Years ago, the Cottage Grove Sentinel’s editor did not understand that readers want to read about their friends, family, and neighbors. In September 2006, deeply concerned that the paper might lose subscribers, I approached the publisher, and presented her with14 column ideas to entertain readers.
“Do this one here!” she said, pointing at the pet column suggestion featuring all ages of ‘Grovers’. She
asked what I was going to call it. I was a housewife, and one second ago, had no idea that I would be a columnist, and here she was asking what it was called. I knew three things: it would contain pet stories or ‘tales’, and helpful pet tips, and because dogs often have tips on the end of their tail as word play, in five seconds I announced, “Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales with pet ears around the ‘n’.”
I was not a journalist and had never suggested that ‘I’ write a column. The
suggestions were for ‘someone’ on staff to breathe new life into the paper. But, just like that, I was ‘someone’ and we had a column that quickly became an enjoyable weekly treat for readers.
The inaugural column was very short about Lana and her horse Angel. I took purr-cautionary methods by omitting humans’ last names, protecting their pets from unsavory characters from locating their address and perhaps removing a pet.
As weeks rolled by, my concern was
that the articles might all sound like “Fluffy or Rover chase a ball.” But just the opposite unfolded! Story lines became fascinating. Readers marvel at the varied topics. Never in my wildest dreams did the idea of writing articles on pet miracles, bulls (we have done two!), fish, slugs, mice, piano playing cats, crazy chickens, smart crows, two legged walking dogs or crazy bee adventures enter my mind. Stories found me and had me laughing, marveling at miracles, or tearing up in compassion
while writing.
No staff member offered guidance on how to write a column, create a story title, photo caption or suggested photographic guidelines. The column evolved on its own.
Pets and children are a photographic challenge. Imagine both in a photo, then including additional pets or children! The results were often hiss-terical!
Over the following years, my writing style and skills improved. Volunteer proofreaders live in two countries.
The article's goal remains to uplift, inspire, teach and offer hope by drawing a mind-picture, leaving an impression of its message in readers’ hearts and minds.
When the newspaper reduced its employees, Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales grew in word length to take the pressure off their one reporter. The article expanded to 1000 words (Andy, the bull story). One of the newspaper’s editors suggested that 650 words per article would work best. So, that is the current word count. Most
newspaper articles run 300 words or less, and we’ve expanded.
The column’s pup-U-larity was growing. Readers subscribe, both in and out of town, “just to read the pet column”. Local businesses and pet services realized the importance of the column and requested their advertisement be placed on the “pet page” which helps support our newspaper.
You never know what opportunities will open when you bravely open a new door. It may very well
change your life in wonderful ways.
When I approached the publisher with the intent of “saving” the newspaper and “accidentally” ended up with a column, it came with adventures.
My Shaded Silver Persians, The Wingletts, appeared on national TV shows including Animal Planet and Anderson Cooper, and international magazines/newspapers. Nymbus and I made an appearance on Anderson Cooper’s show. Chicken Soup for the Soul has printed my ninth story with them
in ‘Miracles and the Unexplained.’ Plus, other stories appear in ‘The Cat Really Did That’ and ‘My Very Good, Very Bad Cat’.
The journey has been fun. I have met wonderful people and their much-loved pets. I’m visualizing that these pet articles can be published in a book giving their educational messages, tips, and miracles, a place to live for years. It’s time to feature your pet: [email protected]
