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 Ashley (Jäger and Maggie'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?
Lutz: Woof... What a story. When our greyhound Moly was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we knew life would change. She loved a good run and a long sniffari but her ability to run around would probably change with an amputation. Thankfully she also loved a good snuggle. To accommodate this change of lifestyle, I started The Dog Council, a place where I could use my wicked sense of humor while being "trapped" on the couch with my girl.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Lutz: Bailiff Jager, Judglette Maggie and the irrepressible Supreme Justice Moly are the ultimate fighters of injustice. I speak in their voice and my own to gently tease parents and to provide education about a variety of things. My favorite, however, is being so ingrained in the group that people will tag me in both injustice and at need. Last year I was able to help so many people who were dealing with the loss of a pet, the onset of disease and the enduring of a chronic or fatal condition. As someone who has suffered the loss of a beloved friend, I feel strongly about being available, being present and making others feel heard. Plus the annual Doggolympics has AMAZING games and prizes (you know you want in this year 😅)
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Lutz: The beauty of the Dog Council is crimes find us 😂! We are tagged by our Defenders of the Paw, I will use hashtags like"guilty dog" or "naughty dog" etc to find people who are posting their dogs crimes. Obviously the dogs are frequently innocent, but we've had a few fall into "jail". I have a template I created that I use for cases and verdicts that has proven both hilarious and efficient so I'm not bound to my computer or phone.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Lutz: Rarely. People love to shame their pets and we're here for it. Even better when accounts speak as the dog and want to call out their pawrents for not sharing snackos. One time I had a woman get upset with her verdict... She shared a picture of herself eating a birthday cake and the dog looking up longingly. The verdict was something along the lines of if you eat, I eat! And she explained she has an eating disorder and this was offensive to her. I apologized for upsetting her and removed both the case and verdict so as not to remind her of any trauma. She appreciated the work and everything was fine.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Lutz: Be original! Be honest! Be brave! Basically, be a dog 🥰
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Lutz: I'm so incredibly lucky and blessed to have spent 7 years with Moly. My ability to empathize and be compassionate went through the roof. We did so many cool things with her to make her life beautiful, I know boring old me wouldn't have even considered some of them. Now, with Jager being diagnosed with cancer, I'm so grateful for my experience with Moly and all the amazing friends I've made. They are both SUPER people friendly puppers and make going out a pleasure. Between the trails and the beach, we have a summer for the ages coming up. Now if only Maggie wouldn't bark so much 😂.
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?
Lutz: Ha!! Oh this is a good one... Last year I took Jager to a walk on the beach with a large group of greyhounds. He was raised by our greyhound and somehow even greyhounds who hate other breeds find him enchanting. We're walking along having an amazing time and he sees the evil seagull. You know the one... He's got beady eyes and a crooked beak that looks like he's sneering all the time. Jäger, my beloved 100lb German shepherd, lunges so hard and so fast, he BROKE his leather collar. After my initial shock I laughed and walked towards him to create a makeshift collar until we got back to the car. I swear... He was 8 years old and has near perfect recall. Except for that day. When I had JUST been bragging about what a good boy he was. I chased this happy demon almost half a mile before he decided he wanted to swim in the ocean for a bit then come back and rub all over me 🤦♀️. Wish I had had a Fi collar then😱
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Lutz: Helping people, being a source of joy, spreading the love of dog
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Lutz: 4th Annual Summer Doggolympics!!!