RESA auto program names scholarship winners
Normally winners of auto program scholarships are recognized during the annual show. However due to the pandemic that was not possible. Thus they want to take a moment to recognize the three scholarship winners from the 2019-2020 school year.
The first scholarship, the Boak Memorial Award is to recognize an outstanding student from our Clinton County RESA Career Connections Auto Service and Technology Program. The student preferably completes both Auto I and Auto II, and is planning on furthering their auto skills by attending a post-secondary institution or entering the workforce to continue to grow in the profession.
Gabe Lorio has been chosen by a committee of individuals for this award. The committee included educators, business and industry representation, community members, and of course, Mrs. Pam Boak. Gabe completed both Auto I and Auto II successfully, clearly demonstrating his natural abilities for the trade. Gabe also has already worked full-time at Young’s Chevrolet right here in our community. He continues his career working with his father in a family-owned business.
Gabe’s instructor, Mr. Ken Potts, says, “Gabe is a student with a bright future ahead of him in the automotive industry. [He comes] from a family with a strong auto background and a good grasp of automotive skills. Gabe started working at Young’s Chevrolet while in my auto class. I hope these funds will help him further his career in the auto industry”.
The next scholarship is the High School Auto Shop Scholarship, which is designed to honor an autoshop student that has gone above and beyond in the classroom and in the shop.
William St. George has been chosen by a committee of individuals for this award. William participated in both year I and year II of the CCRESA Career Connections auto program. William was working at an auto shop while taking the class and was very active in the shop and classroom. William took on a leadership role in the shop when working on cars. William will be attending Ferris State University this fall and will be majoring in Automotive Management.
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The final scholarship is the Scheuring Speed Sports Scholarship, which is designed to honor students who have a passion for automobiles and automotive repair. Two students, Kenny McCoy and Katelyn Ouderkirk, were chosen by a committee of individuals for this award.
Kenny participated in both year I and year II of the CCRESA Career Connections auto program that is very skilled at welding, fabricating, and loves working on automobiles. Kenny looks forward to pursuing a career in automotive repair.
Katelyn participated in both year I and year II of the CCRESA Career Connections auto program and did not let stereotypes that girls do not desire to work on cars stop her from pursuing her passions and excelling. She has gone above and beyond in the classroom and in the shop and was a leader in her peer group. She would jump at any chance to work on anything and everything. Katelyn was accepted to UNOH and was working at Shaheen Chevrolet this summer.
Clinton Conservation District – A Look Back
Staff members help make the work of the Clinton Conservation District possible. Here are some pictures of staff, past and present, to help remember all the work the conservation district as been involved in over the years!
The Clinton Conservation District has a long line of people that made, and continue to make, our work possible! Thank you to Clinton County Farmers, Landowners, Board Members (past and present) and all those who continue to support our work.
The Clinton CD office remains closed to the public. Staff are in to answer phones and take fall sale orders during office hours.
For the latest information on Clinton CD Board Meetings, please visit our website’s Events and Meetings page. https://www.clintonconservation.org/events/
Remember When? – Chalk Art on display2018
with an album by Maralyn Fink
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Defining Senior Age in Dogs
courtesy of Jessica Remitz, Reviewed and updated for accuracy by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD
Our pets are family no matter their age. We love senior dogs just as much as when they were puppies, but some of us might be in denial when it comes to admitting that they’ve entered their senior years.
And it can also be confusing knowing exactly when you should call your pup a senior, especially when that range is different for different breeds and sizes of dogs.
Here’s a guide for determining when your dog is truly considered to be a senior and recognizing signs of health issues so you can adapt her care to fit her needs.
Is There a Set Range for a Senior Dog’s Age?
According to the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the term “senior” can describe an aging pet, but the number of years a pet is considered to be “senior” varies.
Identifiers such as weight, breed and the state of their organs can also help determine if your pet has reached old age.
“Though many old guidelines talk about seven dog years being equal to one human year, the size of the dog really depends on the extent to which you can follow that rule,” says Dr. Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, and spokesperson for the International Veterinary Senior Care Society.
For example, large dogs will typically age faster than smaller dogs. “For a dog between 20-40 pounds, these guidelines are more effective, but it’s not uncommon to see a geriatric Great Dane at age 7 or a Chihuahua in [his] 20s,” Dr. Lobprise says.
In most cases, however, dogs can be considered senior between 5 and 10 years old.
“The terms ‘geriatric’ and ‘senior’ also differ,” Dr. Lobprise says. “While a dog may be considered senior, they’re likely still healthy or just beginning to experience signs of aging. Geriatric animals are at the older end of the aging spectrum and often experience more health-related issues.”
