Jennifer McCammon with BroadwayThese are some strange days. In times like these I think it’s vital we reach beyond SOP. First do no harm, of course, but by all means, buck tradition!

A recent adventure of this nature brought the coolest outcome — our Best in the Northwest series that starts this issue, and this month’s cover.

Here’s what happened.

Like everyone these days, we at Spot are working triple-time, on a pretty short leash.

One recent fast-paced day I was returning from errands when, idling at a red light, my wandering gaze landed on a something that s-l-o-w-l-y came into focus:

Pure beauty. Poetry in motion.

I took in the sight of a man and two dogs in full rain gear moving beautifully together in broad circles and figure eights in an empty parking area. I was captivated as the grand animals broke from quickstep to languid lope. The vision was simply . . . gorgeous.

“Darn it! No camera!” I thought of approaching them anyway when my inner voice butted in: “You have GOT to get back to work. Go.”

So I did . . . for about a half-mile . . . when I heard: Go. Get. That. Guy.

So, yep, I doubled back, finding the lot . . . empty. They can’t be far, I thought, slowly cruising the roads bordering the complex.

Just as I was beginning (in disgust) to concede I’d lost them, scolding myself to ‘follow when led’ in the future, I rounded the final corner, and . . . here they came, straight at me.

I lowered the window, calling, “Excuse me!” The day was gray, cold, and pissing rain. “This guy’s gonna think I’m a stalker,” I thought. Worse, when I asked if he knew Spot (thousands of pet guardians around here do), he said, “No.”

Natch. The best proof that I wasn’t a stalker was worthless.

I introduced myself, and Spot, chatted a bit (everyone very politely putting up with the cold and wet), and voila — I had Rey’s number. Because the cover is a tricky, persnickety thing, I told him only that I’d love a shot of him and his babies in their Northwest gear for Spot. Only after arrangements were certain did I let him know my real desire: to shoot them for a cover.

And here we are! Just a little adventure in the life of Spot.

I love little vignettes like this. Sweet everyday life for sure, but also because they underscore something that helps me weather times like these — times that strain people’s creativity, spontaneity, and joy. It can be daunting sometimes just to maintain a relaxed professional groove.

I hope it helps you a little, too. I encourage you to color outside the lines. To not just think, but Bust outside the box. To live out loud. To let go of assumptions. To go ahead, stalk a little dream!

Sure we’ll bump into walls, even miss the mark now and then. But go heart-first, and I’ll bet you’ll discover, as we have, that shedding outmoded ideas and taking little risks can truly make way for amazing, gratifying adventure.

Take your best tool — your heart — and put it to work. You might just be amazed at the outcome. Give it a try . . . and let me know how it goes! Sharing is a great part of the joy. Just like you let me do here (thanks!).

And don’t you agree that Che, Pedro and Rey strike a gorgeous pose that is quintessential Pacific Northwest? Just right for kicking off a series called “Best in the Northwest.”

What fun!

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer McCammon with BroadwayEvery year we rediscover the sleepwalk that is January. About week three, we not only shake the cobwebs, but this great gust seems to sweep in and propel us to new heights and speeds. Just now hitting cruising altitude, 2010 is looking very fine! 

First a word on Spot’s Top Dog Awards — over the top! We’re thrilled so many of you joined us for a night of celebration, honor and friendship. We all had a blast, two beauties from our featured rescue, Oregon Dachshund Rescue, were adopted early on, and donations blessed them with $750.  

We’re proud of this year’s Top Dogs, and so pleased that Spot’s gatherings are well attended, fun, and a way to boost our rotating rescues. Join us Feb. 4 — it’s “All About Love.” This Mutt Mixer’s a little cheeky and a lot of fun, and some of our best friends will be there.  

There’s more to tell than space allows (this issue took on a life of its own as they sometimes do). For the latest developments — regarding Team Spot, rescue efforts, our SpotCam soon to hit the streets and more, meet me at www.SpotMagazine.net — I’ll fill you in! 

I’ll leave you with this little teaser: Watch for Spot’s coming issues! March is “Best in the Northwest,” and April is your event guide for the season. Oh! There’s the hook from behind the curtain— gotta go! Come see me on the website! 

