Hi! My name is Max. Yes, I'm a dog and you're probably a human reading this. Sure, I flunked out of service dog training for disobeying commands, but did get high marks for personality, tail wagging, and my specialty—making humans happy. I’m so good at those, my favorite human Nate Pierson, Innkeeper of The Two Turtles Inn, Sanibel Island Florida, named me Concierge in charge of Guest Happiness.

I love every human I meet like Dr. Aaron Swift who stayed here after his fiancée, Beth, dumped him for his best man right before their wedding. Aaron cancelled his honeymoon too late to get his deposit back so he stayed here for his “non-honeymoon.”

As Concierge, I took him for walks and listened to his feelings before putting my own plan into action to mend his broken heart. I just happen to know a beautiful divorcee who might want to stroll with us. My friend Mariah wrote about Aaron and my 'other adventures.' She says I have a lot of complications to solve like Beth who keeps trying to make Aaron unhappy.

Nate says I have a talent for this concierge business. So if you want to walk on the beach and chat, I’m the best dog for the job. You'll see when you read my story!

As Nate says, 'Always Bet on Fur!'

Thanks for listening. I'll see you at the Two Turtles Inn!

Your Friend,
Max - Canine Concierge of Love

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Release Date: April 4, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

WHITE SATIN ROMANCE

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Excerpt

Chapter One

I’ve never bit anyone. Never wanted or had to. I love everyone I meet. That’s what humans love about me and my love for them is what brought me to my forever home.

“Max,” Nate, my doggie dad, whispered as he stroked my fur. “Come on, buddy, wake up. Today’s your big day. You’re going to be the center of attention. We need to get you groomed. After all, you’re the reason for today’s celebration.”

I stretched and yawned, waking up excited there was another wedding at The Two Turtles Inn. I already knew that because yesterday on my walk with a guest, a nice elderly lady named Mrs. Gray, we stopped to watch the maintenance staff assemble the wedding trellis and place the wooden folding chairs on The Inn’s expansive front lawn facing the calm blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Nate fed me a hearty breakfast before we walked to The Inn’s spa to visit my groomer, Georgia. Excited to greet her, I headed straight for her waiting open arms. As she smiled, her face flushed with love as she looked into my eyes. “Max, I’m going to make you look even more gorgeous than ever.” Georgia, a pretty woman in her thirties, had fine light-colored long hair tied back with a Turtle Inn ribbon.

She was short, which I loved because I could easily jump up to lick her on the cheek and had the most infectious smile. Georgia helped me climb into the large open tub before she scrubbed me good and hard, especially my tummy, which was my favorite. She laughed as she applied a fresh scent conditioner that I’ve been told by so many young female guests smells like bubble gum, whatever that is. I don’t mind because I get so much attention every time they tell me that. Georgia’s touch felt so good I didn’t want her to stop. She dried my fur with a blow drier, brushed me, and squeezed my face before planting a huge kiss on each side. No bright red lipstick today. Thank goodness. I licked her cheek, wagged my tail with approval, and shot her one of my irresistible smiles before Nate and I returned to The Inn.

We walked behind the front desk and into his office where he smoothed my fur before he took off my Two Turtles Inn collar and replaced it with a floral patterned one that had a matching silky bowtie. I tilted my head, wondering who was getting married and why I wasn’t wearing my Two Turtles Inn tie. I’ve been here almost four months and introduced many brides and grooms, most needing a second chance at love, who request me to be ring bearer at their weddings, but still I puzzled. Why was today different with a special bow tie and why was it my day as well? Since I had to wait to find out, my mind drifted back to the day Nate adopted me, gave me my second chance at love, and how that love brought me here to The Two Turtles Inn on Sanibel Island, Florida.

 

* * *

 

I’m a very lucky dog. So much so “Lucky” should have been my name. My mom, Goldie, a beautiful smart Golden Lab, gave birth to me in a Florida Service Dog training center. But my birth, no matter how joyful, came with the biggest scandal to ever hit the likes of that facility. Mom became weary of all their rules, a trait I inherited from her and understand more than any other dog I know. At that time, she was in heat. The vet kept her isolated so he could introduce her to the perfect service dog match.

