Tire Puncture Repair

I caught the problem before it caught me out on the road, thanks to the TPMS. I picked up a staple near the edge of the tread, and while the tire shop was able to put in a patch, they warned me to watch for further leaking, as patches don't always hold in that area of the tire. If it doesn't hold, that means replacing a tire with about 600 miles on it. Bummer!
After suffering a flat tire on my Lexus last week on a desert highway in Az, which due to speed and traffic conditions, resulted in a ruined tire after driving on it for about a half mile, I'm wondering if I have offended the tire gods.
At least the tire shop guy was very careful with the wheel. I was picturing a scratched wheel, even though they claim to have equipment that won't damage wheels.

 

I used Jim's Tire on LA Ave. They had repaired a similar leak on my '06 a few months ago.
I considered a DYI plug-type repair kit, but after reading some articles online, decided to wait until today and have it done by professionals. I'm going to be looking for a spare to carry in the cargo area.