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer McCammon with BroadwayDecember is one of those months during the year when everything feels a little different, a little special. The holidays bring much magic while also upping the load and the pace thanks to seasonal to-do’s and get-togethers. For me December also brings a unique sense of duality: a mindfulness of the year coming to a close and the new one just peeking over the horizon, a time for both reflection and anticipation.

Looking back, looking forward

I know I’m in good company when I say it feels GOOD to lay oh-nine to rest. What a year! Tough. The economy has bumped and battered so many people and businesses this year. Thankfully, week by week now, things are looking brighter. 

One of the things I’ve appreciated about the rough-and-tumble trenches of ’09 is that it’s been a great sort of garden plot for creativity and innovation, courage, persistence and faith. While tough (and often un-fun), I still appreciate times that test our mettle —especially when I see myself and others rise to the challenge and stay energized as we try this, tweak that, and continue to believe in magic. Yes, I believe in Santa Clause, and I KNOW magic is real! Anyone who loves pets knows that!

I’m so thankful for the many treasured friends and associates who have walked alongside me through this challenging year. Acting as sounding boards, champions, guides, and the best kind of friends — those who stick by you when it’s cold and dark, those who love you when you’re not at your shiniest. Thank you! You know who you are.

I’m also really thankful for and proud of all the great work we’ve done together this year in supporting rescue, adoption, spay/neuter, food and vet care. We’ve seen tough cases go home through Rescue Me!, funds raised for rescues and shelters at Mutt Mixers and other events, and helped boost attendance for the many organizations supporting pets in need in myriad ways.

If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join Team Spot. We’re building a tough, passionate, get-things-done team that can really make a difference to the animals in need and all those serving them. Check out page 6 this issue or www.SpotMagazine.net (go to “Join Team Spot”). If you love Spot, this is your best way to show it in a very real way.

Finally, all of us at Spot thank you for a year that we’re closing with much appreciation for your affection and support, and for a year ahead that’s filled with promise. Oh! Be sure to circle the date — it’s time for the Top Dog Awards at last! — we’ll celebrate the winning pet pros you voted for this year Jan. 7 at Hotel Monaco. The January issue of Spot will be your ‘bible’ for pet products and services, the next best thing to a referral from a friend for the Best in the Biz in Everything Pet in the Northwest. Get your copy, and please join us at the awards celebration!

Happy Holidays to us all. Here’s to an oh-ten that’s truly a 10!

Jennifer McCammon with BroadwayTo welcome the new means walking with open minds, hearts and hands. Only into open hands can gifts be placed.

Spot has truly been a gift in my life, and you, our readers, say it has been in yours, too. In fact, the two most frequent (and my favorite) things you tell us are: “I love this magazine!” and “I saw it in Spot” (at events you often tell us you came that day because you “Saw it in Spot”).

Spot is committed to bringing you cutting-edge pet-related news and information, and stories that touch your heart. Our comprehensive event coverage (in print, radio and on the web) is especially important as it helps boosts attendance at events to raise awareness and funds for important programs and services.

Spot is all about supporting Northwest pets and their people and those working in the trenches in rescue, shelter, spay/neuter, food, veterinary care, etc.

While these priorities won’t change, as time goes by, many other things will. We’re continually working to find ways to reach further and do more. I hope you’ll stick close as we grow and that you enjoy Spot’s newest offerings.

One is Team Spot, now “holding tryouts!” Team Spot is an opportunity to really connect and be a part of. Your membership will help find forever homes and support a variety of vital services. Together we can build our support of pets and their people — while every step celebrating the victories, the hilarity, and the pure pleasure of the connection we get to share. Grab your Team Spot T-shirt and get in the game!

Check out the Team Spot page and sign-up today! Will you be an Ankle Biter, a Lil’ Pup, a Best Friend or a Champion? I can’t wait to find out! Whatever your position on the Team, one thing is sure: you will be an MVP! And yes, there’s a benefit package! Team Spot members are on the A-list for things like walking as a Team at fundraisers, meetups, picnics, and who knows . . . maybe one day we’ll even enact my secret little dream: a Spot Flash Mob!

Another new development we’re excited about is Spot’s new website. It’s completely new, busy, informative, growing and FUN! Come get connected with this dynamic, living community. And while you’re there, share! You’ll find many new and old Spot friends there, also sharing ideas, thoughts, stories and photos. There’s something new to see and do almost every day, so stop in often!

Thank you so much for this amazing ride. Here’s to the new, and to many more sweet years together.

Yours in everything pet,