Dog owner's rant after an 'unkind' encounter on the beach splits opinion

As humans, we're taught to slip, slop, slap when heading to the beach and seek shade where possible.

So it's no surprise we want to extend the same protection to our furry family members when bringing them along for a fun day in the sun.

But one dog owner's rant after what she considered to be an "unkind" encounter on the beach has left people divided.

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"It was a beautiful sunny day, and while trying to find a spot to sit, my Frenchie tried to make himself at home under someone else's umbrella," the owner of a French bulldog wrote in a post on Facebook.

But the owners of the tent were "not impressed", she claimed, prompting her to shield her pup with her towel until her husband came "back with our stuff for the beach."

While waiting, another beachgoer ended up offering their shady spot.

"Her and her husband busily put up the shade tent so just so my boy had some shelter, I was so grateful for the beautiful kind gesture of a complete stranger," she said.

"Dog people are my kind of people. Kindness costs nothing but it sure made my day, and restored my faith in humanity."

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The post sparked a fair bit of debate in the comments section, with many people praising the person who helped.

"I'd love for him to join me anytime. As long as he loved kisses and cuddles," one person said.

However, others didn't think it was right to call the other person "unkind" for not allowing the panting pooch to stay.

"Many people have serious allergies to dogs, so you never know. Best to keep your dog beside you or on a lead," one person said.

While another agreed, writing: "Is it really unkind to look unimpressed when a strange dog comes under their shade? I would have also looked unimpressed because I don't like dogs. It's my problem but I don't think that is unkind."