Guess she couldn’t wait because she told me, “One sunny day I broke out of my pen. I pawed up the latch, pushed the screen door open, and went for a wonderful free run that ended at the local park. Along the way, I played with every dog I met and loved every minute of it. Once in the park, my heart came to a complete stop when I saw the man of my dreams, a terrier chow mix who stole my heart in an instant. He was playful, handsome, and flirtatious. Still in heat, I fell head over paws in love. Into the bushes we romped where you, along with your seven other siblings, were conceived.

“The staff at the training center combed the different areas of the park, searching for me. They knew how crucial their timing was in locating me. One staffer trainee named Chuck, who wanting to impress his supervisor, combed every scrub until he discovered me with your dad in the bushes and was pleased he could be the first to yell as loud as he could. ‘She’s here, but I think we might be a little too late.’”

A little too late was an understatement. Anyway, I was told there she was with my dad, whom I’ve never met, carrying on like a teenage pup. After the staff separated the two love birds, they escorted Mom back to the shelter on a leash. A little over a week later, our vet confirmed she was pregnant. Being a humane animal center, the powers that be let nature take its course.

I was the runt of the litter of eight puppies. The center adopted out my seven brothers and sisters as soon as they were old enough to loving homes for free since none of them met the service dog training qualifications. They all were cute with fluffy red hair and curly tails but had my father’s IQ. Unlike my siblings, I, however, inherited my mother’s smarts and some of her good golden lab looks mixed in with Dad’s chow and terrier.

For that reason, Bruce, a veterinarian who loved all of us, and was head of the center, told me, “Max, I have high hopes for you. I placed you in the service dog program because I observed how curious you were, how sensitive you were to people, not to mention the fact that you inherited Goldie’s intelligence.”

But even with all those wonderful traits, I had two strikes against me. I considered commands a mere suggestion, and I loved people and other animals so much my feelings for them often clouded my judgement. That, however, did not stop a wonderful middle-aged couple, the Sutherlings, from committing to take me home for one year and teach me the basics of being a service dog.

Having served as one herself, Mom advised me before I left, “Max, you were born to do great things for those who lost their sight and others needing help with handicaps both physical and emotional.” I guess I have helped humans at The Inn this past year…just not who and how Mom had intended.

The Sutherlings were gracious, sharing their home to train me while loving me as if I was their own dog. I know that took a special quality of selflessness since they had to return me to the center in one year so I could graduate to the next level of training. Proud to wear my service dog training harness, I knew I was not to be petted or hugged even though I wanted to be ever so badly. I tried as hard as I could to obey those rules but just couldn’t.

My dilemma remained constant; I loved people. I loved kids. I loved other dogs and other animals and always wanted to show them how much. No surprise, since like Mom, I was rebellious and ignored any rules that prevented me from showing my love. On training walks, I’d sneak a kiss to the back of passing strangers’ hands, hoping they would stop to pet me. In the middle of the night, I’d slip in to visit Harry, the Sutherling’s kindhearted youngest son, and sleep on the floor next to his bed so as not to wake him.

My love of humans took over my behavior so much that after eight months of instruction, my training ended abruptly. That nice couple returned me to the service dog facility and addressed my training issues with Bruce. “We feel Max doesn’t want to be trained; he’d rather love and be loved. We’ve tried repeatedly to change his attitude and behavior, but to no avail, so with heavy hearts, we are returning him to you.”

Bruce, a human teddy bear, gave me one more shot to train on campus. He tried as hard as he could but found that I’m a people dog through and through. One Saturday morning, Bruce took my trainer Megan, a fun, energetic, twenty-two-year-old, and me into his office, where he instructed me to sit. I did that easily but was not prepared for what was to come next. Bruce rubbed his fuzzy beard before looking me in the eyes and saying the words I hoped never to hear. He spoke to me slowly as if he thought I could understand Human.

