street or on the shoulder of the road. A citation may be issued to individuals violating this code (Motor Vehicle Code P.A. 82 of 1978, 257.677a).

Please be courteous to your neighbors; do not push or blow your snow in to their yards. If you know someone that is elderly or handicapped please help them out and shovel their sidewalk for them. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Bill at (989) 224-8944 x 227 or bschafer@ci.saint-johns.mi.us if you have any questions.

A Look Back – Senator Robert Griffin

by Barry Clark Bauer

Left to right: Esther Hendershot, Robert Purtill, unidentified, and Sharon Fitzpatrick.

This was the Clinton County campaign office of Senator Robert Griffin during the 1972 elections.

Stuart Fitzpatrick was the campaign manager.

Letter: Organizers say thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan Colthorp of Ryan’s Roadhouse and his staff for hosting an amazing benefit for Jennifer Hufnagel. The food was, as the sign says, “ lousy and the beer was warm.” Seriously, great service, food and atmosphere!

Also, to all of the businesses in the community who so graciously allowed the placement of flyers for this event, we thank you.

Thank you to Luke and Rachael for your help with flyers and boxes.

To all of the people who shared the posts and invited friends from near and far and just got the word out there, you are all awesome.

Lastly, to this one of a kind town you all rock! The amount of support shown and given for Jenny and her family speaks volumes about why we are blessed to live here. Your donations, kind words and presence are appreciated more than you know. You are all wonderful, caring and top notch people. Thank you for showing what love and friendship is all about.

This was the best! A super great turnout and lots of fun! Again, thank you all for making this day / night perfect for the Hufnagel family.

With love and gratitude,
Kim Brown, Maralyn Woodbury and Lorann Lynam Smith

Features

Posted on January 11, 2018 by indylite

A Tribute in honor of my brother-in-law, Thomas W. Beechler

courtesy of Jon J. Ricker

Long-time St Johns residents will remember the Beechler name as a well-known family in both the business and residential community stretching back to pre-World War II. As owners and proprietors of the Clinton Theater in downtown St Johns, Tom’s parents, Bill and Gerry, operated the town’s entertainment hub for many decades until its closing. Tom and his sisters were raised in St Johns and were often seen helping their parents on movie nights.

Front row, l. to r.: Canum, Bashore, Sandy Briggs, Tom Beechler, Wiseman, Moon, Terry Bacon.

Throughout his school years, Tom was an avid athlete. He was particularly passionate about basketball, and his name was always prominent in the Rodney B. Wilson High School game recaps.

Post high school, Tom attended college and then joined the US Army serving his country in Germany until his discharge. During this time he married his high school sweetheart Carol Ricker, my sister, and returned to St. Johns in September 1959 to live and start their family.

Over the years Tom and his dad could be regularly seen at Walker’s Cafe for breakfast, and Tom also enjoyed the occasional gathering with friends at Bruno’s after a hard day at work. He was a life-long employee of Federal Mogul Corporation until his retirement.

Tom and Carol’s three children, Robin, Scott and Rhonda were born and raised in St Johns and lived there until the company relocated them to the Blacksburg, Virginia plant in the early 1970s.

An overt University of Michigan supporter, Tom was always there for a friend-in-need and always approachable to those that knew him well. He passionately loved his family, basketball, Michigan and his many life-long friends from St. Johns. He will be dearly missed by all – but certainly not forgotten by all those who’s lives he touched.

Condolences can be sent to the families at: 1758 Sawmill Hill Rd NW Willis VA 24380.

A Look Back – Roberts Ceramics

by Barry Clark Bauer

Helen Roberts is painting a ceramic piece at her business, Roberts Ceramics, at 107 W. Railroad St.

The customer went through the process of picking out a mold to be filled with a plaster mix; and when that set up, they cleaned and painted the item that would be fired (baked) in Roberts’ oven to turn it into a finished produce. Roberts was located in the old St. Johns Bowling Alley building.

