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 Melina (Sophia Rae'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?
Jahangirian: I started sharing Sophia Rae online long before I became a lifestyle content creator. Most of my family and friends don't live near me, so I would share updates of my life as anyone would online, and it often included her. Over time people kept asking more and more to see how I was living life with her by my side. Everyone loves how I love her, which is wholesome if you think about it. We have been together since I adopted her 6-month-old self during my first week of high school (Yes, 9th grade)! Our birthdays are close (I'm January 26th, and Sophia Rae's is February 11th). We both just turned our ages of 28 and 14. She's been with me half of my life now! I celebrate her adoptiversary/gotcha day (August 28th), birthday, and other events spent together every year online and offline. Time goes by so fast.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Jahangirian: Her pure love for the camera sets Sophia Rae apart from other dogs! She's so sassy and sweet, and I think she got so comfortable with my job. I typically film moments of our day together. I don't shove a phone or camera in her face, but when I say "click click" she knows I'm taking a photo of her and does the cutest poses (self taught). I want to remember her as much as I can, and she knows that too. People have told me over and over again how they adore her face (especially when she sticks her tongue out), outfits, mannerisms, and even her name. She's the real deal, and I'm so glad she's mine. She's my soul dog.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Jahangirian: Sophia Rae is a big part of my lifestyle content. She's the only dog I have ever had, and since I'm sharing my day-to-day world, she makes an appearance whenever possible. I don't plan posts again because I don't force her to be on camera, but I share highlights of our days together. She's actually in charge of creative control. If we lounge around, I'll sit with her. If we go out to the public, I'll walk with her. If she wants to go outside to the backyard and roam around, I'll run with her. I digitally capture and share those pure moments online because if I appreciate her for being herself, I know others do too. I always let Sophia Rae know I'm there for her no matter what. She made my house a home. She's my lovely little lady!
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Jahangirian: YES! Being in the content creation industry for seven years has helped me develop a thick skin. Sharing is sometimes a challenge because a dog is a big responsibility, and I never want to portray toxic positivity online. Sure, dogs add so much pure happiness, but there are moments of frustration and sadness whenever they're not feeling well or unable to go somewhere with you. Sophia Rae and I actually developed a whole new level of separation anxiety during the pandemic. When life went back to "normalcy," she couldn't imagine me out of the house without her, which led to her having tantrums/panic attacks and made me feel guilty for leaving the house even when she was in the safe arms of trustworthy individuals. There are people out there who say I treat her like a child rather than an animal. My response is that she's not just a pet; she's a family member. I don't bother responding to those who choose to take time out of their day to be mean. I go ahead and delete their comment(s), then block them. Honestly, the block button is there for a reason. Out of sight, out of mind.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Jahangirian: That's a great question! Sophia Rae has again always been a part of my social media identity, but she became that way because I wanted the world to see her how I saw her. It's so great knowing so many people in my online community care about her like I do. Indeed, she can't read comments or upload posts herself, but I always tell her how loved she is by so many. With so much negative news out there these days, I genuinely love seeing content about dogs. It always put a smile on my face so if you have moments that make you smile, keep it forward and spread happiness. The world needs more love these days!
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Jahangirian: Sophia Rae changed my life for the better! I adopted her when she was six months old and that was, is, and always be my greatest childhood moment. She has been my first big responsibility in life. I learned so much about caring for others through her. To be honest, I needed her more than she needed me. She cheered me up when I had a bad day. She comes closer to me when I play music, sits next to me when I cry, makes me laugh with her sassy zoomies around the house, makes me feel seen when I'm mad, and when we go out, she leads the way. She's been my sidekick for almost 14 years now. She's on the cover of Serotonin Overflow (my podcast) with me for those very reasons.
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?
Jahangirian: There have been so many, but my birthday photo shoot was the most recent. As I said earlier, our birthdays are so close. She saw all the attention on me and wanted in, so she joined my shoot! She loves being the center of attention and at one point wanted her own solo moment. By the way, I throw her a birthday party every year, so she knows what it means when she sees a cake and the typical birthday supplies. She loves celebrations as much as I do! Whatever she wants, she gets.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Jahangirian: I've been called many things over the years of being in the content creation industry, but this one is a new one and now my favorite, so thank you! Very sweet of you to say. Anyway, I would say by far getting comments and messages from people saying how much seeing Sophia Rae brightens their day. The same goes for people who see us in public. People being happy about my lovely little lady makes me happy. There's no better feeling!
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Jahangirian: I just launched a YouTube channel, and Sophia Rae makes numerous appearances in various clips. I'm uploading weekly vlogs, so catch us over there along with Serotonin Overflow (my podcast on Spotify), TikTok, and Instagram. I'm relaunching my lifestyle website, melinajay.com, very soon, so I hope you join us there as well.
