To be offended by a comment my friend made?

[creamysauce]

Hello :)

So I am getting a gorgeous French Bulldog puppy in a couple of weeks. I was discussing this with a very good friend of mine, about how I'm excited.. yadayada. So I then asked her "Would you ever get a dog or want to own a pet?". She immediately began to burst out laughing and said "No! I want to enjoy my life". A bit I asked "What do you mean by that?"- she then said "As I said it... I want to enjoy my life, owning a pet- particularly a dog, I wouldn't get the spontaneity back, I would be worried about leaving it in the house for too long, paying for this and that, having to take it for walks when I don't feel like it. Sometimes- out of the whim, I just want to book a holiday but with a pet, I will have to think about who is going to take care of it, dog sitters...I may get a cat as they are a bit more independent but still, a pet comes with a lot of responsibility".

I think subconsciously she is trying to sway my decision from getting a pet or do you think she's a tad jealous. I was a bit offended by her comment but she can be very out there/too honest for my liking. What do you all think?

I am very very aware of the risks associated with French Bulldogs and I am happy to take on those risks.

Wonder if the dog is happy that people are happy to breed them to such an extent it's causing major breathing and other health risks.

Can't be pleasant living the life of a dog with breathing issues really.

Translation - I don't really give a shit about my dogs' health and don't have the balls to say no to my kids.

Grim.

She sounds like a good friend who only talks sense to be honest OP. And I will echo everything said about this dog breed. Sorry

Yes, you can change this. You can choose another breed. Simple.

But you're an incredibly selfish person so you won't.

Geee, if only there we're other dogs available to buy?

Everything your friend said is true, it's a huge responsibility to own a pet

And it isn't cruel because strangers will stop me on the street and coo at the dog so it can't possibly be cruel. It will be lovely having all that attention and validation from strangers because I care about what strangers think, a lot more than I do about my friend.

Are you indepently wealthy or do you work? It’s odd that you rent,have one child with additional needs and home school the other and a partner with signficant financial problems, but can afford the thousands this poor dog will cost you. I’m guessing you must be independently wealthy bt if so then why rent when you want to buy.

You should count your blessings having a friend who will tell you the truth.

Oh dear! Did the Sisterhood fail to come up with unquestioning support for your every opinion and action? I mean, what's the POINT of being a woman if other women let you down like that?
Yes, she's probably jealous. Better?

(And I'm not altogether joking.)

You asked a question and she answered it. Of course it's not jealousy....it's honesty. It's not personal

Everything she says is right, our life In ruled by our dog, where we eat/go on holiday, working hours etc. And it’s very expensive. He’s part of our family and we adore him but it’s definitely a huge decision not to be taken lightly

Everything your friend has said to you is true, same with most of the posters on here.

Having dogs, cats, etc is akin to the responsibility of a child. She was being honest.

??/ You asked her to explain her reasons for not having a pet and she did. There's nothing remotely offensive in it.

It sounds like you want someone to just agree with you OP. I'd be the same. All that hassle, commitment, vets bills etc. I want to be able to go on holiday when I feel like it without planning. Dogs stop that happening. Plus if you rent then a dog can really restrict where you live as many landlords won't accept pets.

If I was your friend I’d be asking why your foolishly paying thousands for a puppy that will inevitably have issues with eyes, skin and breathing and not doing your research on this overbred, fashion statement breed #adoptdontshop.

Why would she be jealous 🤣 she sounds very sensible if you ask me!

I'm guessing every single poster on this thread is jealous too then 🙄

Rather tactless but don't let it stop you doing what you want.

I think she meant no offence and was just answering honest.

I think your friend has just given an honest synopsis on the responsibility of keeping a pet. As much as we love them and they bring great joy into our lives they are also hard work and a big commitment.

I'm wondering if what your friend said, has suddenly struck a chord with you, in terms of highlighting the downside of pet ownership and the offence you feel may be because it has given you pause for thought and to some degree tainted the enjoyment of your upcoming new addition to the family.

Enjoy your pet, they are amazing, but just recognise that they do change your life and you have to adapt; I always think you get far more out of pet ownership than you put in :-). Good luck.

Yes, you are absolutely being unreasonable. She gave you a perfectly reasonable opinion. You then asked for a detailed explanation and she replied with a perfectly reasonable explanation! I should add that I say this as an owner of two beloved, but bloody expensive, dogs. Also, if you care about dogs, you really shouldn’t be getting a French Bulldog. They have been bred to be such an unhealthy breed that their lifespan is only 4 to 6 years!

I admire her honesty. So many people gets pets and don't appreciate the responsibility. Good for her for putting the animals first. Is it maybe as her assessment of pet ownership touched a nerve that it had offended you?

You are joking right?!?! You asked her outright and she gave your her view which is a factually accurate one. Why on earth would she be jealous of a dog? It’s not like you won the lottery.