I follow many French Bulldog groups and pages on Facebook and have witnessed a lack of courtesy on several occasions. French Bulldog mamas and papas join these groups and pages to be a part of a community and to receive feedback. They are looking for tips, advice, and comradery. I have seen people leave groups because they feel judged or feel a sense that they are part of a negative space instead of the positive space these groups are surely intended to be.
We should remember what it feels like to be a new frenchie parent and understand that there are many questions that come along with having a French Bulldog. We should strive to be a source of information and offer opinions in a positive manner. Instead of telling someone they are wrong, try saying to them “Here is another way to look at it” or “Have you thought about it this way?” However you phrase it, phrase it with good intentions.
It is important to remember that people have different ways of thinking and different views of the world in general. People’s experiences, culture, and upbringing all play roles in how they see the world and since we all have different experience’s, cultures, and upbringing, we all see the world a little differently from each other. Respect other people’s views and opinions even if they are different from your own. Diversity in thought is what brings about great ideas. If we all thought the same way, we would not have novel ideas and innovations. Hear people out even if you do not agree with what they are saying. You never know, you just may learn something novel yourself.
No one person knows everything but if we work together, we can help each other do what is best for our pups. With this being said, all of our pups are also different. They all have different ailments, they have differing personalities, and they all have different needs. What works for one frenchie, may not work for another. On the other hand, what has worked for one frenchie MAY indeed work for another. Let’s be here to help each other. We, as frenchie parents, understand what it takes to raise a frenchie so let’s support each other and be kind to each other. As they say “Before you speak, ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, and is helpful. If the answer is no, maybe what you are about to say should be left unsaid.”