Bennie and Jessie’s Pet Info – How to Tell If Dogs Are Feline Friendly

“Dogs and cats, living together…mass hysteria!” (Dr. Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters, 1984). This quote always comes to mind when I see pictures of dogs and cats happily co-existing, snuggled up together, grooming each other, and living a life of peace and harmony. Then I think of my own dog, a Siberian Husky, who, despite growing up with two cats, became a critter killer, no matter what the species. If it was small and ran fast, he was after it, thanks to his natural prey instinct.

As the age-old cliché goes, dogs and cats are as compatible as cats and mice. It may be due to breed, experience, or just personality. But don’t let reputation completely deter you from having both creatures in your home. Now, I have two dogs and a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and they are living happily ever after.

Every individual dog has his own personality traits, and some don’t follow the rules. For instance, although they are a high-risk breed, Alaskan Malamutes are also very protective of their pack. And if they have grown up with or raised a kitten, they are likely to protect it until the end.

Relationships that are built early on in life are usually the safest. A puppy who has grown up around a cat will most likely never turn on it. He may dislike other cats or small animals he meets, but not his own. However, if natural prey instincts kick in, harm may come to your feline family member. There’s never a 100 percent way of knowing how it will go between two animals, because they are just that: animals.

Introducing a New Dog to Your Cat

If you have a cat at home and would like to introduce a new dog to the family, it may be best to bring in a puppy. Otherwise, an adult dog can be risky. However, there are ways to tell if that lovable dog at the shelter, begging to come home with you, will work out. Dogs respond well to their natural senses, and you can learn a lot from their body language.

A new study revealed that dogs are more responsive to cat sounds than to the sight or smell of a cat. So, if you are interested in a particular shelter dog and want to assess whether he will fare well in your home with cats, bring a recording of cat sounds to the meet and greet, and see how the dog reacts. A dog with a history of harming cats will take longer to orient himself to the cat sounds, the study found.

Always ask the shelter or rescue organization about the dog’s previous history and his behavior around people and other animals, if available. No matter how desperate those puppy eyes are, trust that history will repeat itself. If the dog has gone after a cat or other small animal in the past, he most likely will again.

All in all, make sure to do your research before bringing a new pet into your household. Look into the dog’s breed. Is he bred for hunting small prey, such as sight hounds (e.g., Greyhounds, Whippets)? Does he have a strong natural prey instinct, such as Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, or Malamutes? Is he a Weimaraner, which is never recommended near cats? If any of these breeds are of interest to you, it may not be worth the risk of endangering your house cat near them.

If you are bringing home an adult dog, be sure to familiarize him with the sounds of your cat, and see how he reacts. And always, always closely supervise first introductions and interactions between any two animals. You can never completely predict or trust how the two will respond to each other, and it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Natasha Feduik is a licensed veterinary technician with Garden City Park Animal Hospital in New York, where she has been practicing for 10 years. Natasha received her degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. Natasha has two dogs, a cat, and three birds at home and is passionate about helping people take the best possible care of their animal companions.

Letters – Farewell and thanks

From Scott Berg via Facebook

Today my heart is heavy. We will be saying goodbye to one of our Clinton County Emergency Services Team teammates. Ryan Martin tragically took his own life on Wednesday. He was an Army veteran who suffered from PTSD, TBI and depression. Ryan was a dedicated team member and had a find this past summer of a six year old autistic child.

The hardest part was that our team was called out to assist in scene support and negotiations during a four hour attempt to talk him out of pulling the trigger. I was personally communicating with him via Facebook messenger just a few hundred yards from where he had parked his vehicle. He had reached out to me and I, along with the negotiators on the phone, worked feverishly to keep him with us. In the end his demons won the battle.

Tough situations are difficult to deal with as search and rescue professionals, but are compounded when they are one of your own. I would ask you to keep our Clinton County Emergency Services Team in your thoughts and prayers today. Also keep Ryan’s family lifted up as well. Not only was I Ryan’s Commander but was also his friend. We are doing well during this time of grief and unanswered questions, and appreciate the support from those whom I have already spoken to.

Keep your loved ones close and cherish the moments you share.

