DOGFLUENCERS: Meet Sonny, St. Louis's Ray of Sunshine

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 Natalie (Sonny'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?

Raskas: I actually was running a personal photography Instagram at the time I got Sonny and wanted a place to share more casual pictures. Sonny gave me the perfect excuse, but his page quickly got a lot of followers and I started taking it more seriously. It brings me so much joy to combine my hobbies with my soul dog, and to share it all with the world. We have made so many dog friends through social media. It's crazy to look back to where we started!

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

Raskas: I like to share funny and unique pictures of Sonny. Sometimes I think what sets him a part is I really try hard to get a good photo. I post more casually on my story, but my feed is usually a whole photoshoot. I think the part that has made us stand out is I like to share my story as a dog mom too. I am a big mental health advocate and have experienced a lot of loss and grief in my life. Sonny has saved me through it all. I love to write and I share my poems here and there and always check up on my other dog friends when I know they are going through something. It makes my connections that much deeper and I feel so much less alone. The dog community on social media has been the biggest blessing and I think others love following along on our journey because I try to keep it very real and honest. I'm not a perfect dog mom and Sonny is not the most perfect dog, but together we try our best every day. Others appreciate that aspect.

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

Raskas: Sometimes it just pops up in my head and I quickly write it down in my notes. I take so many photos of Sonny that sometimes the photo comes before the idea and I think of a funny caption that goes perfectly. Other times I write my poetry and it gives me an idea to show what inspired me to write it. Sonny gives me all the inspiration I need. Other times, I see a photo idea on our feed and save it for later. If I ever post a certain idea from someone else, I tag them and share the love I have for their page. The dog community is all about support for one another. It sounds cheesy, but sometimes I have dreams about it and I quickly wake up and write them all down. I have always been creative and I think I just combine my love for my dog, writing, and photography into one.

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

Raskas: I think a challenge is staying active. I like to take weekends off, but truly you have to stay active and engaged to keep the account lively. Being on social media every day is too much for us though. I think our account could be bigger if I didn't take my mental breaks, but spending time away and with Sonny is more important than losing a follower here and there. I haven't experienced much negativity thankfully. I am always open to suggestions on how to be a better dog mom and how to give Sonny a better life and any criticism I have received has been healthy and constructive.

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

Raskas: I would absolutely always say go for it! Never take it too seriously. My account started off for fun and grew into what it is now slowly. I never promote things I don't like and I never interact "just because," everything I do has intention behind it. Share the pictures you like, that you find entertaining, funny, adorable and your community will find you. If you want to take it seriously make sure you are supporting others as well. The dog influencer community is very generous and will help you grow and get seen. Remember there are real people behind the accounts and try to learn more about them too + their dog. It makes it so much more fun and engaging! Some of the people I have met have helped me go through the biggest life changes and have sent me care packages and cards. It's truly a blessing, start the account!

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

Raskas: I have already touched on this slightly, but Sonny truly is my soul dog. He makes me slow down and watch the birds and squirrels run by. He gets me out of bed early and gets me home in bed not too late. He has taught be an incredible amount of patience and has shown me what unconditional love is. In the darkest of times, Sonny has been there for me more than anyone. He is a true cuddle bug and has the biggest heart. He makes me laugh and cleans my tears. My best friend for the rest of my life. I live my life to the fullest everyday with him and for him. I walk a little extra and say hi to the dog mom next door because of him. My whole world has grown because of him. If only people could be more like dogs. Every day is the best day with Sonny.

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?

Raskas: It wasn't a photo shoot, but I was trying to take a picture of Sonny with a pup cup and dropped my phone with the pup cup. He grabbed the whole cup and ran. The other moments I find funny are during holidays, I love putting ears on Sonny and I usually put them on my head too so when I am taking the photo he is staring at mine. It makes him smile and I think he thinks I am a giant toy. If I don't take them off right away and he will come and jump on my head after I get my photo.

What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?

Raskas: The community, love, and support. It is the best decision I have ever made.

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

Raskas: We just started a new series called "Brews Day Tuesday" where we highlight local dog friendly brews from lattes and to foamy beers. We hope to do it about once a month and to inspire others to get their dog out and try some new local shops in their own areas! I hope Sonny becomes the mascot of our city. We love where we live and so does he, so that would be so fun!