7 minute read
The coronavirus pandemic will not last
from The Shopper 7/29/20
by The Shopper
page 4 Be a Responsible Pet Owner During the Pandemic
Help—I Think My Debt’s Unmanageable!
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Be sure pets out doors have adequate water and shade, whether from trees of a shelter. Dogs need walks! ________________________________________________
As word grew that people were going to have to shelter-in-place for an unspecified length of time, animal shelters began to empty. Thousands of people realized that they may be lonely during this time of socialdistancing from family and friends. In some situations, parents came to the conclusion that their children needed a happy diversion and agreed to add a furkid to their family. Whatever the reason, shelters began to empty and animal lovers, like myself, were thrilled. However, families are seeking guidance on what dog might be right for them. Those who have already added a dog to their family are concerned with how to keep their new pet happy. Below are some points to consider, as you ponder which animal to bring home and what to do once they step their excited paws through your threshold. 1. The coronavirus pandemic will not last forever, but adopting your “furever friend” is a lifetime commitment of unconditional love. The first thing to consider is your family’s lifestyle. Are you looking for a dog that is high energy that will join the kids in playful romps in the yard and long runs? Or are you looking for a less active dog who enjoys binge watching TV while you are on Zoom meetings and the kids are in online classes? Do you want your dog to be happy with a leisurely walk after dinner and easy, quiet fun in the home or yard? A senior citizen might consider a smaller senior pup who enjoys cuddling on the sofa and healthy snacks. It is important to keep in mind your pup’s breed, size and temperament when considering what your home and lifestyle can reasonably accommodate. Though the adoption process itself may differ slightly during COVID-19, please feel free to contact your local shelter and rescue organization and they will gladly help you choose the “furever friend” that is best for your home and family. 2. Consider preparing for the pandemic as you would to prepare for a disaster, like hurricane season. Compile a first aid kit and an emergency kit and for your pet that includes at least two weeks of food and treats, medications, medical records, veterinarian(s) contact information. Also be sure to have all necessary everyday supplies, such as collars, leashes, harnesses and disposable bags. Make sure your dog has ID tags and is microchipped with your current contact information as well as that of an emergency contact outside the area. 3. How much time will you be able to spend with your dog during and after the pandemic? More time spent at home together while you work from home is a great opportunity to bond with your furkid and also increases your availability to train. For some behavioral concerns, including separation anxiety, please contact a professional trainer who may offer online classes. When you return to work, keep in mind who will look after your pup during the day. You may decide to take your pup to doggy day care or hire a professional pet sitter to visit your home in the morning and afternoon for bathroom breaks and exercise. 4. If adopting is something that you may not be able to commit to at this time, please consider fostering a dog. Contact your local shelter or rescue organization to see if they have a foster plan that better suits your family’s lifestyle. Keep in mind adopting a pet into your family is a lifetime commitment that will change both of your lives “furever.”
For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the word about puppy love through her national weekly radio show, The Doggy Diva Show. Susan is also the author of the award-winning Miss Olive children’s book trilogy The Doggy Diva Diaries.
NANCY ZEKVELD
How do I know if I have a problem?
As a Debt Help Center Manager, people often ask me ‘how do you know when your debt is becoming unmanageable?” I often start by explaining the difference between manageable and unmanageable debt.
Manageable debt for me is a combination of two factors: being able to afford the contractual payments (meaning the payments you signed up for when you took out the credit) and having a reasonable sustainable budget. For some people they just need to adjust their budget and the debt becomes manageable again. Many others go too far by cutting back on essential payments like missing meals or missing a bill payment here or there. It’s one thing to cut back for a while to manage but if you’re missing meals or bill payments that’s not sustainable.
So unmanageable debt is basically that - when you can’t meet the contractual payments and meet your basic living expenses - no one should live like that.
No one plans to end up in unmanageable debt. We all think we can handle it when we take it out or we expect things will improve
Just like one of our clients who was handling all the payments until her boyfriend left her - life circumstances happen to all of us whether it’s a job loss, a breakup, student loans coming due or when there just happens to be a nationwide pandemic that
Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) announced on July 27 that the Illinois Department of Transportation is investing over $2 million to repair more than five miles of Pulaski Road.
“By investing in our state’s infrastructure, Illinois is supporting working families and residents who depend on reliable transportation,” Martinez said. “It’s also creating construction jobs at a time when our economic future needs a strong push forward.” I’m Surgeon General Jerome Adams. All across our nation, we’ve taken steps together to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Now, WE MUST CONTINUE to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Because even though not all of us risk a severe case of the virus, we all risk getting the virus and spreading it to others—maybe without realizing we’re sick. affects everyone’s income!
So what do I say to someone who finds themselves in unmanageable debt? You may be surprised but the first things I say are words of hope. People in this situation feel shame, embarrassment and like there is no way out. They need to hear words like “there is hope for you”, “you’re not the only one” and “someone cares about you!”. Then I say … “you need some professional help”. With our credit counseling service we look at your whole life, not just your finances and we always come up with a plan. Best of all there are never any costs, for a visit and no costs ongoing. None! We’re a nonprofit through and through. We have a saying, if you’re in unmanageable debt the last thing you have is money to pay for help! So contact me or one of many other great credit counselors out there and as we say here - there is ‘always hope.’
Nancy is Center Manager for the CAP Debt Help Center, helping people in debt in the South Suburbs of Chicago. She has received CAP training and comprehensive money management training by AFCPE. If you’re struggling to pay bills, feel overwhelmed with any debt, including medical or student loans, reach out for free local credit counseling service. 708-866-5577. Nancy is wife to South Holland Pastor Richard and mom to Anton, Annika, Autumn, Augustin
Repairs to 5+ Miles of Pulaski Road are in the Works
and Adamina.
The $2.87 million investment will cover two separate stretches of Pulaski Road—one running from Devon Avenue to Barry Avenue and one from Diversey Avenue to North Avenue, for a total of 5.69 miles.
The Pulaski upgrades are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan to maintain and expand the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Another area project scheduled for the upcoming year involves preserving more than
two miles of Montrose Avenue.
If we want to get back to school, back to work, back to worship, and back to overall health, we should: • FOLLOW state and local guidelines. • WASH our hands frequently. • STAY six feet from others. • WEAR face coverings in public. • TAKE extra precautions if we are at higher risk.
These small actions will make a big difference. Say it with me, America: “Coronavirus stops with me.”
Learn more at coronavirus.gov.
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