Jennifer with ArtYou voted, and here they are.

You and your fellow Spot readers voted for “the Best in the [pet] Biz” in 31 categories last summer, from attorney to groomer, veterinarian to trainer, and “everything pet” in between.  

Once again you’ve made it a blowout, bringing many new professionals and businesses into the Top Dog spotlight.  I love this process, as it can really boost pet professionals doing great work.  Case in point:  a note from a reader last year said, “Thanks a lot for naming my groomer Top Dog . . . now I can’t get the dogs in for 2-3 weeks!”

And that’s exactly why we do this — it’s good for everyone!  You, the reader, end up with a directory of the best in the biz by popular vote — making the listings much like a referral from a friend.  Pros and businesses doing great work are recognized and showcased in a way they’re at your fingertips when you need services and products in the year ahead.

After you’ve read your regular Spot content in the outside 16 pages, just tear those off and keep the Directory handy for reference throughout the coming months.  You’ll notice the Directory has a heavier cover, so it pulls out with ease.  And, if you misplace your Directory (or need to give it to a friend), copies will be available at pet events and venues all year long.

I hope you’ll scan the entire Directory now — in addition to the listings there are stories highlighting those who warrant a special little something for noteworthy achievements and successes.  This is a great chance to acquaint yourself with them, and ALL of our wonderful NW merchants and practitioners. 

We’re blessed here in the Northwest to have such a deep, rich field of talent in the animal “arts,” “sciences,” and welfare arenas, and the more you know who/what’s out there, the better equipped you’ll be if/when you have a specific need this year. 

Thanks again for voting this year, and many thanks to all the wonderful businesses and professionals who participated, who support Spot, and who do so much to uplift, enrich and educate our pet-loving community.  A great big round of applause to you, winners all!

Yours in everything pet,

Huge Thanks this issue for their outstanding contribution, heroic effort and exquisite humor and spirit — Vonnie Harris, Nikki Jardin, Tay Juncker, Meryl Lipman, Megan Mahan, Marnie McCammon, Kennedy Morgan, and all our wonderful partners in the pet biz — thank you!  You rock! 

Jennifer and Jenny at the Ducks' latest stompin'

Spot's website is in redesign as I write, and I hope you'll check in around midmonth and join the fun —  and I do mean fun!  Soon this will be a place where us pet lovers can connect with each other and share ideas, stories and photos, plus meet and learn from pet experts, and much more...like shopping!  Yep, Spot's Boutique will be in business, and we look forward to seeing our friends sporting the fine, fun, and ever-changing gear and apparel the boutique has to offer.

Another new attraction is the addition of video.  Watch for fun, educational and funny bits — on the website, Spot's Facebook page, Twitter and other outlets.  You'll even see them frequently as companions to feature stories in the magazine itself.  In fact, the fun starts now: this month our feline guru, Kathy Covey, presents tips on bathing kitty, complete with a video that's not only helpful, it'll make you smile.

Stay close and join us in exploting all things pets in ever greater (and more fun!) ways.  In closing I want to share a note about this issue, which is packed with the beauties who participated in our Cover Model Search - Portland this fall.  Please note that all of the photos — including the gorgeous shot on the cover —are the work of the award-winning David Childs of David Childs Photography, the same rockstar who every month in Spot and at OHS teaches his craft, helping people hone their own shutterbug skills.

David is an exquisite artist, smart as a whip, and a huge friend of and contributor to animals and their welfare.  I'm proud and so pleased that we're blessed to work with him.  In showcasing his work from our 2011 Cover Model Search, this edition naturally kind of became "David's issue" and for that I'm glad.  I think you'll be too!

Yours in all things pet,

PS: If you're wondering what became of the pretty homeless girl I recently fell so deeply in love with, meet me at Spot's House (www.spotmagazine.net), go to "Blog Spot" and click on "Behind the scenes with us"...and find out what happened next!

Jennifer (R) with Angie, Punkin and Jessie at Fido's Indoor Dog Park

I’d seen her a couple times before, trekking along with a red-faced, 30-40-year-old man pushing a cart.  Tied to the rig, she trotted prettily alongside.  I’ve seen them from the comfort of my car — one day here, another day there — on routine runarounds. 