Scott and K-9 Keela
Clinton County Emergency Services Team

******

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has taken a moment over the last several days to spare a kind word or who came to say their goodbyes to my little brother, Ryan Martin.

Many have said that they have no words. They are right. There are no words. There are no words to properly express sorrow, grief, or love.

Only actions. Actions were something Ryan was really good at. If we could all find ways to be a little kinder to each other, that’s the best way to honor his memory and maybe make up for the hole he left behind.

Kateri Martin Konik and the Martin family

[Editor’s note: Kudows to the Knights of Columbus and the women of the Rosary Altar Society from St. Joseph Church for their repeat of the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. They were told to prepare to feed 150 friends and family members, and they were able to accommodate at least 180.]

Features

Posted on January 4, 2018 by indylite

Now and Then – All the little children

by Jean Martin

Martin 3.0: All the little children who ‘round the table go

On Saturday the Martin family celebrated Christmas in St. Johns. For once we had all of the families there, and all of the grandchildren were there too. It was quite a crowd at the house on Ottawa Street where the Martins 2.0 all grew up.

A Look Back – Old Clinton Memorial Hospital Operating Room

by Barry Clark Bauer

This is the Operating Room at the old Clinton Memorial Hospital taken in 1955. The nurse is unidentified.

Now known as Sparrow Clinton Hospital, they recently celebrated their 90th anniversary.

Bennie and Jessie’s Pet Info – Year-Round Coat Care for Pets

A pet’s coat is one of his or her most distinctive features. They come in so many forms: the luxurious red tresses on an Irish setter, the shiny stripes on a Bengal, the mohawk of a Chinese Crested, or the pouf of a Pomeranian. A pet’s coat is a crowning glory when healthy, and one of the first things people notice when its health begins to waver through neglect or an underlying medical condition. So what are the keys to a healthy and beautiful coat, and what should you do if your dog or cat is starting to look a little mangy?

The Scoop on Shedding

Hair growth occurs in three phases: the anagen, or growing phase; the catagen, or transitional stage; and the telogen phase, or resting phase. In people and in some dogs such as poodles, the hairs spend much of their time in the anagen phase, necessitating regular cuts as the hairs continue to grow. In most breeds of dogs, the hair spends the majority of its time in the resting phase. The length of time a hair grows before stopping is highly breed dependent; this is why you don’t see a Jack Russell with a floor-length coat like a Lhasa Apso no matter how long you let it grow.

At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out of the follicle so a new one may grow in its place, which we know as shedding. The degree to which you notice a pet’s shedding depends on the density and length of the coat; while Siamese and Persians both shed the same amount, the long hairs on a Persian may make it much more noticeable.

Although pets shed fur year-round, you may notice increased shedding in the fall as the denser winter coat comes in, and in the spring as the lighter summer coat takes over. This is most pronounced in pets with a double coat such as Akitas, Huskies, Chow Chows and Australian Shepherds. Fluffy cats, such as Maine Coons and the Norwegian Forest Cat, also experience a distinct shedding season, usually the spring.

How to Keep the Coat Healthy

In both dogs and cats, brushing is the number one thing you can do to help keep your pet’s coat shiny and healthy. In addition to removing the loosening hairs that are on the way to being shed, brushing stimulates the skin, distributes oils and helps brush off the top layer of skin that, like the hairs, sheds itself regularly. During the spring and fall shedding seasons you will need to increase the number of times a week your pet is brushed.

Bathing is also an excellent tool for coat and skin health, though the type of shampoo and frequency of grooming is highly individualized. A healthy cat who grooms frequently may not ever need a bath (much to the relief of both cat and owner). While shampooing removes dirt and accumulated oil, it can also be drying if done too frequently. Once a month is sufficient for most pets. Make sure you choose a shampoo that is specific to dogs and cats; people shampoo is often too harsh for a pet’s more sensitive skin. Pets with specific medical conditions such as seborrhea often benefit from medicated shampoos; it’s vital to follow the instructions closely to get the desired result.

