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1. What Are The Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Panting is a normal physiologic response to heat, but if after taking a break your pet continues to pant heavily, it is possible he or she could be getting heat stroke, which can be a medical emergency. Take your pet to a shady cool area and provide access to water.

Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, bright red gums, wobbliness, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse. Seek immediate veterinary medical help if this occurs.

2. What Should I Do If I Suspect Dog Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. NEVER douse your pet in cold water if you think heat stroke is a possibility, instead move to a cool air-conditioned area and get to a veterinary clinic immediately.

3. Are Some Dog Breeds More Susceptible to Heat Stroke?

Any breed with a short or flat nose is at an increased risk. It compromises their ability to breathe effectively, and therefore can limit their ability to cool themselves in situations where heat and exercise are involved. Examples include English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, and shih tzus. With these dogs it is especially important to avoid the heat of the midday sun, always provide shade and water when playing in the summertime.

Learn More About the
Union Plus Pet Insurance Program

Dr. Fiona is a veterinarian and guest blogger for pet health insurance provider, Pets Best Insurance.

The average accident claim from April through September ranged from $535 - $590.* Below is the percentage of Pets Best claims that were associated with an accident during these months:

• April: 7.9%
• May: 8.1%
• June: 8.6%
• July: 8.8%
• August: 8.9%
• September: 8.7%

Having pet insurance can help take the sting out of those expensive veterinary bills so that your summertime fun isn’t squashed financially.

Pets Best paid over $3.2 million in pet insurance claims just for accidents April-September (2015-2017).

Accident plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs (prices vary in WA).** If you’d like illness coverage as well, there is the more comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness Plan.

Learn more about the
Union Plus Pet Insurance program

Thanks to her AFSCME Advantage benefits, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 828 Member Cathi Infantino has continued to use the Union Plus Flower Discount Program for years and “could not be more satisfied.” 

“I have had them delivered to various locations: Florida, Texas and of course upstate New York,” Infantino said. “My mother-in-law always tells me that we send the best flowers. Our recipients could not be happier.”

Not only do they arrive on time, the bouquets turn out better than she could imagine. “The best part is, as a Union Plus member, we receive 25 percent off, which doesn’t get better than that,” Infantino said.

Infantino has worked for the Town of Brighton in Rochester, N.Y. for 18 years. She currently serves as a senior dispatcher. She has served her local union as an officer in the position of secretary/treasurer for three terms. 

“Our union AFSCME/CSEA Local 828 is what makes us strong and ensures that we have competitive wages, benefits and a retirement,” Infantino said. “Our crew goes above and beyond and does a great job of taking care of the Town of Brighton and its residents. We are all seasoned civil servants and take great pride in our jobs.”  

As a union member, Infantino receives excellent benefits through Union Plus, she said. If members are not using the benefits, she said they “need to start now.”

Infantino has also used the Union Plus Rental Car Program. 

“I am a huge bargain shopper when it comes to our vacations,” she said. “I compare websites for pricing and Union Plus can’t be beat. What makes that even better is that they use all of the well-known top-notch companies. Nothing worse than getting off the plane in an unfamiliar place and having to deal with a rental car company that is not professional, or you have to drive clear across the city on a shuttle to pick up your car.”

Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.

See what members are saying about the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus below:

“We get 15 percent off because of Union Plus, and then there are the rebates. You can’t go wrong.” – Ireland W. - USW

“I’ve used AT&T even before I had a cell phone. The wireless service is dependable and the discount plan is just really great.” – Sean B. - AFT

“It’s a great benefit [program] for a union member.” – Rick K. - SAG-AFTRA

“It’s easy to sign up and it saves money.” – Suzanne F. - OPEIU

“We switched to AT&T and got our service contract discount, plus a $250 rebate. Even the basic plan is beyond what we really need, so AT&T is more than meeting our needs.” – Dennis M. - IAFF

“It’s a discount, and every little bit helps!” – Pat R. - UFCW

Over 97% of union members surveyed have recommended the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus.* Are you ready to join them?

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Low down payment options include:

•    yourFirst Mortgage® benefits first- and next-time homebuyers with 3% down payment option on a fixed-rate loan. We’ll help determine eligibility factors — like loan amount, type of loan, and property type. Just keep in mind that with a low down payment, mortgage insurance is required and will increase your monthly payment. 

