Meet Sally Showman
Dignified Pet Services presents 'People in the Neighborhood'
KOIN 6 TV’s morning meteorologist is a media rock star, and a longtime advocate of second chances for animals in need.
Raised in Seattle, Sally’s career took her to Idaho Falls, Idaho; Spokane, Washington; and finally, to Portland. “I always knew what I wanted to do. It was scary at first, but being a reporter in Idaho Falls was the best three years of my life. I’ve made so many mistakes and messed up all over the place. Luckily, YouTube didn't exist then!” she laughs.
“Making it to Portland was a defining moment. I’ve been in the biz for eleven years, five of those in Portland. I love being close to home, and having all the benefits of the coast accessible.”
If you’re thinking happy hour with Sally might be fun, think again: “I go to bed around 7 pm and wake up at 2 am. I’m in the studio by 3, on the air at 4:30, and we’re on and off until 9 am. I’m also on the noon show. I get home around 1 pm.”
Sally’s weather reports include a Pet Walk Forecast, telling pet parents what they can expect when walking their dogs.. “Twice every morning I show pet pictures from all over Oregon and SW WA in my Pet Walk Forecast.” On Wednesdays, she showcases adoptables from many local shelters and rescues.
“I'm flooded every day with animals to show on the air,” she says. “As part of KOIN’s Second Chance program, on Wednesdays we bring in a dog in need of a second chance. It’s been extremely successful. 98 percent are adopted after they go on the air! It’s nice to get exposure to a wider audience to help find these dogs homes,” she enthuses.
When not on the air, Sally spends time with Tucker, her almost two-year-old Golden Retriever who’s endured health problems since birth. She says he means everything to her, and he always makes her smile. “It’s awesome having a dog and getting outside,” she smiles. They also enjoy jaunts to the coast, and hiking Saddle Mountain. “You can see the ocean on a clear day. And a dog at the coast? Tucker goes nuts!”
A woman seemingly blessed with a perpetual smile, what makes her laugh? “Biggest thing is those viral videos. The news interviews with people with wild personalities. YouTube sensations. We repeat them constantly at the station.”
The shoe that is so Sally? “I always have a pair of flats at the studio. They're comfy and cute and remind me of the Wizard of Oz. Fun shoes that aren't heels. As soon as I get off the air I change shoes.” She then sifts through calls and emails from viewers, a ton of which come in— just for her— daily. Some offer hair or fashion advice, and many talk about the weather — saying everything from, "I hate the sun" to "Go to California!”
All of this gives a girl an appetite! “I love pizza!” she says, “and I’m not picky.” Papa Murphy's, Apizza Scholls, and Oven and Shaker are among her favs. “I enjoy a combo of sweet and savory — Prosciutto pizza with honey drizzled over the top is a go to.”
What is she most proud of as a reporter? Covering stories about hope. Sally reports on Donate Life Northwest and donor recipients around the region. The stories have touched many, raising awareness and fostering discussion of organ donation. Sally has met many donor recipients, and proudly emcees Donate Life Northwest’s annual fundraiser. “There was a High school football player who died and the family contacted me when they started hearing from potential organ recipients. They wanted me to spread the word so their son’s story would be remembered and documented. Another young man suffering from liver failure would live a healthy life thanks to this young athlete’s decision to donate his organs.”
About our Sponsor
Dignified Pet Services has served the Portland-area community for 13 years. In addition to their core business of cremation and memorial services, Dignified co-sponsors the beloved annual Service of Remembrance at The Old Church in downtown Portland, as well as serving as wonderful supporters and friends of pets and those working in animal welfare. Proprietors Michael, Randy and Hunter live in Sherwood.
As a Certified Vet Tech, longtime PR veteran and content marketing expert, Christy Caplan brings her unique understanding of social and digital media to connect dog lovers to brands both on and offline. She lives with three hounds – two Doxies and a Beagle/Basset Hound mix, who constantly teach her about life and companionship. Follow Christy atmylifewithdogspdx.com.