Stand in front of the grooming section at any pet store and you will quickly appreciate the variety of tools and gadgets at your disposal for grooming purposes. Some brushes with flat metal blades are designed for deshedding thick undercoats, while others with softer bristles lack the strength to detangle but are better for sensitive skin. Dogs and cats who shed heavily require more frequent brushing and grooming to maintain coat health. Your groomer, veterinarian, or even breed clubs and websites can be invaluable resources to help you figure out the best tools and grooming frequencies for your individual pet.

Regular grooming also gives you the chance to evaluate your pet’s skin on a routine basis. You can check for external parasites such as fleas and ticks, feel for masses, and catch hot spots early. Skin that seems very oily or thickened, flaky, greasy, reddened, or extra-smelly warrants a trip to the veterinarian. In many cats, an unkempt coat is one of the earliest signs of illness as grooming is one of the first behaviors they stop performing when they are nauseated, tired or sore.

Does Diet Matter?

Absolutely! You’ve probably seen recommendations for a variety of supplements, pills, oils or home remedies promising to improve a pet’s coat, and with good reason—they can make a big difference. So which ones work the best?

When I was a kid, my mother used to pour a tablespoon of canola oil on our dog’s food. It made us feel like we were doing something, and sure it made our dog’s coat shiny, but it didn’t do a whole lot to actually make it healthier. These days, canola oil has been replaced by trendier choices like olive oil and coconut oil; but if you truly want to invest in the healthiest skin and coat supplements, you need to consider a quality essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement specifically formulated for a pet’s skin and coat.

Essential fatty acids are those that a pet cannot synthesize himself and therefore must be included in the diet. EFAs play a vital role as building blocks in the cells, the inflammatory response, as well as in maintaining the integrity of the skin as a barrier to the outside world. They fall into two general categories depending on their molecular makeup: omega-3 and omega-6. EFAs occur naturally from a number of sources such as flaxseed oil and fish.

What we have learned over time is that it’s not only which EFAs are present in a supplement, but in what ratios, that really determine how well they improve a pet’s health. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be between 10:1 to 4:1. Although many pet foods add EFAs to the final product, most people prefer adding their own supplementation as you have better control over both the source and the dosing of the EFAs. Your veterinarian should be able to help you find a quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer.

The time and expense of maintaining a pet’s coat is just one of the responsibilities we take on with a pet, but the rewards of a shiny, touchable pet make it all worthwhile.

Letter – Apartments in the old Bement building?

On December 6, 2017 I presented to the St. Johns Planning Commission my projected plan of building 5 apartments on the 2nd floor of my building located at 201 Spring St., St. Johns, MI and was denied a special use permit based on the size of my apartments and the 2 or 3 city parking spaces that would be needed for future tenants. (I currently have 7 private parking spaces available).

Being located in the Central Business District of St. Johns, I am not required to provide off street parking for tenants. Tenants park in the city parking lots using parking permits purchased from the City of St. Johns.

There is nothing in the city code that establishes a minimum apartment size. This is governed by the state if the city has not adopted an ordinance/code pertaining to this. Majority of my planned apartments are the size of Suntree Apartments which are subsidized by the government.

In the latter part of 2016, the planning commission approved a special use permit for a 26 room apartment/hotel in downtown St. Johns. This developer has apartments which are the same size if not smaller than my planned development. In addition, that development requires 20 or more city parking spots.

Normally I don’t ask for help, but when I feel that I am being unjustly treated to a different standard than others I will reach out.

On Monday January 8,, 2018 I present my proposed development to the City Commissioners and I ask you to attend the meeting to show support if you can.

If you can’t attend the meeting, but would like to email a show of support you can send an email before Monday to dkudwa@ci.saint-johns.mi.us with your note addressed to the City Commissioners.

