Shannon here: Mary Pat Johns shares how Lacey became a part of the Johns family, plus info about her Contemporary Romance, Romance in Valiant 3 book series. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Jan 15th – 31st to enter the drawing for 4 titles in my Jan Book Bundle #2. Deadline: Feb 7th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Mary Pat:
I’m Here For Lacey!
The acrid scent of permanent marker swirled in the air as I put the finishing touches on a large piece of posterboard that read, “I’m here for Lacey!”
My husband nodded. “Makes it crystal-clear which dog we want.” He turned to his backpack and finished stuffing it with snacks. He’d previously loaded a couple of movies on his iPad in anticipation of a long wait.
He was determined to be first in line to adopt Lacey.
Ike, our ten-year-old dachshund, needed a companion. My husband and I agreed a younger female would help slow his aging process, but Ike had us all to himself for ten years. How he would adjust to a new pet worried us. We realized it was time, however, when we booked a lengthy vacation and couldn’t take a dog.
Our first step was to check out our local pet adoption center, a well-run facility that provided excellent animal care. We peered at the online photos to check out the dogs. Not just any dog would do; there had to be a connection.
Once we arrived, a tech showed us to the back. A cacophony of barking preceded us. My nostrils stung from the strong antiseptic smell. I was grateful they cared for the animals, but it tugged on my heartstrings to observe canine orphans.
My husband nudged me. When I turned, one thought clanged through my head. I’ve never believed in love at first sight, but a dainty little dog instantly changed my mind.
She was obviously a dachshund, except I’d never seen one with her unique coloring; a mostly white
piebald, with large black and gray spots. The clincher was one pale blue eye. We asked the tech to let her out of the cage. Though timid, she wasted no time attaching to my husband.
The card said her name was Lacey. We were smitten. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones, because there were four applications for her ahead of us. She was good-natured and everything we wanted in a dog. But the adoption policy was first-come-first-serve. No prospective pet is placed “on hold” for anyone.
I filled out the application and added it to the pile. She wouldn’t be available for three weeks but never underestimate a powerful motive. My husband wanted that dog. He went to the center twice during the wait, visited with the techs, and got every little detail for tips on how to be the first one there. They mentioned a sign would be helpful. Hence, the reason I made a sign. Under any other circumstances, the “I’m here for Lacey” sounded way too on the nose, but Dave insisted on every advantage.
Their doors opened at 10:00 a.m., but that would be too late. He had to arrive before the employees so they could confirm him being there first.
Funny how we’ve never waited in line for a long-anticipated movie or a big sale. Rarely do we venture out on Black Friday. The right dog proved a completely different story.
After he’d packed for his early morning, he did one more thing that proved the most important of all. He asked the Lord to wake him up at the right time so he could get there first.
My husband was motivated.
When he woke at 3 a.m., he knew. He arrived at the center thirty minutes later and parked his white truck at an angle where anyone else would see the “I’m here for Lacey” sign taped to his tailgate. Another car drove up at 4:17 a.m., then left. If Dave had slept until his alarm went off, it would have been too late.
Finally, at 10:30 a.m., Dave called to say he was coming home with Lacey. She was ours.
We saw no reason to change her name. Lacey suits her, and she’s the perfect dog for us. She playfully helps Ike out of his stodgy ways by stealing his toys and squeaking them loudly. We find chewed-up wood and junk on our living room rug from outside. When she received a round of shots and felt crummy, she lay on Dave’s chest for hours.
People have told us they wouldn’t have gotten up at 3 a.m. to get a dog, but it was never about the time.
The day my husband rose long before the crack of dawn, he got exactly what we both wanted. Lacey got what she wanted too.
These days, I’m not sure who adopted who. Was it the man who had the “I’m here for Lacey” sign, or the sad little dog who recognized her forever-friend?
Reader Question: Where did you get your current pet? Or a past favorite? What made you love your pet?
January Book Bundle #2
My Journey in Fiction Writing by R.F. Whong, Nonfiction, Newsletter signup download
A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees, Contemporary Romance, e-book
Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell, Romantic Suspense, e-book
Visible by Darlene Corbett, Romantic Women’s Fiction print
About Mary Pat: Mary Pat Johns lives in South Texas with the love
of her life and two spoiled dachshunds. You can find her at the gym, on her computer, or reading a book. Learn more & connect:
Mary Pat’s Website Mary Pat’s Facebook Mary Pat’s Instagram Mary Pat’s Pinterest
About the Romance in Valiant series:
Welcome to Valiant, Texas. The weather is scorching, workouts are hot, and love is warm and vibrant.
Counting on Jesse (Book 1):
Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna wants to help Jesse and Peeps more than anything. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes?
Accountant Brenna McKinley only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.
Young veteran Jesse Jacobs manages and co-owns Peeps, an exercise facility in Valiant, Texas. He needs help to gain accreditation for the gym, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.
Lovin’ on Red (Book 2):
Rory is a wildly successful contractor with all the right connections. He has everything, except the woman who sees past his missing foot. If only the tiny redhead he’s insanely attracted to would go on a date with him, it could work, but Vi refuses.
Licensed massage therapist Vi Summers needs her childhood home remodeled, and Rory Spence is the perfect man for the job. Only he’s the last person she wants to work with. Despite Rory’s reputation as a flirt, his tender attention to getting her house right helps Vi see into his heart. Too bad her past mistakes prevent a future relationship.
Drawn together like magnets, they navigate trouble with illegal squatters, family expectations, and fire. Will they finally be honest with each other, or will their secrets tear them apart?
Glitter and the Grouch (Book 3):
Silas and Natalie (“Nat”) don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.
Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Good thing quitting isn’t in their DNA, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it means covering 260 miles of river.
There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.
Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?
Interested in the Romance in Valiant series or Mary Pat’s other books? Need extra copies for gifts?
Get your copy/copies now!
Romance in Valiant series Mary Pats’ Books
Come back Jan 24th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
Past favorite was a long haired german shepaprd and we got him from an elderly woman who could handle him. Was one of the best dogs we had.
We have two cats. One we got from a Cat Rescue called CatTails. These cats are at Petco on Sunday afternoon adoptions. Our younger cat was a kitten from our daughter’s cat. He is very special and keeps the older cat busy.
I have 3 dogs that I got from two different rescues.
We have fish lol does it count? Petco!