DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Homer, the Most Loving Pug
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 Carla (Homer'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?
Manzano: It all started really with Milka, my first pug who passed away just a couple weeks before getting Homer. I was a child when she came home but I loved taking pictures of her, she even had a profile on Instagram but I didn't post there very often. Becoming a dog influencer somehow became my childhood dream, but I thought it was too difficult and although I've always been a very creative person, I thought that I didn't have what it took. There was always something that I needed to learn to do, like filming and editing videos or how to talk to the camera.
When Homer came home, it was my mom the one who encouraged me to make some videos. She said "Noone has to see them but you. I know you and this is something you've been dying to do for a long time. The only thing you have to do is start where you are and do what you can with what you have now." The first couple of videos were not intended to be public, Homer didn't have an account on any social media platform, but I liked the result and I enjoyed the process so much that I knew I wanted to keep making them. Plus it was a way to spend quality time with him. So I told myself I wouldn't care about the results, I was going to do this for me and my dog. And that was the beginning of my journey.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Manzano: Homer is just an adorable pup who happens to have some personality traits that make people fall in love with him. I would say his affection for everyone, his warm and kind eyes. His stare is very expressive. He is a very good boy and he reflects it on social media. Although he has a naughty side that I think it is what people fall for, whenever you take your eye off him he jumps on top of the table and tries to reach for anything food related.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Manzano: Most of the time, I just let my ideas flow during the day, Homer is very unpredictable so the only thing I need is to carry my phone with me whenever he is around. With him I have the chance to create content everyday.
There are some series of posts that I love making, Homer's daily vlog videos. It is so much fun. Creating those is a very easy process, I just need to plan where to go and once I've got it just film his reaction to the new surroundings and activities of the day. They are my favourites because I know how much he enjoys to discover new places.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Manzano: It is not always easy. When I just got started I didn't think I would grow so much in such a short time, so i started taking the account more seriously. The problem there is perfectionism and unpredictability. I always want it to be perfect and that means investing a big amount of time on it. Time that I sometimes don't really have as I study and work part-time. Then there is the thing that you can never predict how a post will perform on social media, even if I'm learning about the content that works better, there are plenty of factors that are out of my reach. The difficulty here is to persist and not be let down by some bad results. Something my mother always tells me and that stays with me all the time in all the areas of my life and keeps me pushing is: "If you never try you'll never know. Just go for it" It's my motto.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Manzano: Just go for it. Start creating content with what you have. Remain true to yourself and your creativity. It's okay to get inspired by others but never loose the essence of what makes you unique.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Manzano: He just saved me. I had a very rough year and I wasn't in my best moment. Then Milka passed away. He just came into my life in perfect time. He kept me off my mind and showed me how beautiful life can be. He showed me the meaning of love and affection and he has completely changed my perspective of what matters in life.
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?
Manzano: When he started realizing that whenever he was having a good behaviour outdoors, he would be rewarded with a treat. I remember a photo shoot where he just kept making a face, he was trying so hard to hold himself from moving that his eyes were almost out. His expression was just too funny.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Manzano: One of my favorite things about being a dog influencer is getting to know the community. I have met a lot of different people from all over the world and the chance to share our experience with our dogs is very fulfilling.
I would also say I enjoy getting involved in events and getting to work with brands but mostly spending time with my dog and seeing that so many people love him fills my heart.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Manzano: We are very excited for the next event coming in June. We've helped the team of the Pug's Club in Catalonia on the organization of the next pug summer meeting event, which will take place the 2nd of June.
We do not have anything planned yet but we may go on an adventure and travel around Spain this Summer. We are very excited about it!