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 Lucie (Hercules'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?
Lucie: We never thought we'd become dog influencers. It all started because we wanted to share Herc's funny and human-like antics on social media for our friends and family. We also always loved watching other people's dog videos, especially our favourite one, Layla the Boxer. We posted a few pictures and videos of Herc, and before we knew it, people outside our immediate circle started to fall in love with him just as much as we did. His quirky charm and hilarious behaviour resonated with so many, and that's how our journey as dog influencers began. Layla's account even follows us now—I never thought this was going to happen!
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Lucie: Herc has always been a constant source of laughter for us, thanks to his unique personality and powerful side-eye that says so much without a word. He has this uncanny ability to react to situations in ways that seem almost human. Whether it's his expressions, how he plays with toys, or his funny little quirks, Herc's antics are just full of charm and humour. We realized that sharing his adventures wouldn't just make our friends and family happy but would also connect with a wider audience who love his funny and relatable moments. Herc is way more than just a pet to us.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Lucie: You know when you can't sleep because your brain won't stop buzzing? That's me, jotting down ideas and notes at 2 am, haha. I've always been a creative person, and I love creating things that bring joy to others, so I'm really grateful for this outlet. My inspiration comes from real-life situations with Herc, but also from movies, songs, and other dogs' accounts that I follow. Most of the time, it's a blend of everyday moments that fuel our content creation process.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Lucie: I guess we've been very lucky because we don't have many haters at all. I think we've only received maybe fewer than ten negative comments in total. It's really been quite minimal as they get lost among the thousands of positive and loving ones, so it doesn't bother me much. I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and we never know who's on the other side of the screen, so I take it all in stride. Sometimes, seeing those comments even inspires me to create new content. My favorite one so far was, "The most boring post ever," commented under our second most viral video with almost 10M views.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Lucie: Go for it! Create that account and showcase your star. You might make new friends, collaborate with brands, and even strengthen your bond with your dog by spending more time together. Don’t worry about the numbers; it's about creating a little corner of joy on the internet. It's incredibly rewarding when people fall in love with your dog. While you can follow trends, always strive to add your unique twist. Start by creating content that resonates with you the most. Not to mention, you're also creating precious memories with your dog to cherish later on.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Lucie: Not many people know this, but Hercules wasn't originally my dog. He was actually the reason I moved in with his dad as a roommate when I was searching for a place to live. I knew I needed the companionship of an emotional support dog as I had a rough year. I came across a listing where Herc was prominently featured, complete with a crown on his head! Immediately, I knew it was the place for me. I moved in just a few days later. Fast forward, we all fell in love (Herc loved me first, of course, haha), and now Herc's dad is my fiancé. I can confidently say I've never been happier; it feels like fate brought us together. We're now one happy family, all thanks to Hercules. He'll forever be our furbaby who completely changed our lives. I'm off to give him another hug right now so he knows just how cherished he is, haha!
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?
Lucie: It's tough to pick just one memorable or funny moment. One of his biggest skills, apart from his bombastic side-eye that always cracks us up, is his perfect timing with his toots. Aside from the usual suspect ones (like when he gets off the couch or stretches), he has a knack for choosing that one second of silence during visits from guests to unleash his 'hit and run' special—his personal favorite. Believe me, he knows exactly what he is doing! Our boy truly has a gift. Sometimes, he's even surprised by his own toots and tries to blame us with that classic 'What do you feed me, woman?!' expression. I guess, 'Better out than in,' as they say!
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Lucie: I absolutely love connecting with fellow dog lovers and seeing their furry companions living their best lives. Dogs bring so much joy to people's lives and they truly deserve the best in return. By sharing our experiences with our dogs, we often inspire others to do the same—like including them in getaways or baking them a dog-friendly cake for their birthdays. Witnessing these moments daily is incredibly fulfilling! Moreover, receiving messages from people who adore our dog and find solace in our content, especially after losing their own furry friends, is extremely rewarding. It's this connection that fuels me, even alongside a full-time job.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Lucie: I'm incredibly grateful that in just one year since launching Herc's Instagram account, we've gained a huge following and numerous new opportunities. They say, 'Never tell anyone your plans, show them the results,' and that's exactly what we'll do, haha. While we'll continue sharing our content, we're also planning new projects. Stay tuned, and thank you to our current followers for your support!