So this last cold, rainy Saturday, I pulled into the PO, and there she was:  tied to a post.  I saw her man standing inside, in line to do business with the USPS. 

I collected my mail and headed out.  The little girl lay just outside, so as I pushed out the door I walked right into the eyes of love.  They’d actually gazed into mine as I went in, and I’d breezed by, dodging contact and the risk of falling in love.  Coming out, I resisted again.  For 15 seconds at least!  But she had me.  I approached slowly, speaking softly, watching her body language to see if she wanted a pat. 

She did, drawing near in a shuffling, submissive approach that said, “Please love me.” 

I did, and she rolled onto her back, languishing in gentle touches and soft words. 

For several minutes I loved on her with words and caresses; clearly she would happily do this all day.   

I couldn’t though — I had to go.  It took a few minutes to leave her, this beautiful, obviously young/healthy female, 40 or so lbs., maybe a Keeshond or mix.  I crossed the lot, got in my car, and flipped through the mail.  Waited to see if the man would emerge.  Waited a few minutes more.  Struggled knowing I needed to hit it . . . and waited a minute more.  Saw him through the windows and considered going inside but thought he might not welcome my advance, especially in front of others.  I waited another minute.  Still he didn’t come out.

Finally I made a decision.  As it happened I was going to the symphony in a few hours, and in a flash I realized that if I didn’t do something to reach out I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy the evening ahead.

I raced home, some 5-7 minutes away.  Grabbed half the kibble from my dogs’ supply, some gift certificates for food, my cans and bottles bagged for return, and raced back, watching for them on the sidewalks along the way.

When I got there they were gone.  I’d looked all the way there and all the way back. 

While I didn’t find them that day, I hoped that since I’d seen them several times in recent weeks I would again.  Now my car is (and will remain) equipped with the items noted above, plus an umbrella and a gently-used sleeping bag. 

I was able to enjoy my evening.  I’d done my best at that moment, and that was enough.  And next time I see them I’ll be ready. 

This holiday season I wish you and yours great blessing — of comfort, love and . . . enough.  And I wish for all of us to be mindful of the abundance we’re blessed with, even in these mean and sometimes too lean times.  Share what you can, take care of you and yours, and revel in the gifts we do have . . . they are so many.

Of course us animal lovers are blessed from the get-go, just getting to share life with these precious beings. 

Yours in gratitude this season, 

Jennifer with Jack

If you’ve ever set out to write about something that really fascinated you then you know firsthand what an organic thing writing tends to be, often taking on a life of its own while the writer simply serves as the conduit.  The same holds true with a magazine:  it has a life — a living, breathing, growing spirit — of its own.

That’s one of many things I really love about my job.  My nature is such that what “feeds” me most is being a part of growing things . . . facilitating, participating and guiding . . . just enough to help the object of my stewardship — be it a project, person, or magazine — get traction and thrive on its own steam, moving and growing in time to its own life force and vision.  While these words may be a little flowery, that’s surely because, in addition to being a force of its own, for me Spot is also very much a work of heart.

Spot’s organic nature is illustrated nicely this issue — through tales by our friends in the biz, shared in ways that take us behind the scenes and allow us to experience extraordinary things through them that we might not otherwise ever get to.

Big thank-yous for these experiences — to Rubi Sullivan, who shares her recent experiences during a stint at Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah; to Dr. Lori Gibson, who shares her wisdom and insight into the natural yet never easy experiences that surround end of life situations; and to Meryl Lipman, who delivers a quirky tale about a kitty in her life who proved that yes:  “medical” marijuana can be helpful.

The Northwest pet community is populated with extraordinary creatures, human and otherwise, and it’s my privilege and pleasure to help connect the dots — bringing together those in the business, nonprofit and private sectors — allowing us all to know each other, celebrate the blessings, face the hard things, and work to grow and do purposeful work and enjoy our best lives . . . with our beloved companions. 

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer with Jack

When it comes to contests and fun ways to connect and play, Spot’s got it goin on.  This month the biggie is Spot’s annual Cover Model Search – Portland, happening at Doggie Palooza Sunday Oct. 16 at the World Forestry Center. 

Come out and play!  Dress ‘em up or bring them au naturale.  You’ll get a sweet commemorative photo of your sweetpea by renowned photographer David Childs, plus he/she will be entered to win a professional photo shoot and a turn on the cover of Spot.  Entry is $15 and proceeds benefit Oregon Dog Rescue. 

