DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Jacky, Instagram's Police Dog Of The Year
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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 Charlie (Jacky'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?
Berry: I wanted to bring the human side to policing. I wanted people to realize that police officers are not always grumpy and gruff. We are humans, we have humor, and most importantly we love dogs. Jacky doesn't look like your typical police dog and I wanted to share her silly antics to bring some positivty to this 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?
Berry: She's Jacky. There will never be another Jacky her personality is 1 in a billion. Since getting her there hasn't been a day she hasn't made me smile. She's the definition of work hard and play harder.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Berry: I really don't have a process. I'm more like a Jacky interpreter for the world of Instagram. Jacky just makes the derpiest faces, she makes me smile, and if I'm smiling I know it will bring smiles to others. I feel like Jacky is very communicative with her actions and facial features that I just translate the derp straight out of her brain, if there even is one in there.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Berry: All the time. I feel like our uniform and career choice really bring alot of negativity. Unfortunately, I receive terrible comments and hateful messages daily. I really try to give people a chance to recognize I'm not a horrible human being, but I'm really just here to help bring awareness and make a difference in this world. I utilize word filters and the block button if needed but I really don't like doing that. At the end of the day though, no matter how threatening the messages are I know that I have so many people that rely on Jacky make their days better one derp at a time.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Berry: Everyone loves dogs. Don't try too hard. Have fun with it. I feel like I'm here to bring Jacky's fun to the world. I am just her interpreter of derp and attitude problems.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Berry: Jacky has changed my life. I really struggled with my mental health in law enforcement before Jacky. I would go to terrible calls, see terrible things, and overall burnt out. When I go to those calls now I know I have Jacky in my back seat ready for her next adventure. I have to stay active and take proper care of it. She keeps me going, in a sense she keeps me alive in this uniform. Jacky isn't just an explosives detection police canine, she doubles as a wellness canine for not only me but my community as a whole.
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?
Berry: When Jacky and I were working the MLB All Star game this summer. There was an event where little kids could play baseball and hundreds of people were in the area. Jacky broke loose from my grasp and joined the kids playing baseball. She was living her dream of being an outfielder.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Berry: Community. I have met some incredible people through Jacky's account. I know she makes a difference in people's lives. I woke up a couple days ago to a message that read "the favorite thing of my day is waking up to Jacky on my feed"
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Berry: I'm not here for the clout, the followers, the fame. If I can change one person's mind about our career as law enforcement officers I am happy. My on going project is to humanize the badge I wear.