Nine of today’s leading SFR authors combine their love of Science Fiction Romance and animals to show that sometimes even an alien needs a pet.

Pets in Space combines two of my big loves, science fiction and pets. I also love that a portion of proceeds are being donated to hero-dogs.org who raise and train service dogs for US veterans.

I am delighted that each author in Pets in Space has agreed to share with us an insight into their story in the anthology and a little bit about why they decided to write for the anthology. Today’s guest is Carysa Locke :

We are a household of two cats and two dogs. Of those four pets, three are rescues. Our most recent rescue is Sophia, an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy our local humane society fostered with some friends of ours. We were half-heartedly talking about getting a second puppy to help Maya, a rescue we had who was having some issues with trauma. We thought having another dog might be helpful for her, but I was reluctant to add another puppy to our household while Maya was still being trained. We would wait, I thought, at least until Maya has sufficiently housebroken.

Then our friends sent us pictures of the most adorable puppies known to mankind. They were eight weeks old, and we were powerless to stop ourselves from going to meet them. And once we met them, we fell in love. Sophia came home with us that night to meet Maya and see how they would suit.

The difference was instantaneous. They got along immediately, and Maya was like a different dog. So soft and calm. We knew we’d made the right decision. The next few weeks were harrowing, as our humane society won’t put a “hold” on any animal, not even for foster families. We had to take her back in to them to be fixed, and then get there early on the day the puppies were put up for adoption to claim her. It was a very frightening time, when we thought we might not get our girl. She and Maya had already bonded, and of course, we loved her.

Out of all of our animals, Sophia is our cuddler. She loves to be right next to us, preferably touching, preferably under a blanket. She is so sweet and loving. Our humane society received her and the entire litter from California (we are in Oregon), where they have specific kill laws on pit bulls. The shelters down there would have been forced by the law to euthanize Sophia and all of her siblings, a circumstance that fills me with horror. I have never had a dog with a sweeter disposition, and the entire litter shared her demeanor.

I am so grateful for us and for Maya that Sophia came into our lives. Our two dogs could not be more different, but together they are the perfect pair. I don’t doubt that we will have two dogs in our house from now on.

It’s hard for me to imagine that there are people out there who will abuse animals who are defenseless and unable to protect themselves, but that is exactly why projects like this one are so important. Anything that can be done to raise awareness for rescue animals, or to aid organizations that train animals to be companions for humans in need, is a great thing to be a part of. I’m proud to be involved with Pets in Space, and so excited to share my story, Escape Run, with everyone.

Here is a small teaser, introducing the first glimpse of my character’s “pet”, Ember:

Her hands shook as she buckled a disruptor to her thigh. She was about to hunt the man who stole everything from her. She stopped in the doorway, leaning over with her hands propped on her knees, struggling to breath. For a few awful seconds she thought she might vomit, but Ember brushed against her and the feeling faded.

Teegan? Her bond-mate sounded worried.

“I’ll be all right.”

Perhaps someone else should take this hunt.

“No one else would find him.”

Ember padded silently beside her as they stepped outside into the summer sun. It was already warming into a hot day, and it was barely morning. Sweat trickled down Teegan’s back beneath the long sleeved, armored shirt she wore. It was flexible and light, as armor went, but still heavier than regular clothing.

Maybe we shouldn’t, either, the kith said as Teegan sealed her house.

“I’m not leaving that man to roam the universe unchecked.”

Then I’m glad Cole will be with us.

Teegan hesitated, but then shrugged. Ember was right. Doing this alone would be impossible. “Me too.”

Good. Ember licked her hand, a gesture of love and approval. It’s a start.

But a start to what? Teegan wasn’t so sure she wanted to know.

To find out more about Carysa Locke, please click here.