DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Waffles & Gibbs, Instagram's Most Adorable Golden Retriever Duo
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 Kerissa (Waffles (and brother Gibbs)'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?
Potter: We had a friend bringing home a puppy from a litter of puppies in Texas. As we followed the puppies from week to week we slowly fell in love with the littlest girl who was born with a congenital limb deformity. She’s feisty and held her own with her siblings. We reached out to the breeder to see if anyone was interested in her and found out that one family had just backed out, concerned about her disability. I really want to do therapy dog work with Waffles and thought that documenting her journey from the day we brought her home would be a way of sharing with future visits her journey from puppy to adult, including any surgery or prosthetics she may need.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Potter: Waffles is SPUNKY. She does everything typical dogs do, holds her own with her big brother, does everything he does in a smaller cuter and adjusted way due to her little lucky paw.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Potter: Honestly Waffles account taking off is a huge surprise. I started documenting for future potential visits, for friends and family but never once have I tried to do something specific. Every video is 100% just parts of day to day interactions. I don’t edit or do anything to the videos, it’s just our lives and the laughter Waffles brings.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Potter: Nope. Everyone so far has been really kind and supportive.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Potter: Be real. You don’t have to put multiple hours and crazy effort into an account.
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Potter: Waffles is super fun. She fit right in with our family. Our biggest goal with her is to make sure she is healthy and we are doing everything we can to make sure she has all the support she needs to be the most comfortable and happy she can be. We have a 13 year old son and when he saw a video of Waffles he said I want THAT PUPPY. We’ve always had male dogs and he had a preference there but he didn’t care. I pointed out her small leg and lucky paw and he said I don’t care I want her! Waffles also has so many mannerisms of our first golden, Koda. Every day we comment omg she just did this thing Koda used to do. It really feels like she is Koda reincarnate. She was meant to be with us.
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?
Potter: The videos I post I am taking because the dogs are doing something funny. Every day is hysterical and full of laughter at our house.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Potter: I don’t think of us as influencers- I just love sharing the funny and adorable moments we enjoy with friends and strangers to get the joy we have.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Potter: I have no idea what I’m doing 😂 I’m trying to get Waffles accounts up on different platforms but it’s a lot of work and I have a full time job and family so no real plans other than to continue to capture the cute puppy as she grows.