Signs of Aging for Senior Dogs
“There is a wide range of factors to help you recognize signs of aging in your pet—many of them similar to the signs of aging in people,” Dr. Lobprise says. Some of these factors may be more obvious, like an intolerance to exercise or limited mobility, while others are much more subtle.
Your pet’s behavior may also help indicate signs of aging. While cats don’t always show that something is wrong until their issues become more advanced, many dogs are more demonstrative and vocal with their discomfort.
Here are some things to keep an eye on:
Eating Patterns and Weight
You’ll want to monitor your dog’s eating patterns and body weight, as obesity can cause issues, including osteoarthritis and diabetes. A too-thin animal or dog that won’t eat could be having dental or stomach issues.
Sleeping Patterns and Cognitive Health
Sleeping patterns and cognitive behavior are also things to look out for. A dog that isn’t aware of his surroundings or has difficulty recognizing people may be experiencing early canine dementia.
Drinking Patterns and Urination
“A less obvious but just as important sign of aging is how much your pet is drinking and urinating,” Dr. Lobprise says. How much your pet is or isn’t drinking can be indicative of many problems, from endocrine issues to kidney disease.
Urinary incontinence in female dogs may also be a sign of trouble. It’s challenging to watch for, especially in multi-pet households, but should be monitored if possible.
Monitoring your dog’s urination and defecation on walks can be a useful tool. Even if both are normal, you may notice your senior dog being slower or more resistant to posturing.
Lumps and Bumps
Being aware of your pet’s overall body condition may also help you spot any abnormalities, like cancer.
“We’re keeping animals healthier and healthier now, and as our pet population is graying, an eventual cause of death is cancer, especially in specific breeds,” Dr. Lobprise says. “We need to be aware of lumps and bumps.”
Many dogs develop lumps and bumps while they age. Not every lump will need to be tested or removed, but keeping track of them can avoid problems. Lumps that are new, growing or are different from the other ones on your pet can indicate a problem.
Recognizing Common Diseases for Senior Dogs
“A very common and preventable disease that is prevalent in senior pets is dental disease,” Dr. Lobprise says. “While it’s not always a serious disease to have, it is one worth paying attention to and can change your dog’s demeanor if treated early and effectively.”
You can spot periodontal disease by smelling your dog’s breath and regularly checking their teeth and gums for signs of bacterial infection, such as inflammation, reddened gums and tartar.
Left untreated, dental issues can impact a dog’s heart, kidneys and the rest of the body. If dental disease is causing discomfort, it may make your dog not want to eat, which can lead to all sorts of other problems; that is why your veterinarian recommends regular dental cleanings.
Kidney and liver disease can be an issue for both cats and dogs, as can heart valve disease. Endocrine issues, including those impacting the adrenal glands and thyroid, can also affect aging dogs.
Hypothyroidism can make older dogs feel lethargic and potentially gain weight.
Unfortunately, Dr. Lobprise says, it’s more common for multiple problems to compound each other in senior pets than in younger animals.
Your pet’s cognitive function is also a common issue; are they aware of their surroundings? Do they recognize their people? There are minor, natural declines in cognition as a part of the aging process, but as it advances, it can disrupt a pet’s quality of life.
Working With Your Veterinarian
Dr. Lobprise recommends getting senior animals checked by their vets at least twice a year, complete with blood work, urine analysis and a full body examination, in addition to yearly dental cleaning, if needed.
Unfortunately, however, the AAHA reports that only 14 percent of senior animals have regular health screenings as recommended by their vets. Having just an annual exam may [allow an issue to] progress into something worse that can impact the life span of your dog,” Dr. Lobprise says.
“Whether it’s kidney disease, heart disease or cancer, the earlier something is caught, the better,” Dr. Lobprise adds.
Talk to your veterinarian about what and how much your pet is eating, as different conditions will require different dietary needs to maintain a healthy weight. Some senior pets benefit from prescription dog food diets aimed to help treat specific diseases.
You should also take into consideration their lean muscle mass and body score. Your pet could be the same weight as always, but they may be retaining fluids and losing muscle as a result of some illness. To help keep track and recognize changes in your dog’s weight, you can take photos or keep a body score chart at home.
Depression and anxiety can also be issues with older pets, so you’ll want to discuss this and any other behavior-related issues with your veterinarian. Your vet can provide you with prescription pet medication to help ease anxiety and behavior modification training tools, but you’ll also want to make sure their lives at home are as comfortable as possible.
“When looking at the senior or geriatric pet, there will be some rough days,” Dr. Lobprise says.
As a pet parent, you can help your pets thrive in their senior years by first admitting that they are indeed seniors, taking them twice a year to the vet for a checkup, and looking out for any issues that require your vet’s immediate attention.