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 Hayley (Dennis & Dexter'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?
Brooks: I started my dogs’ Instagram account really just because I had SO many pictures of my dogs just sitting on my phone. It truly was just a hobby as I love taking photos. Then during the pandemic I joined TikTok due to a plethora of free time. It seemed like fun to participate in the trends but I don’t LOVE recording myself because let's face it… my dogs are just way cuter to look at. Since then and a few viral videos, we just love making content together, and we’ve gotten some free goodies along the way. We’ve also connected with so many other dogs and dog moms.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Brooks: First and foremost both my dogs are rescue mutts which truly makes them unique. To me, they are one of a kind, and I don’t see a ton of dogs that look even close to them. Dennis has a unique hobby of watching TV…he was not taught to do this… he just loves seeing animals and even CGI creatures. Dexter is unique in his small dog big attitude persona… and I suppose the fact that he’s missing an eye is pretty special also.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Brooks: I love taking trends and finding any way to make them fit our theme. I like relating to other dog moms, rescue dogs, or millennials. I like to share our lives as a family with two dogs and no children. Aside from that any new movie release with a dog or animal in it will be shown to my in-house movie critic, Dennis.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Brooks: I’ve been pretty lucky as people can be pretty brutal on social media nowadays. I’ve gotten condescending comments about taking Dexter to a vet to get his eye closed up; I’ve also had people misdiagnose him as having a cherry eye telling me he must be in pain. Dexter is regularly seen by a vet and he is absolutely fine. There is no medical reason to close up his eye. Another time I was accused of faking my videos of Dennis watching TV and that I edit the TV screen to add different movies that he’s not actually watching. Which to be honest would be really impressive of me.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Brooks: Just do it. People think it’s embarrassing but if you just enjoy spending time with your dogs and doing different activities with them… then just pick up your camera and film them. You can make content out of it later but enjoy your time with your babies. Also filming everything is important because unfortunately dogs don’t live forever…I wish they did. But we will always have these videos and photos to look back on.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Brooks: My dogs bring joy to my life every single day. I don’t know how I’d get through the negatives that life brings without them. I am so blessed that they found me. I don’t know what the chances were but I won the lottery… twice.
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?
Brooks: Any video or photo I’ve taken of Dennis and Dexter that involved my mom’s dog Sheldon who has since passed is very special to us now. He’s been featured in a lot of my content and I’m so happy we have those memories to look back on.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Brooks: It’s the extra time I set aside to spend with my dogs. It’s the extra motivation to go on a walk or a weekend trip with them. It’s the family time when I annoy my husband to get involved. It’s the people I’ve chatted with and related to. It’s the things I’ve learned through dog social media about dog behavior and dog health. I also don’t think the dogs mind the extra treats and toys they’ve been gifted either.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Brooks: We’re just having fun! We’d love to work with a few various companies that we love but other than that we’re just along for the ride and I’m happy I’ve stuck with it.