Also, Spot has begun hosting contests on Facebook.  It all started when we came into some gorgeous plush pet beds to give away, courtesy of our friends at Bi-Mart.  Show Dogs Grooming joined the fray, and we invited friends to post photos of their “Sleeping Beauties.”  The photo with the most likes (take a peek at the winner) — won complimentary beauty treatments from Show Dogs, and went home with their beautiful new bed.

At this writing we’re wrapping the latest contest, this one in the spirit of the recent Dogtoberfest celebration, which is Portland’s biggest dogwash of the year.  This time we asked folks to submit their “dirty little stories” or photos about their pet(s) all-time dirtiest adventure.  The winner gets a Conair “Yellow Dog” pet drier, and a complimentary groom from the award-winning pros at The Muttley Crew. 

The reason I mention the contests that have already wrapped is two-fold:  to give you a taste of what’s shakin and will be ongoing, and also in hopes that you’ll take a peek at the photos and stories from these contests — smiles guaranteed.

Bring your star for the Cover Model Search, and come out and play!  And check out Spot on Facebook, join the fun, and enter to WIN! 

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer with Poppy

While every beat has its own allure, my hands-down favorite — and happily these days the one I most often get to cover — is the heart beat. Just before this issue went to press duty called . . . with a story that powerfully conveys its magic.

A little backstory:

This past May, Spot promoted “Henry’s Walk,” Oregon Dog Rescue’s fundraiser named for a sweet boy with a miraculous story of survival. Henry endured grueling conditions in life with a hoarder that, as usual, left permanent scars: near-blindness, ground-down teeth, and a sustaining fear of many things. Part of Henry’s second-chance story deals with the normal things he’s had to learn since being rescued — like drinking from a bowl rather than licking surfaces for dew or rain, and that food gets served on the floor, not the hood of a car.

Shortly after Henry’s debut in Spot promoting the ODR fundraiser, a family in Eugene who’d seen his photo got in touch. “We saw this picture of our Poppy,” they said, “only it was Henry!”

Certain that Henry and Poppy were either littermates or mother and son, Yaakov and Donna of Eugene set about reuniting the pair — at a dog park on a picture-perfect Saturday in August. L-R: Suz with Henry, Yaakov, Poppy and DonnaSpot was invited to the meetup. As I approached, Suz (Henry’s mom) and Donna (Poppy’s), were giggling as Poppy languished on her back, swiping a paw at any hand that paused in rubbing her feathery underside. As I floated around the group, being “invisible” so as to capture the moment on camera, they continued to get acquainted, asking each other about their dogs’ health and behavioral issues, their habits, and the quirky things they do that reveal their past lives with a hoarder.

I look forward to sharing their story with you next month. As much as tales like this fill our hearts, they also serve as powerful models, and reminders of why those of us in the business of animal welfare care so much about rescue, spay/neuter and related efforts.

The face of a baby radiating his or her joy in life today while at the same time showing the shadows of scars from the past . . . that’s the face of this work. And the reason we so passionately work the heart beat.

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer with Jack

And weather or not, the event season has been extraordinary so far this year, with many new hearts and faces joining the fray, and much good accomplished on behalf of the animals and those working on their behalf.  It’s been incredibly busy, but also very rewarding, not to mention educational. 

Spot presented a first-of-its-kind event July 30th — Shine with Spot featuring “Making Social Media Work for You.”  Along with our great partners and contributors, this was our way of presenting a great gift of education to our community, wrapped in a memorable afternoon and building in a boost for The Oregon Spay/Neuter Fund. 

This month the fun continues, as does the “beach book” reading inside this issue.  Around here we like it best when the adventure includes learning, growing and fun, and this month is rich with opportunity for all of it.  And just as beach reading should be, this issue is packed with great stuff that’s light and easy.

For details on pet-related happenings in the Northwest, tune into 98.1 fm radio Thursdays at 6:05pm, when Spot’s Furry FunPlanner report highlights fun and learning for you and your pets for the coming week/weekend.  Other great resources for deets on the fly include Spot and Spot to the Rescue on Facebook, and Spot’s monthly eNews (email Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net to subscribe).

