Lindsay Van Bramer, the creator behind @PardonThyFrench, talks about adopting her medically complex French bulldogs, and what their stories teach her followers.
French bulldogs have exploded in popularity. What makes them such beloved companions?
French bulldogs are pure personality packed into a tiny body. They’re funny, expressive, dramatic, and incredibly devoted to their people, which makes them feel more like quirky little roommates than pets.
What drew you to your first dog Beth, and then Beverly, both of whom had medical issues before their adoption?
Honestly, it was their spirit. They were both dogs who had been discarded, yet neither carried themselves like something tragic had happened to them. Beth had been found on the side of the road and had recently lost a leg to cancer when I adopted her. Beverly came from severe neglect after being used purely for breeding and later discarded when her uterus prolapsed and she was no longer considered “useful.”
Once they finally felt safe and learned to trust again, their personalities completely shined through. They were funny, affectionate, curious, and full of life. Their ability to still trust, love, and enjoy life after everything they’d been through changed me, and I think it’s why so many people connected so deeply with their stories.
What have Beth and Beverly taught you about resilience through their experiences?
Dogs are incredible teachers. Beth never viewed herself as broken after losing a leg, and Beverly never stopped wanting connection despite the way humans had failed her. Watching that kind of emotional resilience up close changes your perspective on what healing actually looks like.
How has sharing Beth and Beverly’s story online helped others going through similar experiences?
The most special part has been hearing from people who say our stories brightened their day, made them feel less alone, or even inspired them to adopt a dog of their own. It’s created a really supportive community of people loving their dogs through all kinds of circumstances, whether that means caring for a dog with medical needs or simply loving them deeply through every stage of life.
Sharing their stories has also helped people better understand the realities of French bulldogs and the importance of educating yourself about where a dog comes from. Beverly, for example, spent most of her life confined to a cage and being used purely for breeding, something you can still see today in her “cage feet.” When her uterus prolapsed and she was no longer considered profitable, she was discarded.
Stories like hers are why it’s so important to support ethical breeding and rescue organizations, and to truly understand the background of the dog you’re bringing home.
What message do you hope sharing Beth and Beverly’s story sends to other pet parents navigating similar situations?
I hope it reminds people that even dogs who come with extra challenges can still live incredibly joyful, meaningful lives. Sometimes those dogs end up being the ones who change you the most.
I also hope it encourages people to remember that there are so many dogs out there like Beth and Beverly who simply need someone to give them a chance. Once they feel safe and loved, they often become the kind of companion you can’t imagine your life without.
