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It was two weeks before Christmas and in the confused mental state that accompanies that time of year, I forgot to go to the pet store. As I attempted feeding three hungry dogs, I realized my error. I looked at my watch, it was 6:55 P.M. I had five minutes to get to the pet store ten minutes away.

I called Mary's LB and Mary answered the phone. "I'll wait. What do you need. I'll have it ready."

This is the major difference between Mary's LB and the big stores. There is much more to Mary's. And, there is more to the Christmas story.

When I got to the store, I saw this tiny bundle of fur sleeping on the counter. Thinking this was not really safe, I commented, "Aren't you afraid this dog is going to wake up and fall off this counter?"

Mary answered, "He is out. Been like that for two hours. The police dropped him off. I can't take in animals, but this guy was out in the rain and cold of last night. They found him in the middle of the street. If you take him tonight he is free. If you come back for him tomorrow, you will buy him," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Well," said I, "I'll tell you what I am going to do for you, Mary. Tonight I'll take him off your hands. Cyndi has been talking about a puppy. We'll see what she thinks."

And that is how Simba Harris found Cyndi Harris. And how Luke Hopkins and Simba ended up best pals.

Luke is the big guy. A few years back, I complained to Mary that his coat was just terrible and the vets weren't doing much for him. "Wrong food," Mary said.

"What? I buy my food here."

"You buy the food you want to buy. You never asked my advice."

"Well, what do you advise?" And that led to a dissertation on how awful the stuff was that I have been buying, thinking it was top quality. Mary continued with a recommendation of another brand, saying, "But, it is more expensive."

"How much more expensive?" I innocently asked.

"How much is the dog worth to you," she wisely answered.

Three bags later I had a new dog. And now, at 11 years old, he is considered, "great looking".

Mary has been good to me. She can help you and your friends to a better relationship.

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