We’re working to keep pet happenings at your fingertips, so you and your best friend can enjoy this amazing community, and also so we can have the pleasure of your company! 

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer with Jack

THE STARS . . . this month there’s a trifecta of masculine talent around here, including social media expert Matt Mahan, the brilliant Michael Allen Harrison, and fun, fascinating celebrity pet expert, Harrison Forbes.

Pet businesses and nonprofits will SHINE with Spot July 30th, during an afternoon of networking, learning about social media, and great music and fare…all in a shining setting.

One of the things I love best about the pet biz is that so many involved in it — in whatever capacity — so often reach out to help in ways great and small . . . and it all matters.

Spot’s latest efforts in giving culminate this month with Shine with Spot, a fundraiser for the Oregon Spay/Neuter Fund and the S.A.F.E. pet emergency fund.  The day goes beyond boosting animal welfare to provide a great opportunity for pet professionals (for- and nonprofit) to boost their teams’ skills and spirits with great networking and an interactive workshop with Matt Mahan of Causes on Facebook.  Check out the pull-out event guide inside this issue, and don’t miss this fantastic event!

Speaking of, while at events this month, say hi to the crew at the Spot booth!  Our goodie bags just got even better, thanks to the addition of reusable grocery bags from our friends at Cascade Veterinary Referral Center (they’re big, and good-lookin!).  And watch for advance ticket sales for Shine and its raffles.  There are 3 fabulous packages (check out Treasures in the Raffle Trove).  Winners will be drawn during Shine (they need not be present), and proceeds support OS/NF and S.A.F.E.

One last little event-related note is a shout-out that originally appeared in Spot’s June eNews* that bears repeating: 

If you’ve been by Spot’s booth this season, you’ve surely met Angie & Punkin.  Angie’s immeasurable help and smiling personality, along with her sweet, furry (and very photogenic) sidekick Punkin, make their company pricelsss.  Thank you girls … couldn’t do it without you two!

baby, let’s go!

*PS: If you're not getting Spot's eNews, sign up! We won't share your address or load up your inbox - it's just a once-monthly update you'll enjoy.

Email Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net to subscribe. It's fun, informative, and free!

Lula

I didn’t either, until I found this house advertised for rent in the classifieds some 12 years ago.  After renting for two years, we made it home for good.

This time of year the mostly deciduous trees out back go through a transformation from a tangle of cold-looking gray-brown branches to become — boom-boom-boom — a riot of lush green leaves that sort of grow into the house.  It’s a glorious sight, a soul-feeding space, just simple (not fancy) beauty and birdsong.  God’s space.

While our lawns are postage stamp, the space is heavenly, especially now, as it explodes with blossoms on the mock fruit trees, forget-me-nots, rhodies, lilacs, and soon,  peonies.  Even the “snow” of spent petals on the patio is gorgeous.

PeachYou’ve met Lula if you regularly read my words here, and one of my favorite things during this season is watching her guard her yard.  She stations herself on the back patio, gazing for hours at what I’ve come to think of as her kingdom.  Occasionally she’ll take up the chase with a taunting squirrel, racking up miles at top speed.  But she always returns to the very zen pastime of simply gazing at her back 40.

Meanwhile, Peach and Scout, the littlest girls and both piebald miniature Dachshunds, opt for a routine that I call “wieners on the grill.”  They love sunbathing, and given even a stingy bit of sunshine they’ll stretch out loooong on the patio, looking every bit like they’re lounging poolside at their favorite tropical resort.

Peach has other favorite sunbathing spots around the yard — the back gate, the foot of the garden bed on the pea gravel, sometimes in the garden bed itself. 

Throughout the day I’ll check their whereabouts, doing a quick roll call, making sure everyone’s well and happy (and not up to something they shouldn’t be).  There they are:  Scout (who is blind) invariably stretched impossibly long on the patio, Peach there too, or in one of her preferred sun-worshipping spots (the rays must be just right there — my little dairy-cow look-alike knows the value of location).  Lu might be anywhere — traversing the yard in a flying red streak, vigilantly stalking a squirrel, or peacefully watching over her kingdom.

