We love our four-legged friends. You might be a dog lover or a cat lover. Maybe even both. Whichever paw pal is your favorite, you’re not alone. People are obsessed with their pets.

They are like our children, part of the family.

As I am writing this week’s article, I have a German Shepard lying next to the bed, a chihuahua at my feet and another under my knees. I’m trying to type quietly so I don’t disturb them.

Our pets love us too. One of my dogs is a rescue from a shelter that we were going to foster just for a short time until he was placed in a home.

That was four years ago.

There had been quite a few Chihuahuas brought in under some circumstance. Apparently more than they even had kennels for, and they were calling people that loved Chihuahuas for foster homes.

When I arrived, there were a few families there to pick up the dogs. Happy couples loading up cute little puppies. Kids carrying out small bundles of fur with wide eyes. When I got inside, I was excited to see which cutie I would take home and care for.

“Hey Daniela” the worker greeted me. “We actually have someone in the back we’d like you to meet.”

In a very quiet back room, a crate with a blanket laid over it sat in the corner. “Come meet Zepplin, well we think his name is Zepplin, a lot of the collars got mixed up.”

They lifted the blanket, opened the door and brought him out.

Zeppelin was definitely not a looker. He had snaggly teeth, a broken tail that had healed in a crooked Z and a crazy look in his eyes.

“Just give him a chance,“ and she handed Zepplin to me.

Well, he growled and snapped and peed on me a little. I took him over to a chair and sat down, held him close and petted him. He seemed to melt in my arms, I could feel him relax and almost fall asleep, just grateful.

Like I said, four years later, he’s sleeping at my feet right now.

We have so many choices in the North Beach for animal lovers to enjoy.

I recently visited “Give Me Paws” for the “Out and About” radio show on KOSW, and had a great time. They take a pet-first approach in everything they do. That means no cages and all the personal attention in the world.

Give Me Paws offers grooming, daycare and boarding. Located at 740 Point Brown Ave. NE, Suite A in Ocean Shores. Give them a call at (360) 289-3423.

Enjoy shopping for your pet? Step across the hallway to Kool Katz and Dawgs, locally owned and operated since 2005, specializing in fun things for dogs, cats and people who love them. Kool Katz and Dawgs has a large clothing selection (many locally made) and custom orders available. A large variety of toys, treats, gifts, cards, holistic natural foods.

We are very fortunate to have a kind and caring veterinary service available in Ocean Shores operated by the great staff at Ocean Shores Animal Hospital, 800 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW (360) 289-2030. The staff and local pet owners meet on Saturdays at North Bay Park and walk as a group with their four-legged friends.

Here is a fun event for humans: Ocean Shores Bakery and Eatery/co-op is hosting a free workshop on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Learn to make truffles and enjoy a makeover class with Mary Kay makeup. Located at The Ocean Shores Bakery and Eatery in the Driftwood Plaza (next to First Cabin).

Get your pet out “On the Beach” and enjoy the many things North Beach has to offer our four-legged friends.

Submission considerations to: onebusibee@outlook.com