City Commission Meeting
Monday, January 08, 2018 6:00 PM
Clinton County Courthouse
Board of Commissioners Room
Suite #2200

Thanks for your support!
Susan Ouellette

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or stolen, injured, or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs, and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, as dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow, or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze, or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Fast Away the Old Year Passes

Posted on December 28, 2017 by indylite

January

SJ students honored at Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet

VOD: Senior Division winners for VFW Post 4113 are Abby Murray (second), Trevor Loznak, third, Julia Fox, first. Also pictured Larry Varney, Bob Etherton, Joe Martinez, Hunter DeSander.

And in weather news

Snow, rain, sleet, wind, ice, thunder and lightening – we have had it all; and sometimes all at once

Three to participate in Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C.

Three members from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Mounted Division were invited to be part of a group from across Michigan that will represent the state in the 58th presidential Inauguration parade for President-elect Donald Trump January 20th in Washington D.C. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Mounted members participating in this year’s event are Neil White, Birt Cooper, and Marty Bontrager.

Nurse Honor Guard formed: Chris Leavitt RN, Maralyn Woodbury LPN, Denise Plowman RN, Janet Pline RN Doris Jablowski RN and Marge Minarik RN The free service will be available in St Johns, Fowler, Pewamo, Westphalia, Ovid, Elsie and Maple Rapids.

Another Landmark gone: The last church building on Church Street was razed on January 23.

February

SJHS grad to invited to present at World Congress in Italy

Saginaw Valley State University student Jarrod Eaton, a health science major from St. Johns, has a genuine interest in the health of college students, and has pursued research in this regard. He has been invited to present his research at the 2nd World Congress on Public Health and Nutrition in Rome, Italy March 22-24.

CAFR has been dissolved

After 16 years of service, CAFR is being dissolved. As of 6:01 pm Wednesday evening February 8, Clinton Area Fire and Rescue was no more.

Junior Dancers: Pre-school thru 6th grade students learned some moves from SJHS Dance Team members last Saturday.

Take a walk around the Castle

by Jean Martin

True to St. Johns building tradition, the new senior housing Castle is being built right up to the sidewalk.

Great Harvest: Tracy Kossaras shows Jason Butler some of the newly-arrived baked goods at Kurt’s Appliance.

March

Spring Continued: And then the wind blew.

SJPD crack case of rail car vandalism

On January 23, 2017 the St. Johns Police Department began an investigation in reference to a Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) complaint where one of the historic railroad cars at the St. Johns Depot was vandalized with spray paint and marker on both the inside and the outside.

Through several weeks of diligent investigation by officers, four juvenile suspects were identified as being responsible for the vandalism.

Local favorite Kitty Donohoe releases a new CD at the Wilson Center during a March 31 concert.

Barry has seen his first shy Robin, so we must have lived through another Michigan winter.

April

St. Johns Middle School students rehearse for their April 21-23 production of the Lion King, Jr.

City begins search for new City Manager

The St. Johns City commission has begun the process of searching for a new City Manager. Deputy City Manager Dave Kudwa will serve as the acting City Manager during this interim period.

Okay, now it’s Spring: St. Johns welcomes the return of flowing waters.

Local author, Dennis Scott, signed copies of his book … And I’m Sticking to It! A Journey in the Vietnam War through Letters Home at the depot during Sunday’s salute to the Armed Forces.

Special Veterans: On Tuesday Forrest Swatman, Bob Zuker and Benny Allen were all ready to celebrate another Memorial Day.

June

Chief Kyle Knight begins a new chapter in a stellar law enforcement career

By Rhonda Dedyne

Chief Knight is leaving the Mint Festival City – but he’s taking lots of good thoughts and memories with him.

Arts Night Out: Shoppers visited displays throughout downtown St. Johns last Friday evening.

SJPD Officer awarded for valor

On Tuesday night Officer Chad Pierson was awarded with a Medal of Valor by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police at their Summer conference. He was nominated by Chief Knight for his actions in apprehending the suspect while assisting other local police agencies during a foot chase last year.

Celebrate: Young and old gathered Wednesday afternoon to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and prizes at the 35th Anniversary party at Hazel Findlay Country Manor.

