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 Finley (Korra'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?
Rios: I decided to start an instagram for Korra after my partner deployed as a way to keep us both busy and entertained. He is her favorite person on Earth and we were both really down when he had to leave. Having instagram as an outlet was truly a blessing. We met so many amazing people and were really able to connect with each other.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Rios: I think what sets Korra apart from others is her story before we got her and also her looks! We rescued her from the local shelter during an adoption drive and she had originally been brought in with Parvovirus and was super sick and covered in scars, but thankfully she pulled through. They also believed she was a lot older than she actually was, so instead of an almost two year old dog we thought we were getting, we ended up with a 6 month old puppy. Of course, the striking all white coat and huge ears definitely grab attention as well.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Rios: I don’t really have a creative process or anything like that. I just try and keep it fun for both of us. Thankfully she really likes wearing bandanas and going on adventures so it makes it very easy to snap a few pictures. She also has a huge personality and loves being the center of attention. We recently got a new puppy and she hates when the camera is on him and not her.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Rios: Surprisingly, we’ve never dealt with any negativity or anything like that on social media. We’re a newer account so that could be why, but so far everyone we’ve talked to on the dog side of instagram has been so welcoming and kind. I’ve made real life best friends through Korra’s page. I suppose if we did ever experience it, I’d just ignore it. We’re having fun and meeting amazing people and that’s all that matters.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Rios: My biggest advice would be to make sure you and your dog are having fun. Don’t worry so much about followers, stats, having a camera, or anything like that. You’ll find your way and grow organically without stressing yourself out. The community is so welcoming and it really is an amazing bonding experience with your dog because you have to be in tune with their needs to get good pictures.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Rios: Korra has had a huge impact on our family outside of social media. As I mentioned earlier, she has such a silly personality and she makes us laugh everyday. You truly can’t be sad around her because she’ll do something that makes you smile. She’s also been a huge help with my mental health because she forces me to go out of my comfort zone daily. At this point, we couldn’t imagine a life without her.
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?
Rios: We’ve had so many funny moments during photoshoots. She’s constantly pulling faces and trying to position herself in weird ways. But I feel like the most memorable experiences were the adventures to get those pictures. She’s traveled cross country and all over California and I’ll never get over how amazing it feels to show her a new thing or experience. It makes me appreciate life in a way I never did before. Her first time experiencing the huge redwoods of Northern California was particularly memorable for me because it’s where I grew up and it was so fun to watch her run around the forests I did as a little kid.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Rios: Meeting new friends and finding amazing small businesses to support.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Rios: Lots more adventures with her new puppy brother. Once he’s fully vaccinated, I can already tell those two are gonna tear it up all over the country and I can’t wait to watch and capture it for our followers. They’re both so curious. We also hope to work with more brands as we love supporting businesses we truly appreciate and care about.
