It was January 14th, 2024 and Tia’s dog Space had a Vetco Appointment at the Sanford Petco. She loaded up Space and headed to Sanford. She rarely spent time in Sanford since she was from Chatham County. But since it was the only appointment that fit her schedule, she was willing to make it work. Tia was waiting in line for Space’s Appointment when James walked up behind her with his dog Alley. James was also at Petco for his dog Alley’s Vetco Appointment. There was a wait, so Tia and James started chatting it up. When it was time for Space’s appointment, Tia said goodbye to James and went on her way. James was kind, handsome, could hold a good conversation, and had the cutestttt beagle. How could she let this unexpected stranger go?! So she waited for James to head to the parking lot with Alley and asked for his number. That’s right. Tia asked James for his number and he still boasts about it to this day. They started talking and the rest was history! James took Tia out on a Valentine’s Day Dinner and asked her to be his girlfriend. And then proposed to her on August 25th, 2025. Together they share 4 dogs, 12 goats, 14 ducks, and 13 chickens. You might as well call it a zoo! James and Tia will tie the knot on January 14th, 2026. The same day two years after meeting at the Sanford Petco.

Let’s rewind just a little! Tia adopted her dog Space from the nonprofit Saving Grace out of Raleigh. She was supposed to foster 3 month old chunky boy Space for the weekend and turned into a foster fail. Space is the reason that Tia met James that day. Tia fully believes that her sweet Spacey was a Saving Grace back when she adopted him. Space gave her laughs, joy, and the sweetest love. She had no idea that he would give her even more just 9 months after adopting him. Space would be responsible for her meeting James/future husband. We know sometimes it’s hard to believe in the greater plan when life throws you hard times. But Tia and James truly believe that God had a bigger plan and truly a Saving Grace <3.