The night air was thick with BBQ smoke, country music, and the sound of boots crunching on gravel. It was February 22,2018, the Houston Rodeo Cookoff- a night neither Zak nor Shawna would ever forget.

That night turned into hours of conversation. They talked about nothing and everything. Zak made her laugh and left a forever smile on her face. Shawna made him feel relaxed and excited all at once. They both knew that this night was an important day in their life. The days that followed turned into months, then years. They moved from Houston to Pearland making a beautiful home for themselves and their fur babies. Turning new friends into lifelong friends. Opening their home and creating memories and traditions with family and loved ones.

Zak still plays golf every chance he gets-it's his escape. And though he still loves his trips to the casinos and watching sports on tv, his favorite kind of win is coming home to barks, meows, and a kiss from Shawna. Shawna's days are full of creativity-whether its painting, potting a new plant, or shopping on Amazon. She looks forward to weekend trips with Shay, Thirsty Thursdays with her 3 Amigos, and driving to a local plant sale to meet her mom and Chesley. But like Zak it's never fulfilled till she comes home to barks, meows, and a kiss from Zak.

There have been ups and downs-as all true love stories have-but there's no question, ever, where this love story would go. Celebrated by our family and friends on the day we say, "I DO".