“Max, you’re not going to make it as a sight or any kind of service dog, but don’t get discouraged. This isn’t your fault. Somewhere in this big wide world, a job is waiting for your special skills. I’ve placed you in our adoption program and will be extra careful to select the right forever parents for you.”

After my trainer left me with Bruce, I plopped down on the rug in his office and put my head on my paws, thinking, “How will Mom feel when she learns I flunked out? She had such high hopes for me.”

By the frown on his face, I could tell Bruce knew his decision depressed me, but as I was soon to find out, Bruce kept his word. He was very particular about my adoptive parents and, as Megan informed me, one of our daily walks, “Rest easy Max. So far, Bruce has already turned down three prospective parents. He wants to find the right ones.”

Then one sunny Monday morning, Megan came bounding into my pen and in a very cheerful voice said, “Come with me Max, Bruce wants to see you.” As soon as we entered Bruce’s office, I noticed a kind looking man in his mid-thirties standing next to Bruce’s large oak desk. Megan stroked my head before she leaned down and whispered in my ear, “Maxie, look how his kind blue eyes sparkle when he looks at you. He’s tan, blond, and ever so handsome. If you weren’t my main man, I sure could go for him.”

That tall, well-dressed man walked over to pet me. My tail wagged a mile a minute as I sat up straight as an arrow and handed him my paw. Couldn’t help it, I wanted a forever home more than anything else in my doggy world. Bruce then spoke to me in Human again. I liked that much better than puppy talk. “Max, you were our featured adoptee of the month and this caring man, a long-time friend of mine, Nate Pierson, answered the call. Nate and I attended the University of Florida together. We haven’t connected in a few years, so you can imagine how surprised I was when he inquired about adopting you...”

I looked up to see Megan smiling from ear to ear as she gave me a thumbs up. Maybe Bruce really did find my next pet parent? This gentle looking soul took my bait, hook, line, and sinker because he smiled and said, “Hey Max, I’m Nate and I have a good feeling you may be just what we need.” We? That puzzled me enough to tilt my head. Does he have a family? A wife? Bruce looked at me, feeling the need to explain again in Human. Since I’m a dog, Bruce isn’t sure how much I understand. Humans can be so funny. For some reason, they don’t understand, I think of them as just another species of animals.

“Max and Megan, I’d like you to introduce you to Nate Pierson who owns The Two Turtles Inn on Sanibel Island. He’s looking for a buddy, not only for himself but one to share with his guests and give them comfort and help with their exercise. He called yesterday after seeing your photo on our website and wanted to know all about you.”

Nate looking straight down into my eyes and said the magic words I waited what seemed like forever to hear. “I’m looking for a dog to share my home and life, that loves everyone, doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, and is smart and knows commands. Bruce already advised me that you knew all kinds of commands but did not always obey them.”

Both men laughed as Nate knelt next to me. “Bruce, just spending these few minutes with Max, I know he’s the perfect fit for me and The Inn. I can’t wait to have fun with him and give him the love he deserves. I was inspired to find a dog I could share with my guests after reading an article about a canine concierge serving one of the larger chain hotels in downtown Chicago. That dog was not available for walks but in room supervised visits with guests. Our inn sits on a beautiful Gulf Coast Island and has many walking paths and a gorgeous beach awaiting Max to share with our guests, but I can’t lie. I’m excited he’s coming home to be my dog. I’ll take the best care of him. I want to thank you, so besides writing a check for the normal adoption fee, I’m adding a five-hundred-dollar donation.”

I wagged my tail. I must have charmed him beyond measure.

Bruce smiled as Nate wrote the check. “We’re truly grateful. Your generosity will help with our training mission. Nate, I appreciate this personally since we’re friends.”

