If you have a chance to visit Sunset Beach, Southern California, and you love French Bulldogs, then you absolutely must visit a wonderful little shop called Salt Water Licks on 22nd Street.

Not only will you discover the area’s premier doggy bakery (all natural ingredients of course, purveyor of upscale canine clothing, accessories, and doggie toys, and a huge selection of gifts and collectibles, but you will also meet the area’s premier shopkeeper, a charming four legged character named Jacques, a handsome, dark eyed, dark haired, shop keeper with a huge Gallic smile!

Fellow shop keeper, Jacques’ owner Dawn McCormack has fallen hard for Jacques’ charms herself.  She says, “We love Jacques and think he is just the best Frenchie – but why limit the selection….the best dog in the world.  He is sweet, funny and always a great friend and companion – and he makes us laugh all the time!”

Jacques is good for business too. His official job description at Salt Water Licks is quite impressive:  Shop dog, Puppy Pastry Tester and Store Greeter.  Because he is allergic to wheat, corn and soy, these canine pastry cooks developed a special recipe with his needs in mind. Jacques tested many recipes before he was satisfied with one…aptly named Jacquie Doodles.  He loves them so much that he thinks that every time a JD is sold, he should also have one.

In the store, Jacques has two favorite places to sit – one is on the front porch, where he greets everybody as they walk up the steps and the other is in his own chair behind the counter. When he is in his chair and someone enters the store, Jacques sits up tall to see over the counter, gives a bark and jumps down, then runs to greet them. No laid back greeter he!  He’s always particularly happy if they have their

dog with them.  And it’s funny – he seems to be able to tell when the dog is older and needs a gentle greeting as opposed to a young, rowdy greeting for a younger, rowdier guest.

In addition to puppy pastries, the shop also sell doggie apparel, as well as toys, gifts, collars, and leashes, and Jacques helps out in this department too.  He is always willing to model the latest in apparel, and he does look so cute in those hoodies and tshirts!

It’s not all work and no play for our young shop dog.  The shop carries a terrific collection of toys, and Jacques is not above temptation.  Dawn says, “Periodically, Jacques will go take a toy out of a basket and bring it back to his chair….and look at me with a big smile – he knows we can’t sell it if he’s played with it and he knows he’s getting a new toy.“  After all, no self respecting shop dog ever worked for free.

When you visit Salt Water Licks, say hello to Jacques and don’t forget to buy a Jacquie Doodle for your own French Bulldog – this designer treat is made with rice flour, oats, carob, banana chips, peanut butter, molasses, non fat dry milk, egg, water, very tasty, and perfectly safe for your little Frenchie, even if he suffers from allergies like Jacques does.  And make sure that Jacques gets one too!