DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Appa, Your Favorite Saint Bernard
Welcome to the ultimate destination for dog enthusiasts and social media mavens alike. At Dogfluencers, we're passionate about showcasing the best and brightest in the world of four-legged fame.
Whether you're looking for adorable photos, heartwarming stories, or expert tips on how to turn your own pup into a social media star, we've got you covered.
Today we got the honor of interviewing Madison (Appa's Human). You can find a direct link to their Instagram here.
Here is their story:
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a dog influencer? What inspired you to start sharing your dog's adventures on social media?
Teeter: My journey as a dog influencer began quite spontaneously. Our puppy fell into our laps by pure chance. It happened to be a friend of a friend was giving him away for free! My partner and I picked him up the next day, so excited to start this next chapter. We fell in love instantly. He brought so much joy into our lives that I couldn't resist sharing his infectious energy and adorable face with everyone around us. Knowing he'd quickly outgrow his tiny frame and transform into a majestic mountain companion, I felt compelled to capture every moment of his growth and our adventures together. With dreams of exploring the mountains as our future playground, I embarked on a journey of documenting Appa's journey, turning our passion for adventure and the outdoors into a platform for cuteness, inspiration and influence.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Teeter: What sets Appa apart is his remarkable blend of gentle giant energy and adventurous spirit. Despite tipping the scales at 130lbs, he's a true embodiment of warmth and affection, captivating our followers with his boundless love and droopy smiles. His journey of road tripping across Canada not once, but twice, speaks volumes about his adventurous nature and our shared passion for exploration. What truly makes him unique is his intuitive understanding of the world around him, coupled with his courageous spirit in facing his anxiety head-on. Every day, we work together to overcome challenges and grow stronger, inspiring others to do the same.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Teeter: When it comes to creating content for Appa's platform, we keep it real and reflect his everyday Saintly lifestyle. Our creative process is all about living in the moment and embracing the adventures that come our way. Whether we're planning an epic hike in the mountains or just chilling at our favorite park, we aim to capture the essence of Appa's charm and our bond as a team. Plus, we're big on showcasing the beauty of nature and its importance in our lives. Through our posts, we hope to inspire others to connect with the outdoors and experience its magic firsthand, just like we do with Appa by our side.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Teeter: Absolutely, navigating social media hasn't been without its hurdles, much like the challenges Appa faces with his anxiety. While most of our community is incredibly supportive, there have been instances of negativity or unwarranted criticism. Just as we work with Appa to manage his anxiety, we tackle these situations with patience and understanding. Our goal is to foster a positive and inclusive space, where we share not only our adventures but also the journey of overcoming obstacles, both for Appa and ourselves. Through love, support, and a commitment to authenticity, we've learned to turn challenges into opportunities for growth, both online and in our daily lives.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Teeter: My advice to anyone looking to start their own dog influencer account or share their furry friend on social media is simple: just do it! While there are countless tips and tricks out there for navigating social media, it's easy to get lost in trying to be someone you're not. Instead, focus on posting what genuinely excites you and creating content that reflects your unique bond with your dog. Finding your own style often comes from trial and error. However, authenticity shines through and attracts like-minded people who resonate with your content! Remember, building a community takes time and patience, so stay true to yourself, keep posting what you love, and you'll eventually find your tribe.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Teeter: Appa has really shaped my life beyond what you see on social media. He's shown me the importance of taking things slow and appreciating the present moment, which isn't always easy in today's fast-paced world. His gentle nature has taught me patience and the value of prioritizing love and connection. Plus, his love for the great outdoors has reminded me of my own passion for nature, motivating me to get out there and enjoy it every single day. Thanks to him, I've learned to embrace the simple joys and find happiness in the little things.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable or funny moment you've had with your dog during one of your photo shoots or adventures?
Teeter: One of the funniest moments we’ve had with Appa happened during a photo shoot for a company we collaborate with. We were out on our usual trails near home, trying to get those perfect shots, when suddenly, he heard the nearby creek and went zooming towards it, leaving us in his dust. Next thing we knew, he was ankle-deep in the creek, splashing around like he'd just found the holy grail. He looked like a baby seal frolicking in the water. Mud was flying everywhere! But seeing the sheer joy on his face was absolutely priceless. From his puppy days to his teenage hood, swimming expeditions have become a regular part of our adventures. It's these unexpected moments that make every day with Appa an absolute blast!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Teeter: My favourite thing about being a dog influencer is the chance to share the genuine, everyday moments of our life with Appa. From the hilarious laughs to the sloppy kisses and squishy cuddles, it's these real, unfiltered moments that make our journey together so incredibly special. And the best part? We get to explore the world of social media while staying true to ourselves and just having a blast! It's not about portraying a perfect image; it's about embracing the messy, beautiful reality of life with our furry best friend and connecting with others who share our love for dogs and adventure.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Teeter: Absolutely! We're gearing up for another epic road trip across Canada this summer, scheduled for late July and August. It's going to be filled with breathtaking views, unforgettable adventures, and, of course, plenty of photo ops for our ambassador work and collaborations. Plus, we're super excited to announce that we'll be hosting a special giveaway during the month of August to celebrate Appa's birthday on August 17th. Being the Leo that he is, he thrives on attention, and what better way to show our appreciation to our amazing community than by giving back? We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received, and we can't wait to share more of our journey with all our followers!
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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