LAFCU promotes Amy Thelen
LAFCU has promoted Justin Tuck to assistant vice president of operations and Amy Thelen to human resources generalist.
As human resources generalist, Thelen will oversee recruiting, benefits administration and retiree relations.
“Amy’s deep understanding of the interpersonal communication skills necessary for a member-focused organization will be invaluable as LAFCU continues to grow,” said Robyn Howell, vice president of human resources.
The St. Johns resident came to LAFCU in 2015, most recently serving as collector in the collections department. She has additional relevant experience in the insurance industry and as a customer service representative for another credit union.
Thelen said, “This opportunity to build and support the LAFCU team to meet members’ needs is exciting. It is in alignment with the training I have sought and my career goals.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant.
Memories of 4-H Fair, 2019
Videos from 4-H Fair, 2019
courtesy of Guven Witteveen
A Look Back – Track Records in 1968
Two of these St. Johns track men broke or tied school records last week and will be out to better those marks at Clinton County Track Meet next Tuesday.
George Mehney (left) tied Carl Barnes’ 1953 record of :15.6 in the high hurdles, Kirk Simpson came within two seconds of a mile record with a 4:43.2 timing, and Bill French (right), set a new record in the 2-mile run of 10:42.35, 15 seconds faster than the old mark.
George was the son of Rostan and Ruth Mehney of St. Johns. George and his parents are now diseased.
Letters – National Night Out sponsors recognized
National Night Out is coming right up. We’d like to thank our generous sponsors:
Pauli Ford
Rotary Club of St. Johns
St. Johns Kiwanis Club 707
St. Johns Lions Club
Smith Family Funeral Homes
Allaby & Brewbaker Insurance
Rsi Home Improvement
The Wheel Inn
Olympian Tool LLC
Young Chevrolet of St. Johns
Kroger
Big Boy of St. Johns
McDonald’s
Andy T’s Farm Market
Burt Rentals
Kurt’s Appliance Center
– St. Johns Police Department – Michigan
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Thunderstorm Phobias in Dogs
Dog thunderstorm anxiety is a disorder characterized by a persistent and exaggerated fear of storms, or the stimuli that are associated with storms. This phobia is complicated and sometimes difficult to manage because it involves physiologic, emotional and behavioral components.
Thunderstorm phobia occurs in both dogs and cats, but dogs are more susceptible to this type of fear.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder?
The exact cause of dog storm anxiety is unknown, but it may include a combination of the following factors:
– Lack of exposure to storms early in development
– Unintentional reinforcement of the fear response by owners
– A genetic predisposition for emotional reactivity (the condition appears to be more common in herding breeds)
Dogs can react to a variety of stimuli associated with storms, including the sound of thunder, dropping barometric pressure, rain, flashes of lightening and electrical charges within the air.
What Are the Signs of Dog Storm Anxiety?
Dogs can exhibit a variety of responses or behaviors in reaction to a thunderstorm. Some common signs of a thunderstorm phobia include:
– Pacing
– Panting
– Trembling
– Hiding or remaining near the owner
– Drooling
– Destructiveness
– Excessive vocalization
– Self-inflicted trauma
– Incontinence
How Is a Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will need to rule out any conditions that can cause similar behavioral responses, such as separation anxiety, pain and neurologic problems.
Additional testing may be necessary to ensure that the dog is healthy enough to be given anti-anxiety medications, if that is deemed necessary.
How Does Thunderstorm Anxiety Affect Your Dog Physically?
Fear, anxiety and stress can affect body systems in a variety of ways, including:
Cardiovascular—high heart rate
Endocrine/metabolic—increased cortisol levels, stress-induced hyperglycemia
Gastrointestinal—inappetence, gastrointestinal upset
Musculoskeletal—trauma resulting from escape attempts
Respiratory—rapid breathing
Skin—acral lick dermatitis (skin damage due to chronic licking that is thought to release endorphins and promote a sense of calm)
If your dog’s thunderstorm phobia is severe, and storms occur with some regularity where you live, the chronic effects could lead to a decreased quality of life and potentially problems like immune dysfunction and an increased risk of infection.
Talk with your veterinarian to decide the best way to approach and help manage your dog’s anxiety-induced behaviors.
What Can You Do to Relieve Dog Storm Anxiety?
Most dogs cannot be cured of their thunderstorm phobias, but management is possible. In a study published in 2003, 30 out of 32 dogs showed significant improvement in their symptoms with appropriate therapy.
Comfort Your Dog
It’s perfectly acceptable to offer comfort if your dog seeks it during a storm. It’s a common misconception that doing so might accidentally reinforce your dog’s fear, but fear is a visceral response that can’t be altered by a petting or kind words.
Create a Calming Environment
Playing some calming music to mask the sound of the storm and offering your dog a food puzzle or chew might help your dog refocus during a storm.
Try a Dog Anxiety Vest
Body wraps like the ThunderShirt ease anxiety in fearful dogs, but allow your dog enough time to acclimate to a ThunderShirt prior to using it during a storm. Introduce the garment slowly and use treats to help your dog make a positive association to it.
Surround Them With Dog-Appeasing Pheromones
Calming pheromones like those included in Adaptil diffusers, collars and sprays are another good option.
Give Them Calming Supplements
Anxiety-relieving nutritional supplements like Nutramax Solliquin calming chews and VetriScience Composure behavioral health chews may also help dogs that are scared of thunder or other stimuli associated with storms.
Ask Your Vet About Anti-Anxiety Medications and Behavioral Modification
Prescription anti-anxiety medications for dogs are sometimes needed with more severe storm phobias or for dogs who do not respond to over-the-counter treatments. Your veterinarian can also recommend a behavioral modification plan to help your dog learn to remain calm when a thunderstorm approaches.