•    FHA loans have the benefit of a low down payment of 3.5%, though you’ll want to consider all costs involved, including upfront and long-term mortgage insurance and all fees. 

•    VA loans benefit active duty or veteran military service members and eligible spouses by offering low or no payment requirements that also includes a white range of rate, term and cost options. Mortgage insurance is not required. 

•    Homebuyer assistance programs benefit those with modest income or first-time homebuyers who have certain obstacles to overcome which include:

• Down payment Assistance Programs help cover the gap between the loan amount the homebuyer qualifies for and the amount they have available for the down payment. They’re provided in specific communities and may be administered by a state, county, city, governmental coalition, or non-profit organization.

• Mortgage Revenue Bonds provide mortgage financing with low or below market interest rate options, and can often be combined with down payment assistance programs.

Plus if you close a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo - $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home – for use at participating retailers and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.¹ Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits. 

While each program can provide benefits up front, it’s important to determine if there are any long term considerations such as mortgage insurance that may increase your overall monthly payments. There may also be income, credit restrictions or homebuyer education requirements to be eligible. Our home mortgage consultants will help you compare overall costs and help determine if you qualify. 

How can I save for a down payment?

It's never too early to start saving. To help you identify your need-to-haves, cut back on nice-to haves, and put aside money you’ll need to buy a home, you can take advantage of our online budgeting and savings tools. You could also set up a separate “first home” savings or investment account and have a set amount directly deposited into it every month. The set amount could be automatically deducted from the account where you deposit your paycheck or other income.

Want to learn more? 

Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation. 

You probably know that your credit score is something that all mortgage companies will look at when you apply for a loan. But, how does your credit score and credit checking actually affect buying a home? Here are a few of the basic things to know before you apply for a mortgage.

Why Do Lenders Look at Credit Scores?

Lenders will request access to your credit score because it’s an indication of how well you’ll pay back a loan. It tracks all sorts of factors related to your history of paying back credit cards and debt.

What’s an Acceptable Credit Score?

• < 630 = Low Credit
  You might have a credit score of 630 or less if you’ve had issues with bankruptcy, a history of missed payments or if you don’t have any credit history.
   
• 630 – 689 = Fair Credit
  This is an average credit score. It tells the lender that you do not have too much bad debt. You might want to consider paying down credit cards and/or ensure you’re always paying your debts on time.
   
• 690 – 719 = Good Credit
  You will be an ideal candidate for most loans and shouldn’t worry about being penalized for your credit score.
   
• 720 – 850 = Excellent Credit
  You will get the best rates available as a reward for paying down your debts on time and not having any history of issues.

How Does Checking My Credit Score Affect My Score?

There are two types of inquiries — soft and hard. Hard inquiries are the only type that affect your credit score.

When you apply for credit, a lender or credit card company checks your credit score, which is considered a hard inquiry. A hard inquiry will typically lower your credit score by a few points and will stay on your credit report for two years.

Soft inquiries, like when a person or company checks for your credit score, should not affect your score.

How Does My Score Affect Getting a Home?

Most mortgage companies will look at your credit as a way to determine your interest rate and the types of products available to you. The better your score the lower the interest rate and the more product options you will have. Knowing your credit score and ensuring there aren’t any outstanding issues associated with it, could end up saving you thousands when applying for a mortgage.

You are eligible for a free credit report each year, so before you apply for a mortgage check first to see if there are any issues or disputes that need to be addressed.

And, as always, when you find that perfect home — don't forget the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards and the Union Plus Mortgage Program to help you with your home buying process. 

With a little planning and research, you can build your homebuying knowledge and have more confidence as you prepare to buy a home. Through the Union Plus® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, union members, their parents and children will have access to a variety of resources to prepare for homeownership.

Before You Buy

With our online tools, you can quickly see how much you may be able to borrow, while also having access to:

• Check today’s rates.
• Compare loan options — including features, interest rates and payments.
• Home Loan Calculators — calculate rates and payments and explore how much you may be able to borrow
• Learning resources — to help you understand the homebuying and mortgage process.
• Get prequalified — have us contact you to see how much you may be able to borrow.

