Pets are an important part of our family and enrich our lives

I’ve always had a pet of some kind. I remember walking home from school as a child and having a pup follow me. When I asked Mom if we could keep it, she said, “You and your animals.” But, she let it stay 🙂

Some people are staunch dog lovers:

While others treasure their feline friends:

They aren’t just animals to me, they’re family. When I’m upset or not feeling well, my nine year-old calico, Harley, senses it and stays on my lap offering comfort.

Our rescue dog, Annie, who we lost a little over a year ago, was fiercely protective and as loyal and loving to us as we were to her.

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment.

George Eliot

Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

Anatole France

Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.

Alfred A. Montapert

Some believe they are the benefactors when purchasing a pet. I think we’re the ones who receive the greatest gift- unconditional love.

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Do you have a special furry friend in your life?

My upcoming release features an adorable puppy!

What happens when Miss Perfection clashes with Mr. Casual? Chaos!

Georgina’s in trouble. The startup money she borrowed from her parents’ retirement fund is long gone and her dream of owning the next big thing in market-to-table cuisine disappeared with it.

Her only choice? Merge her company into the corporate giant, CLO, and hope she isn’t making a huge mistake.

Rhys Turner is his father’s progeny, born and raised to take over the empire when his dad deems him ready. Rhys doesn’t mind the fast-paced lifestyle, though he detests the coldblooded mantra of the corporation- Buy from the weak and sell at a profit.

It’s made his family millions. But now, just when CLO’s reins are within reach, he’s run into the one woman who could change everything.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FDFWDF2

International: https://books2read.com/Perfectly-Imperfect

Here’s a short excerpt from Perfectly Imperfect:

“Is this the sauce you were talking about?” I ask, joining her to grab a sample of my own.

“Yes. Cherry jam, fried onions, and chili peppers. What do you think?”

I taste it and tears form. “Hot,” I breathe out around the fumes.

“I like spicy. Mind if I try?” Rhys grins at my discomfort.

Sara looks askance at me, then hands him a spoon and steps out of his way. I watch and wait, half-hoping he burns his tongue. He takes a careful sip, licks his lips, and nods approvingly.

“This is good—really good. I’m impressed.” He turns the full wattage of his smile on poor Sara and she’s lost, putty in his clever hands.

“Thank you,” she gushes, sending a reproving glance my way. I shrug, unrepentant. My mouth is still on fire. “This would be the perfect accompaniment with pork or chicken. You can set the heat for those with delicate constitutions with the amount of chili pepper used.”

Like me.

I reach into the cupboard for a glass and stride to the water cooler, intent on dousing the flames. A thump jiggles the box by my foot. I screech and jump backward, spilling water on the floor.

“What is that?” I stare at the box in horror.

Sara rushes over with a wad of paper towels in hand and drops to her knees to clean up the mess while sending me a contrite look. “I’m so sorry, Georgina, I knew it wasn’t a good idea, but he’s just so—”

Rhys carefully lifts the lid as she’s explaining and a fuzzy brown face peers up at us.

“A puppy,” Rhys and I announce at the same time, scaring the poor thing. It lets out a frightened yip and cowers in the corner, tail between its legs.

I crouch down and let the pup smell my hand before ruffling soft ears tipped in black. “Is she/he yours, Sara?” I sneak a glance at Rhys, expecting a disapproving frown, but he surprises me by stealing a few scraps of beef off a plate on the counter and offering it to the dog.

“What?” he asks, catching my look. “It’s skin and bone.” His lips quirk when the pup sniffs, then delicately accepts the offering. “Must be female, she has manners.”

That startles a laugh out of me. He keeps surprising me. It’s hard to hate a guy with a nice streak.

“I found him hiding in the bushes out front this morning,” Sara says, throwing the wet towels into the trash before washing her hands. She looks at me with apologetic eyes. “It’s just for today. I’ll take him—her—to the pound right after work, I promise.”

I stare into limpid brown eyes and know I can’t let that happen. “I’ll take him home with me,” I say, surprising Rhys and Sara. I rub the silky head one more time, then rise and shoulder my purse. “Temporarily, of course. She’ll be comfortable at Grandma Jenkins’ until we find a family for her.

“But,” I add, “next time, call me first. This is a health violation. We could get closed down for an infraction like this. You know the rules, Sara.” I smile a little to ease the reprimand.

Sara nods, her cheeks flushed. “Of course. Thank you, Georgina.”

I give her a quick hug. “You did the right thing.”

Rhys sets the lid on the box and lifts it into his arms. “Ready?”

“I am. Thanks, Rhys. Sorry to cut the tour short.” I check the box for air holes and lead the way out. “I’ll need to stop at a pet store on the way. Want me to drop you at your hotel?”

Rhys cradles the box and looks at me over the top. “I was thinking I could give you a hand. That way we can collaborate on a marketing strategy at the same time.”

I reluctantly nod and open the car door so he can set the pup on the backseat. And I thought puppy pads was my biggest worry today.

Available Sept 16!

JACQUIE BIGGAR  is a USA Today bestselling author of Romance who writes about smart, sassy females and tough, alpha males who learn the true power is love. Free reads, excerpts, author news, and contests can be found on her web site:

http://jacqbiggar.com

You can follow her on at http://Facebook.com/jacqbiggar, http://Twitter.com/jacqbiggar

Or email her via her web site. Jacquie lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!