ScoutWhen it comes to little pieces of paradise, we’ve got ours.  It isn’t big, and it isn’t fancy.  But for us, it’s heavenly.  Isn’t it something how the place we call home is made all the more precious by our animals’ pleasure in it?  Giving them a good life is rewarding indeed.  All the more gratifying knowing the hard places they came from and could still be in today, if alive at all.  We’ve got it good! 

Whenever I hear someone say about their lovebugs  “They’re spoiled rotten,”  I say, “As they should be.”  And shouldn’t we all!  My wish for you is that you can look out your own kitchen window, walk out the door to your back yard, breath in deep and feel that huge, fresh, wonderful feeling of . . . “I love this place.”   It needn’t be big, fancy or expensive; it just needs to be your version of wonderful.

Yours in everything pet,

Jennifer Mccammon and Lula

So Lu and I were mowing the back 40 last weekend, luxuriating in one of the first sunny days after months of relentless gray, wet and COLD.  The yard is still rough (too cold to go out!), but on that sunny Sunday, it looked like heaven.

Every few passes as I criss-cross the lawn Lula dive-bombs the mower.*  Here she comes, a swooping red streak, teeth bared, scary attack face on. 

I can’t help but laugh as she comes flying.  Of course I yell,  joining her shrill, no-stopping-for-breath banshee bark — “Whoo!-Whoo!-Whoo!-Whoo!-Whoo!” — with my “No!-No!-No!-Nooo!”  It would be great — just once — to hear our ridiculous little opera from my neighbors’ perspective (thankfully, they love us).

While it’s admittedly silly, this game moves me deeply.  I celebrate these moments for the blessing that my ‘wretched redhead’ is here at all. 

. . . R e w i n d . . . November 2007 . . .

Countless animals in need cross my radar daily, and I routinely fall in love about five times a day.  Like most in animal welfare, I’ve developed a thick skin, lest I collapse in a puddle of despair for my inability to save them all.  Always front of mind is the fact that working to support those in the trenches — in rescue, transport, etc. — is how I can contribute the most.

Plus, while I want to save that funny/only a mother could love /gorgeous/desperately deserving creature (every one of them is), the commitment to my existing (aged) pack means first preserving their comfort and joy.

So in November 2007 there I was, falling in love but holding fast as usual.  I received an alert from friend/rescue rockstar Connie Theil about “Peanut,” a “little 2-year-old Doxie” who’d been pulled a day before she was to be euthanized.  “I’ve got her,” said Connie.  “She’s fearful and kinda crazed; will you put the word out?” 

My usual reply was:  “Done.”  That day, it was:  “I’ll take her.”  Clearly greater things were at work.  I didn’t think; didn’t see a photo; didn’t ask questions.  And didn’t have a moment’s doubt.

I collected “Peanut” (in a crate) the following day.  In our garage I opened the crate and car doors, and let her settle.  In time I was able to get her in the house, where she crouched in a pillow-stacked corner for two days.  Eventually she came upstairs, and finally into my lap. 

She was beautiful, but she was no Doxie (a breed which, to my disbelief I’d fallen for years before), and not two, but almost five.  She was extremely fearful.  Laptime and bedtime were challenging — one wrong move frightened her, putting her in defense (read: attack) mode.

Introducing friends and family to Lula (her former name was laid to rest along with her previous life) was handled with great care.  She remained fearful and on guard.  One day each month, when the new issue comes in, 14 people come to load up to distribute it.  While here, the awesome people who deliver Spot pop in, chat, and sometimes stay for coffee or a bite.  We call it “Truck Day,” and it’s a circus (in a good way). 

As months passed it was a joy to see Lula graduate from having to be held when new people arrived to being able to move about normally, greeting visitors with relative ease.  It was wonderful to hear, again and again, “She’s come sooo far.”

Who rescued who

Lu’s been with us almost four years now, and while each of my three is “the dog of my heart,” she is special.  As it happens, just before she hit my radar that November day, I had survived a violent near-death experience myself.  Those first days together we were both extremely fragile, but alive.  Lula had weird bumps on her head, neck and back, which I eventually identified as scabs from the bites of the large dogs she’d been penned with. 

Slowly, over time — in great part thanks to having each other — we both grew stronger.

Strong enough to face the future head high and full of hope.  Strong enough to take on monsters

. . . even that hateful machine in the back 40, laughing all the way.

Yours in everything pet,

*Fear not: all safety precautions are in place :)