July

Sunday Funday

by Maralyn Fink

Sparrow Clinton names Volunteers of the Year

Members of the Clinton County Open Food Distribution Team were recently recognized as the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Volunteers of the Year for their outstanding community service.

Try out the giant paint brush

Clinton County Arts Council Vice President, Jenny McCampbell, stopped by to test drive the interactive component of the Gill-Roys Mural. Be a part of the fun and stop by to hold the giant paint brush!

Spray Park mural unveiled

Tracie Davis and Diane Harte of Tiny by Design Art & Whimsical Party Gallery were on hand to celebrate the unveiling of the community effort.

August

Crowd-Pleaser: Tuesday’s National Night Out was a big hit with all of the kids including this young lady who is giving her little brother a quick health checkup.

Mint Royalty: Pageant winners chosen on Tuesday include Queen: Delaney Fedewa; 1st Runner Up: McKayla Keener; 2nd Runner Up: Madisyn Kotowicz; Junior Miss Mint: Olivia Melton; Little Miss Mint: Mya Robertson – photo courtesy of Iryshe Photography

Preparing for the Mint Festival – an album

by Maralyn Fink

When we visit the Mint Festival, we see everything in its place. What we don’t usually see is all of the hard work that goes into getting things ready for the visitors. And we don’t see what it looks like as it winds down on Sunday.

Concert in the Park: This couple enjoyed a nostalgic dance as Elvis closed out another concert season.

September

SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

by Maralyn Fink

Amanda E. Becker, Gary C. Boyce, Andy Schmitt, Al Werbish, Luke Wilcox

New Police Chief to start September 5

Chief David Kirk has been sworn in as the City’s new Chief of Police.

Arts Night Out: Chalk It Up – September 15

The Clinton County Arts Council of downtown St. Johns invites everyone to join in another fun, community oriented event.

SJPD: Chief Kirk recognizes Officer Helms and K-9 Duke for Duke’s service to the police department. K-9 Duke is retiring after 5 1/2 years of service to the City.

October

Habitat gala to include dancing with local stars – Friday, October 6

Dean Hartenberg has been practicing diligently with his choreographer Heather Reed from Heathers Dance Studio in St. Johns.

Castle St. Johns ribbon cutting held last Friday

The ribbon cutting took place on Friday, October 13 with Mayor Beaman, Vice-Mayor Hanover and Commissioner Bob Craig attending.

St. Johns Homecoming Royalty: St. Johns High school seniors Tyler Secord and Emily Tahvonen were crowned as the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime festivities of the Redwings’ football game versus Battle Creek Central Friday night.

Open House: A former landmark furniture store on Clinton Ave. has been transformed into the Heritage Place Hotel. Heritage Place Hotel owner Chris Harris and his daughter, Lauren, welcomed visitors last Sunday.

November

The SJHS Theatre Department will present The Addams Family on November 10 – 12.

St. Johns City Charter Amendment for Streets and Sidewalks

YES – 884 (78.2%)
No – 246 (21.8%)

Sculpture: Hammer In Hand Custom Cycles artist Ivan Iler is at it again. This time his creation is headed to Impression Five Science Center in Lansing.

Happy 90th birthday to Sparrow Clinton Hospital

St. Johns recently celebrated Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s 90th birthday. Sparrow Clinton was a pioneer among rural hospitals in Michigan and was one of the first to be governed by a non-profit community corporation.

After the Parade: After the Santa Parade on December 1, stop by the depot for the Silent Auction to benefit the restoration of the historic rail cars.

December

Christmas at the Briggs – an album

by Maralyn Fink

Chamber names Member Business of the Year

The 2017 award was recently presented to New Look Computer and Data, and it is owned by Jason Denovich.

City holds Open House

Chief Kirk is shown here with his wife, Heather.

City Manager Stoppels is joined by his wife, Barb McKessy.

Fill a Cop Car

by Maralyn Woodbury

Pictured are Officer Tanner Nelson, Officer Zach Smith, Officer Brendon Harless and Officer Mike Brown.

It was a very cold day, and we wish to thank all of them for doing this important event to help the folks in need. Good job, guys.

