Good Times.
I love what a dear friend calls a slow-starter that finally gets traction — “The greatest little 10-year overnight success ever!”
Yep: that would be Spot. Celebrating its (not 10th but close enough) 7th anniversary in August, Spot is finally moving beyond baby steps and striding along in ways that make a parent’s heart sing.
You, dear reader, are the boss, and it’s been wonderful to hear your consistent declaration of love for the magazine and the Spot crew’s work in animal welfare and helping businesses grow. In fact, your unflagging affection and support is a huge reason we made it this far — that and the confidence of our partner businesses, whose support makes possible each monthly issue. Please support them!
There’s been a whole lot of uphill in growing up Spot, thanks to a mean economy and a dramatically-changing industry. BUT! We’re here to tell you, it’s time to celebrate!
Spot just got prettier thanks to a printing upgrade, and if you haven’t already explored the new website, please do! Great adventure awaits, including tons of resources in “everything pet,” countless photos, ways to connect, contests, videos, broadcasts and more. Now you can check pet events for the upcoming weekend by clicking the “Broadcasts” button — reports are updated every Thursday/Friday following the 6 o clock live broadcast on 98.1 fm radio. The website also has informative and entertaining blogs from numerous pet experts, the Spot crew, and members of the community who have amazing stories to share.
Speaking of which, I hope you’ll take a peek at “Volunteering pays BIG” this month, a great tale shared by fellow reader, Denise Kinstetter. Denise is passionate about many things, and she’s on fire to encourage you in general, to make the most of life, and specifically, to experience the amazing gifts that come through volunteering. This award-winning volunteer divides her time between Multnomah County Animal Services and Oregon Humane Society, and we’re delighted to share her story with you.
Do you have a story to share? Please do! This animal-loving community is filled with amazing people with extraordinary stories, and sharing them helps us all learn, laugh, and enjoy the ride — and each other — all the more.
In closing, we hope to see you at Walk for the Animals May 5, the NW Pet Fair May 5 & 6, and/or Doggie Dash May 12. Spot is holding a “Pet Minit” video contest Sunday May 6 at the Pet Fair, so come out and show off your pet’s best trick, sweetest face, or the special story about your lives together. Videos will be shared and voted on, and the winner will get great prizes, including a gift certificate toward a Sunriver getaway at Bennington Properties, a soft harness from Four Paws Only, and a beautiful photo keychain from Jade’s Pet Frames. As usual we’ll have Goodie Bags (awesome new totes from CVRC and fantastic new contents from a variety of our excellent business partners), take-aways, and happy members of the Spot crew eager to see you again after the long hiatus in pet events. Come out and play!
Yours in everything pet,