They shook hands, after which Bruce took off my training collar with the school’s logo embroidered on it and replaced it with a plain collar before handing Nate my leash. He looked at me with tears in his eye. “Max, my buddy, I’ll miss you. Have a great life. You deserve it.”

As Nate walked me out of Bruce’s office, I couldn’t look back thinking about leaving Bruce, Megan, Mom who remained at the center a little longer than usual to train with her new pet parent, a little girl named Shirley who was wheelchair bound, and all the rest of my friends. I was happy to find a forever home, but sad knowing I’d never see any of them again. We walked to Nate’s dark-colored pick-up truck with Turtle Inn signs on both doors and I hopped onto the passenger seat, my tail wagging so fast it wouldn’t stop. Nate fastened a harness around me. “Okay buddy, you’re ready to roll. I’m not going to change your name. Max has a nice ring to it.”

He leaned in and gave me a hug. “I want you to know I’ll always be here for you.”

I thumped my tail on the seat, happy to hear him say that before he asked, “Ready to go home?”

Was I ever ready! Home...that word sounded so good, and I was so eager for one. Nate started the truck, and we were off in a flash. Our ride was long, but beautiful. The training center was in the middle of the state; The Inn on the Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida.

After a while, we headed over a long bridge to a beautiful, sun-swept island with loads of greenery and large homes. Nate rolled down my window so I could stick my nose out to smell the salt water and feel the cool sea breezes. Everything looked and smelled so fresh, like my own fresh start in life.

Nate called someone from his cell. “Wendy, I have him. His name’s Max and everyone’s going to fall in love with him the minute they meet him. See you in about ten minutes.”

We continued  down the tree-lined main street before Nate slowed down and pointed to a sign. “Here we are Max. Your new home...The Two Turtles Inn.”

He winked. “You’re going to adore it here, pal. There’s a wide, soft, sandy beach right across the street and we have some docks in the Back Bay for boats. Our lawn is big and fun for play and walks on special paths.”

I loved the kind way Nate spoke to me. As we turned into the long pebble driveway, I saw six young people all in matching shirts with a turtle on the pocket lined up waiting for us. As we approached, they applauded. Nate beamed. “Okay, Max, let’s meet the other members of your family.”

Three excited young women, all in their early twenties, wearing turtle shirts and matching green shorts, ran over to our truck and opened my door. I hopped out to be surrounded with hugs and kisses. Honestly, never in my life have I been this happy.

Three young men followed. I sat up straight and held out my paw as one remarked. “He’s great. I can’t wait to take him for a walk.”

I still had on my leash, but nobody held onto it. I know I could have run off but why would I? This place was amazing. I heard Nate’s truck door close before he walked over to me. “Come on, buddy, let’s go inside.”

We walked to the entrance of this lovely old southern mansion with clapboard shutters and a large two-story addition on the left side. I happily pranced up the ten stairs to a big porch with wicker rockers filled with guests. As Nate walked me over to meet each of them, my tail wagged so hard I feared it would fall off.

“Good boy.” Nate gave me a quick pat. “Bruce was right. You really do love people. Now let’s go inside and see your new home.”

After meeting all those wonderful people, we walked inside. I wondered if I was in a royal palace. I looked up to see a stunning palm-shaped, rattan ceiling fan. My eyes then caught a glimpse of a large seating area under two tall indoor palms that faced floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach, a far cry from my view at the training center. A pleasant looking woman dressed in The Inn’s uniform stood behind a tall desk and smiled as Nate introduced us. She looked about his age, was pretty in a natural way, with a friendly smile, dark hair, and kind dark eyes.

“Wendy, please come and meet our newest team member, Max.” Nate knelt and petted me. “Wendy Abbot supervises our front desk and is The Inn’s assistant manager. You’ll be spending a great deal of time out here with her.”

Wendy immediately ran out from behind the front desk, excited to greet me. She gave me a big hug and kissed the top of my head. I fell in love with her at once. Who wouldn’t after such a wonderful greeting? Better yet, she smelled like the wildflowers behind the shelter I liked to sniff. “Maxie, Nate told me he was going to adopt a friendly dog for The Inn, but you’re more magnificent than I ever could have imagined. We’re going to have fun getting to know each other. We’re all happy to welcome you to your new home. Come with me.”