GoFundMe page set up for local family

Jenny Hickerson Hufnagel has been courageously battling colon cancer for the past 10 years.

https://www.gofundme.com/HelptheHufnagelsFightForJenny

Posted in Features

Features

Posted on December 28, 2017 by indylite

Now and Then – A death in the family

by Jean Martin

A week or so ago the mother of our son-in-law died. Her health had been bad for quite a while; and yet when the end came, it was still a shock. We suspect that it’s usually somewhat of a shock when it actually happens.

For a moment time stands still, and then the frenzy begins. The boys have all outgrown last year’s suits; there are travel arrangements to make, in some cases hotel reservations to make. Family members make plans to fly in. In one instance one young man makes it out of Atlanta just before the power failed.

Next come the undertaker, the priest, the funeral dinner. Appointments must be made and schedules consulted.

The daughters visit the florist. Mom’s favorite flower was the lilac, and they ask if it would be possible to have some. The florist says that she wishes that Mom could have hung on until spring; there would be plenty of lilacs then. Yes, the family agrees, they all wish she could have hung on until spring.

And so it goes. Every time we read another obituary notice, we must remember that countless lives have been upset, inconvenienced, and yes, devastated. Every death sends out ripples into the immediate community and beyond. Whether every death diminishes us is open for debate, but every death changes us, all of us.

Remember that the next time you scroll casually through the week’s obituary list. One life here has ended, but we are all changed.

A Look Back – Sidewalk Sales

by Barry Clark Bauer

A look back at warm weather and the Sidewalk Sales circa 1972. It’s 11:30 on the clock at Pierce Bakery, and the young ladies look like they’re shopping at Bennett’s Jewelry.

We had Sidewalk Sales for many years, and they were used to reduce their inventory of things that didn’t sell during the year. We have a lot of service businesses downtown today but very few retail businesses which basically led to the end of Sidewalk Sales.

Bennie and Jessie’s Pet Info – FDA Warns Against Giving Dogs Bones and Bone Treats

Give a dog a bone? You may want to think twice about that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In a recent release the FDA said giving pets bones or bone treats to chew on can have major consequences.

The FDA has received “about 68 reports of pet illnesses related to ‘bone treats,’ which differ from uncooked butcher-type bones because they are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats.” The reports, which were received between Nov. 10, 2010 and Sept. 12, 2017, involved about 90 dogs—15 of which reportedly died after eating a bone treat.

The bone-related treats mentioned in the reports include “ham bones,” pork femur bones,” “rib bones,” and “smokey knuckle bones.”

The possible consequences linked to these bones, which often contain preservatives and seasonings, include choking, blockage in the digestive tract, vomiting, diarrhea, cuts and wounds in the mouth or tonsils, bleeding from the rectum, and even death.

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” said FDA veterinarian Dr. Carmela Stamper.

In order to keep dogs safe during the holiday season, and throughout the year, the FDA suggests that pet parents keep bones from family meals out of reach of pets and properly maintain trash cans.

If you want to give your dog a toy or treat to chew on, the FDA recommends consulting with your veterinarian first about the best and safest options.

However, if your dog “isn’t acting right” after chewing on any kind of toy or treat, seek immediate veterinary care, Stamper advised.

Letter – Voice for Clinton County’s Children says thanks

The Voice for Clinton County’s Children expresses our appreciation to all who provided holiday cheer to the children we serve! Special thanks to all who adopted our families for the holidays, Nicole’s Salon & Day Spa for hosting a giving tree, Lowe United Methodist Church for supporting our families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Toys for Tots.

We are also appreciative of all who made a financial gift to our program and Redeemer United Methodist Church for their special gift. Thank you on behalf of the children and families we serve.

Happy New Year!
Kelly Schafer, Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – How to Stop Fighting Between Cats

It’s not always easy to keep the peace in a multi-cat household. Hissing, biting, and scratching can be as hard on pet parents as it is on the cats. Fortunately, there are ways to stop cat fights before they start.

Why Do Cats Fight?

