DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Grady, the Cheesin' Golden Retriever

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 Jessica (Grady'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?

breshears: I had always loved seeing other dog content and knew my dog was just so special he needed to be shared with the world. I posted his adorable smile and the internet just fell in love with him. GRADY is also my Assistance Dog (that is why his name is in all caps, to show him the respect he deserves). I wanted to share our story to help others who may be struggling feel less alone.

What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?

breshears: I would say GRADY's hilarious personality sets him apart. He is so funny and easy going which makes for great content. His most unique trait is his smile, it makes everyone's day when they see his face on their feed.

How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?

breshears: I basically just take pictures and videos of GRADY all the time because he is always being so silly and cute. I plan posts in regards to sharing Assistance Dog information but all the fun posts are just GRADY being GRADY.

Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?

breshears: We recently went viral on Instagram and that has brought a new population of followers. We have received more hate comments than before but I really just ignore them. Most of the comments are personal attacks on me as a dog owner/person and I don't care about that as long as GRADY is appreciated and loved. I typically ignore the comments or delete them but truly we have received so much kindness it outweighs the negative.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?

breshears: Just go for it!! I can guarantee you already have good content in your phone because as dog parents we are always following our dogs with a camera. It is so rewarding when people fall in love with your dog. We have created such wonderful friendships and brand relationships and that is the best part. It is a wonderful way to share all your best memories with your dog to look back on later. Try not to overthink it and just have fun!

How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?

breshears: There are really no words to answer this question... GRADY has done more than just influence my life, he has saved it. I have many health conditions and mental health struggles and before GRADY my world was really dark. He is trained to assist me with seizures, diabetes, behavior interruption and POTS but it is what he wasn't trained to do that has made my life so much happier. He loves me unconditionally and that love never waivers. It doesn't matter what life throws at me when I know at the end of the day I am going home to him.

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?

breshears: GRADY makes every photoshoot and adventure hilarious but I would say the funniest moment would be when he decided mid selfie with me was the perfect time to pop a squat and go potty hahha

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

breshears: Building relationships and having a platform to share all my favorite memories on!

Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?

breshears: We have gained a huge following recently and it has provided us so many new opportunities. We have a few fun projects in the works but we also plan to just continue to share our life together. We hope to raise more awareness of paws4people which is the non-profit organization that trained GRADY. You can find us just enjoying life together!