DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Scout, Battling Cancer with a Smile, Spreading Joy One Post at a Time
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 Karen (Scout'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?
About six years ago, my daughter (Kate) thought it would be fun to make a social media account for our chocolate lab, Scout. When I set it up, she didn't think Scout could find 500 followers, so it was initially a fun challenge. We had no idea how many of those followers would become good friends and end up saving his life, by contributing to his cancer care! Today, we manage the account together... and Scout has almost 14,000 of the most amazing followers from around the world!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Scout makes the most of every day! He was diagnosed with a rare cancer called MLO (multilobular osteochondrosarcoma) in 2021. Thanks to his Instagram friends and supporters, he was able to undergo cancer surgery that year. Due to the location of the cancer on his skull, they were not able to remove all of it and he was not a candidate for chemo. We considered radiation, but in his case, the cons were significant. The doctors did not give Scout much time. We vowed to give him the best life possible. Fast forward three years later... and it's really a miracle! The cancer growth slowed and Scout is still the happiest, goofiest, and lovable lab around! We can't thank his friends and supporters enough for this extra time with Scout.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Kate & I try to capture everyday life and how Scout inspires us. Scout seems to take one day at a time and makes the most of every single day! We hope that our posts and content might inspire others and show that miracles can happen. We don't have a specific creative process other than always having a camera ready!
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Overwhelmingly, the experiences have been positive! I can only think of two times in almost six years, when there was a negative reaction to a post. In those cases, we responded kindly and explained the post further. In both cases, the comments were made by people that did not follow Scout's journey. Negative comments are difficult to read, especially if the claims are untrue or simply written to provoke a response. Our #1 goal for Scout's account is to share positive, supportive content for everyone!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
I'd recommend trying to capture the personality of your pup! If they have a silly or serious side, try to capture that. Storytelling is also a great skill to develop. How you tell your story (through words and/or editing) can be as important as the images you capture. Most importantly, have fun! Being a dog influencer should be something that you enjoy doing. It can also bring you closer to your pup!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
100% - Scout has changed my perspective on life! It's all about attitude. Scout has been battling cancer for almost three years, but "smiles" everyday! When I'm having a tough day, I remember that. Never give up and always try to stay positive. Miracles can happen.
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?
One time we were eating at a dog-friendly restaurant and an employee asked about Scout. When she found out he had an Instagram account, she gathered the entire staff and they asked to get a photo with him! He loved the attention... and a few extra treats!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
My favorite thing about being a dog influencer is spending more time with my dogs and chatting with incredible people from around the world!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Yes, we have some exciting plans in the works! We're working on an on-demand merch shop and have plans to go on a family road trip from California to Oregon, in a camper van, this summer! It should be a lot of fun, so we hope you'll follow our adventures!