The first step to stopping cat fights is to understand why they start. In the wild, cats generally have strong relationships with their moms, aunts, and siblings, says Dr. Jill Sackman, head of behavior medicine service at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. But once they’re on their own, they tend to be more solitary creatures.

Should another cat cross into what they consider their territory, there’s bound to be a stand off, she says. This applies in the home as well. Many fights start with a cat protecting what she considers hers, be it an area, a toy, or a human.

Then there are cats who used to get along, but the relationship changed after a traumatic event. Sackman says she is working with a cat who had a painful accident in the kitchen. The kitty got her foot caught in a wire rack and, after falling to the floor, the first thing she saw was her brother. She now associates him with the pain, and the two fight like mad, Sackman says.

Signs that cats aren’t getting along can be obvious—all you have to do is listen for the hissing. But other times, the aggression can be subtler, says Dr. Franklin McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends Animal Society.

You might notice one cat leaving the room when the other enters. Or a more submissive cat may try to hide or disappear to avoid a confrontation when the more dominating cat gets close. “Cats have different personalities,” McMillan says. “And sometimes those personalities just don’t mix.”

How to Stop a Cat Fight

When a cat fight starts, your first instinct may be to yell, clap, or break out the water gun. But this could just make things worse, Sackman warns.

Instead, you should take a deep calming breath and insert an object like a large piece of cardboard between the cats, McMillan suggests. This creates a gentle but impenetrable barrier between the two felines. If the cats are locked together, pick one up by the scruff, which will force him to release the other cat.

Keep the cats separated for a while to let them cool down. “Every time you have a fight, the relationship gets worse,” Sackman says. “The longer the fights have been going on, the harder it is to correct the relationship.”

How to Make Cats Like Each Other

Trying to mend a bad relationship between cats takes time, space, and a whole lot of patience. The following tips can also be helpful when introducing a new cat into the household.

Start by putting the cats in separate areas with their own food and water dishes, litter pan, and climbing spaces. Make sure to spend plenty of quality time with each cat in their respective areas.

Then, slowly reintroduce (or in the case of a new cat, introduce) the two cats. The exact timing of when to start this process will vary from case to case, depending on the severity of the relationship problems.

The first step is to allow the cats to share scents. Feed the cats at the same time on the opposite sides of a door, the doctors recommend. This allows them to associate the other’s smell with something pleasant, like treats or their favorite wet food.

Continue the scent swap by mixing their used litter together, Sackman says. You can also take a cloth, wipe down one cat’s paws and tail, and let the other smell it. McMillan recommends switching the cats’ spaces so they get a full dose of the other’s smell.

After that, it’s time for a face-to-face meeting. Put the cats on opposite sides of a screen or baby gate. This setup allows them to see and smell each other, but there’s still a protective barrier between them.

Once they get to the point where they can see each other without trying to start a war, you can remove the barrier completely. You’ll likely have better results if a friend or family member helps with this step.

Bring the cats into the same room and lavish each with tons of attention and praise in the presence of the other, McMillan says. Over time, this classical conditioning allows the cats to start associating their former foe with positive experiences instead of fear, domination, or pain. “It’s a matter of teaching them to like the presence of one another,” he says.

Keeping the Peace Between Cats

To prevent future disputes, make sure each cat has her own food dish, play space, and litter pan. Both doctors also recommend having an extra pan, just in case.

Cats like to climb, McMillan says, so give each cat her own perch where she knows she can get away from the other if needed. “The most comforting thing for any animal is to be able to seek out your own safe haven when things aren’t going well,” he says.

Pheromone dispensers may also help relax anxious cats. Both doctors say they’ve also seen positive results with nutraceuticals, though they recommend talking to your vet first. You want to make sure these products won’t interact negatively with any medications your cat is prescribed. Your vet may also recommend anti-anxiety drugs to help preserve the peace.

Remember: some cats may never get along. But hopefully, you can get to the point where they at least tolerate each other. “Living in peace is the goal,” McMillan says. “They may not like each other, but they can at least live together and not cause problems.”

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