I walked with her around the front desk to discover a natural wicker bed holding the fluffiest pillow I ever saw with a sign across the front. Wendy pointed to it. “This is for you, Max. Our new Canine Concierge. You are official just as that sign says.”

I was so happy I spun around chasing my tail until I became dizzy. A home and a job! Everyone in the lobby watched and laughed, but I had a new job and couldn’t wait to get started.

It wasn’t five minutes later when the large double oak front doors opened. In came a tall, muscular, good-looking man. I could sense by his demeanor, he was down in the mouth. Aha, I bet he could use a little Max time.

Wendy instructed me to stay. I did exactly as she said because my new bed was so soft and comfy. She walked around the desk and shook the man’s hand. “Dr. Aaron Swift. It’s my pleasure to welcome you back to The Inn. Congratulations on your wedding. Our entire staff wants to make your honeymoon as memorable as possible.”

Dr. Swift was silent as Wendy continued. “How was the drive from Florida’s lovely East Coast, in particular Boca Raton?”

From my vantage point, I saw Dr. Aaron put his head down and shuffle his feet when Wendy asked. “May I send our bell captain to assist the new Mrs. Swift with her bags?”

I watched the doctor cover his eyes with his hands and I couldn’t help myself. Something was wrong, so I disobeyed Wendy’s command, stood up, walked over to him, and rubbed my head against his leg. I sensed Wendy thought a great deal of Dr. Swift, who leaned down to pet me the minute he saw me.

She immediately instructed me, “Max, please go back to your bed.” Turning to the doctor, she said, “I apologize for Max’s behavior. It’s his first day as our canine concierge.”

Finally, a smile appeared on Dr. Swift’s face as he continued to pet me. “It’s quite all right, Wendy. He’s a good boy.”

I decided I should stay by his side. He looked down at me. “I can tell you’re a buddy. You remind me of Buster, the dog I had growing up. He was a mixed breed as well.”

The doctor’s eyes filled with tears as he looked up and said, “Wendy, there was no wedding. Beth broke our engagement four weeks before we were to be married. Our wedding day broken, so was my heart. I had already booked and paid The Inn for our honeymoon and since it was too late to cancel, I decided I needed to take a vacation, an emotional break, from work, stress, and my broken heart.”

I looked over at Wendy, who was speechless. I could tell she didn’t know how to respond, so she began telling the doctor about me. “Please allow me to properly introduce you to Max. He’s the newest member of our resort staff and, as I already told you, our canine concierge. Max has a wonderful, comforting way about him. Doesn’t he? We adopted him after he completed six months of service dog training. He loves people. He’s such a great listener and so caring, I’ve decided to nickname him ‘my furball of love’.”

I liked Wendy’s nickname for me and hoped to live up to it. Dr. Swift must have liked it too, because he smiled and stroked me again. “Max is a furball of love. He sure knows how to soothe a person.”

Wendy continued. “Today is his first day here. We need to do a bit more training, but he’ll be available for walks in two days on Wednesday, starting at 10:00 a.m. If you’d like to sign up, I’ve already started a page in his appointment book, and you’ll be the first walk on his schedule.”

Aaron Swift looked at me and chuckled. “Max, you must be pretty important to have your own schedule. It’s been a long time since I had a dog. Your first walk as concierge... I’m honored. Max, I think you may be just what I need.”

I tilted my head even though I already knew he was right. Once I’m trained, I’ll do my best to make everyone happy. While Doctor Swift signed up for his 10 a.m. walk, Wendy called for the bell captain to get the doctor’s luggage and escort him to his room. He patted my head one more time before leaving.

Dr. Aaron’s broken heart... I’m sure I can find a fix for that. As I watched him leave, I heard those double front doors open again.

 

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