When You’re Ready to Apply

• Apply online with a simplified mortgage application. You can choose to connect the application with your financial accounts and easily upload documents. Contact us to learn more. 
• Whether you’re at home or on-the-go, know where you’re at in the home financing process with yourLoanTracker^SM. See your loan's progress any time from your computer, smartphone, and tablet.1 And, from beginning to end, your home mortgage consultant will be there to guide you. yourLoanTracker is not available with all loans; talk to a home mortgage consultant for details.

After You Close

When you close your mortgage with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, you’re journey with us doesn’t end. We have a variety of tools and resources to help you once you’re in your home.

• Online payment options including our free Preferred Payment Plan^SM option where you can schedule automatic payments timed to match your paycheck cycle.
• Escrow accounts — learn how escrow accounts work and how they can change your payments.
• Disaster Assistance and Property Damage Support — whether a widespread disaster or some other event has damaged your home, our disaster assistance team is here to help.
• Help with payment challenges — we're here to help if you experience trouble making payments.

And remember, after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo — $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home, for use at participating retailers — and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.2,3  Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits. 

Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation. 

Check out our list of these union made beers, ales and root beers (Barq's, Blumers or Old Philadelphia). Be sure to show your patriotism with your pocketbook this Memorial Day—and all summer long! Enjoy responsibly!

If we're missing any on this list, let us know at info@unionprivilege.org.

Text "BEER" to 22555*

Want to keep this list on-hand while you're shopping? Text "BEER" to 22555* and we'll send this list to your mobile device.
 

More Union-Made Shopping Lists Sent Right to Your Phone

On your mobile device*, you can receive union-made shopping lists!

• Text AIRLINE to 22555 for union-friendly airlines
• Text APPLIANCE to 22555 for union-made appliances
• Text BEER to 22555 for union-made beer
• Text CARS to 22555 for union-made vehicles
• Text CANDY to 22555 for union-made candy
• Text HOTEL to 22555 for union-friendly hotels
• Text PETS to 22555 for union-made pet products
• Text TOYS to 22555 for union-made toys

Fire up a Union-made Grill

• Weber (made by International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers)
• Thermador (IBB-made)

Union-made Food for Grilling 

• Butterball burgers and franks
• Johnsonville brats and sausage
• Wenzel's sausage
• Smithfield sausage
• Oscar Meyer hot dogs
• Boars Head hot dogs
• Ball Park Franks
• Hebrew National franks
• Foster Farms fresh chicken
• Hormel Red Franks
• Nathan's Ball Park hot dogs

Union-made Fun in a Bun

• Wonder brand
• Ball Park buns
• Alfred Nickles Bakery
• Stroehmann
• Arnold
• Francisco

Union-made Fixin's

• Heinz Ketchup
• Open Pit
• French's
• Gulden's Mustard
• Frank's Red Hot
• Vlasic brand pickles
• Horizon Cheese
• Kraft Cheese
• Mission salsa & dip
• Burnham & Morrill Baked Beans

Union-made Snacks on the Side

• Munchos
• Frito-Lay
• Funyuns
• Doritos
• Rold Gold
• Chex Mixes
• Sara Lee snacks
• Planter’s Peanuts
• Utz Pretzels
• Mission chips
• Entenman’s snacks 

Alcoholic Beverages

• Union-Made beers
• Bacardi rum
• Gallo Estates wine
• Corbett Canyon wine
• Almaden wine

Beverages

• Welch's Juices
• Minute Maid
• Hawaiian Punch
• Mott's
• V8
• Sprite
• Mountain Dew
• Pepsi, Diet Pepsi
• Coke, Diet Coke

Treats

• Breyers ice cream
• Good Humor ice cream
• Prairie Farms ice cream

Containers

• Solo cups, bowls, and plates

Receive Union-made Shopping Lists on Your Phone

• Text AIRLINE to 22555 for union-friendly airlines
• Text APPLIANCE to 22555 for union-made appliances
• Text BEER to 22555 for union-made beer
• Text CARS to 22555 for union-made vehicles
• Text CANDY to 22555 for union-made candy
• Text HOTEL to 22555 for union-friendly hotels
• Text PETS to 22555 for union-made pet products
• Text TOYS to 22555 for union-made toys

Check out these three ways in which AT&T and unions work together: 

1. AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier. 
    
2. AT&T has the largest full-time union workforce of any company in America. 
    
3. AT&T provides special savings to union members with the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus. 
   
   
   Learn More