Living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, means you’re surrounded by vintage shops, artisanal coffee, and people who treat their dogs better than their roommates. Case in point: me and my French Bulldog, Grimly.
On my rare day off, you might think I’d sleep in, lounge around, and enjoy some peace. Wrong. My day off is dictated by a stubborn, opinionated, and high-maintenance 25-pound loaf of a dog—who also happens to be the self-proclaimed mayor of Williamsburg.
Here’s what a day off looks like when your best friend has four legs, a snorting problem, and a dramatic flair that rivals a Broadway actor.
7:00 AM – The Frenchie Alarm Clock
Grimly does not believe in "days off." He believes in breakfast—promptly at 7:00 AM, no excuses. He has perfected the art of waking me up: a well-timed snort directly into my ear, followed by an aggressive face-licking session. If that fails, he throws himself on my chest like a dramatic actor in a telenovela.
I give up. I’m awake. I make coffee; he gets his gourmet, grain-free, organic meal—because obviously, my dog eats better than I do.
👉 Frenchie parent essentials: This automatic feeder https://amzn.to/4kq1JvW for when you want to sleep in + a stainless steel water bowl https://amzn.to/4hbmXej that won’t end up flipped over in a fit of morning drama.
9:00 AM – Brunch, Because We Are Brooklynites
Williamsburg is brunch central, and no self-respecting Brooklynite skips it. Grimly and I head to one of our favorite dog-friendly spots, where he sits regally on the patio, staring down every passerby like he's judging their life choices.
The waiter brings me my food, but Grimly looks at him like, “Excuse me? Where’s my meal?” He then proceeds to hypnotize me with those oversized bat ears until I surrender a piece of bacon.
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11:00 AM – Shopping (For Grimly, Obviously)
Bedford Avenue is full of trendy stores, but let’s be honest—I'm not shopping for me. We hit up a fancy pet boutique where Grimly insists on trying on every single sweater in the store. He dramatically sulks when I say no to the $200 designer dog coat. (He already owns five.)
We also stop by a dog bakery because Williamsburg is extra like that. He gets a grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free pupcake that costs more than my latte. Does he appreciate it? No. He inhales it in 1.3 seconds without even tasting it.
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1:00 PM – McCarren Park: Frenchie Chaos Hour
Off to McCarren Park, where Grimly reunites with his squad. There’s always:
- The Overly Confident Frenchie – Thinks he’s a Great Dane. He is not.
- The Drama Queen – Cries when another dog so much as looks at him. (It’s Grimly.)
- The Zoomie King – Runs like he just drank three espressos.
- The Dirt Lover – Rolls in everything disgusting within seconds.
Grimly plays hard for exactly 10 minutes before demanding to be carried like the spoiled little prince he is.
👉 Frenchie park survival kit: https://amzn.to/4btQGO5 for when they forget how to walk and this super fashion and cute treat pouch (' cause off course...we also needtolookgreat😜👉https://amzn.to/4hfqJTH + this ultra-bouncy fetch ball for the zoomie crew.👉https://amzn.to/4iq3XJT
3:00 PM – Mandatory Coffee Break (For Me, Not Him)
Brooklyn is filled with hipster coffee spots, and I am legally required to stop at one. Grimly, ever the socialite, insists on making direct eye contact with strangers until someone pets him.
While I sip my oat milk latte (because Williamsburg requires oat milk), he lounges on the pavement like a supermodel on a magazine cover, basking in the attention.
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5:00 PM – The Walk Home (or, More Accurately, Me Carrying Grimly Home)
Despite acting like an unstoppable force of energy at the park, Grimly now decides that he is too tired to walk home. He sits down. He refuses to move. I sigh and pick him up, fully embracing my role as a human Uber.
On the way back, we stop by a local wine shop, because I deserve a reward. Grimly, who has recovered from his "exhaustion," enthusiastically greets the cashier like an old friend.
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8:00 PM – Netflix & Bulldog Cuddles
At home, Grimly dramatically collapses onto his bed, snoring louder than a subway train. I settle in with a glass of wine, while he gets his nightly dental chew (because freshening that bulldog breath is a full-time job).
He then insists on sleeping on my lap, despite having an ultra-plush orthopedic dog bed. Because, of course.
👉 Frenchie chill essentials: This calming dog bed 💤👉https://amzn.to/3XsiM6Q for ultimate coziness + a super soft fleece blanket for maximum snuggles👉https://amzn.to/3Xokd6k
And that, my friends, is a day off in Williamsburg with a Frenchie who thinks he runs the neighborhood. Exhausting? Yes. Hilarious? Always. Would I trade it for anything? Not a chance.
#LifeWithAFrenchie
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