Woman went to buy batteries and came back home with a 'free' puppy — but when people learned its real price tag, the internet instantly split in two

A dog lover took to TikTok on Monday, November 17, 2025, to share the details of an eventful day that took an unexpected turn when she was running errands. When she stepped out only to pick up batteries, she didn't know she would be returning home with something that was not on her list. What began as a quick trip soon turned into a moment that caught the internet’s attention, especially when people learned the surprising story behind the "free" puppy she brought home. The mix of shock, curiosity, and concern made her experience spread quickly online, and many wanted to know how such a thing could happen.

As reported by Newsweek on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Jarnell Garland, known on TikTok as @bakingitpretty, posted a video that quickly gathered more than 8.4 million views. The text overlay in the clip read, "You leave the house for batteries but come back home with a dog instead." While driving through the parking lot, she noticed a man with his car trunk open and a dog gate full of French Bulldog puppies. Looking at the signs “Free” and “Free to a loving home,” she inquired, "Are they free for real?"

Garland was stunned since French Bulldogs usually cost anywhere from $1500 to $3500, according to Dogster. When she asked why they were being given away, “He didn’t give a specific reason other than he wanted them to go to a loving, caring home,” she told the outlet. She said her “impulsive personality took over,” and soon one of the puppies was in her back seat. She named him Prince, and although he looked nervous in the clip, he settled quickly once he realized he was in a safe place. Within a few days, his new TikTok account, @prince_frenchie, gathered more than 5,600 followers.

Garland later revealed that Prince had started to feel at home in his new surroundings and now “walks around like he owns the place.” She added that he follows her around “like a shadow.” The video drew mixed reactions online, with some viewers worried about why such an expensive breed would be free and even fearing the pup might have health issues. @kingg199132 expressed, "A free Frenchie? Yeah, something is not right." @casaoper mentioned, "Did you check for a microchip? I am wondering if they were stolen because free Frenchie?" @krzynt0 exclaimed, "Free dogs mean they are probably sick and have very expensive vet needs. Praying that isn’t the case though!"

Garland reassured everyone that Prince is healthy and said, “He has minor allergies that’s controllable,” and that she took him to the vet soon after. Others simply admired her luck and wished they had been the ones to find a free Frenchie waiting for a new home. @02.xxviii.1989 commented, "Baby, I would’ve had all three of them in my car! Why is the dog distribution system skipping me this year?" While @frijolitos_ recounted their personal experience, "My boyfriend and I just got a free Frenchie last week because his previous owner was moving."

For more interesting dog content, follow @bakingitpretty on TikTok.