DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Oscar & Ugo, Instagram's Dynamic Dog Duo
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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 Femke (Oscar & Ugo'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?
Vande Wiele: It all started with a little fluffy chocolate border collie who stole people's hearts straight away. I wanted to share Oscar’s life journey for fun. Posting pictures and videos of our daily walks, playdates, birthday celebrations, you name it. Even the moments where it can get tough sometimes. I want it to be real. Then Ugo joined our little family two years ago and now he’s a part of it too. Their Instagram is my little diary, something I can look back to just to relive the moments. I think that’s so valuable!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Vande Wiele: I would say how different yet alike they are. Not only as dog breeds but their characteristics too. I often get messages from people telling me how they love it when Oscar and Ugo interact with each other. Oscar is the older one, a bit bossy and stubborn, likes to keep Ugo in check but very playful and cheeky. Ugo on the other hand is extremely gentle with Oscar, sets aside his own needs for another and can be a bit of a goof haha. It’s their way of communicating and behaving. They’re each other's cherry on top. Something that makes not only us but outsiders in awe :)
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Vande Wiele: I’m a dog photographer so surely, I almost always have my camera with me to get a good shot but again, I like to post daily life stuff so a lot of the content comes from what we do on a regular basis. I do like to follow similar dog accounts who share a lot of their adventures too and they’re a big inspiration as well. As for captions, it mostly comes all naturally but if I wanna go a bit more inspiring and deep, Pinterest is my friend ;) I’m a precise dog mom, so the caption does need to fit the photo. I will not post a photo if it doesn’t align. So yes, it can be quite a creative and thoughtful process to decide which photo comes first and what story it needs to tell. That’s really important to me, to let people experience what I was experiencing.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Vande Wiele: Not much no but I do have some experiences that weren’t so nice. I’d like to be good for everyone and pour my heart and soul into what I like. Social media can be a rough place sometimes and people have opinions. Which is totally fine, it’s just the way of sharing opinions that can be difficult. I’m really lucky I haven’t experienced it that much. It’s like what Oscar and Ugo’s Instagram bio says: here to make you smile. And that’s what I want to do. Make people connect with our Instagram and let them smile, make them feel good. A place where if you wanna interact with us you can. Did you have a hard day? Tell us about it. You wanna share a cute picture of your dog? Please do! It’s a place where everyone can be themselves.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Vande Wiele: You do you! In any type of way. Don’t worry about what others like or dislike, what do you like? Just be real and authentic, that’s the most precious gift you can have.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Vande Wiele: They influence my life every day, truly wonderful. They make me understand that each day is a new gift, that I have to appreciate all things in life, big or small. Oscar teaches me to stand up for myself but know when to push the brakes and relax. Ugo teaches me to be strong and fierce and the beauty of things. I’d like to divide myself into three, where Oscar would represent the top part, the head being wise and rational. Ugo would be the below part, the legs to run and walk, to stand your ground, to play. And I would be the middle part, the tummy. To trust my gut feeling and go with the flow.
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?
Vande Wiele: One of my most memorable moments I’ve had and where I’m extremely proud of is winning a dog contest from a radio show here in Belgium called: The nicest dog of Flanders. Before we’ve got Ugo, I participated in this contest with Oscar for the category best duo. Each dog that won their category could go through to the big finale. The people who voted chose Oscar and me as best duo and to this day it makes me still so emotional and grateful. Mainly because people saw something in Oscar that I get to experience every day. His warm and funny character, his beautiful soul. Winning best duo is a true honor, but then Oscar winning the overall competition and crowning himself as the nicest of dog of Flanders is something I cannot put into words. Forever grateful!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Vande Wiele: Interacting with so many people and their dogs and the opportunities we get to work with brands we love. It amazes me that this is our life and we get to do all such cool things.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Vande Wiele: Our next thing I’m overly excited to share with everyone is our vacay trip in May with the mobilhome where we’re taking Oscar and Ugo along. It’s our first holiday outside of Belgium with the four of us!