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 Tieraney (Rowe & Remington'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?
Vicarini: I started my dog Instagram account back in June 2020 while waiting to get our first golden retriever puppy in July. During peak covid, my husband and I decided to get our first puppy. His name was Ruger. I wanted to share Ruger with my friends and family by taking photos and making videos, but I also wanted a positive escape from covid. The pandemic took a toll on my mental health, but Ruger was literally my light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I started posting on his IG and made a lot of friends all over the country! We all became really closes friends and I still talk to the majority of them today. The dog community on IG was so friendly and happy during a time of isolation and death. During Ruger’s time on IG, I even got to work with some brands and share what Ruger loved about their products. We took Ruger on hikes and tent camping so we could still have adventures during COVID. Ruger was there when we got engaged in 2021, and my goal was to have him in our wedding. Unfortunately, he tragically and unexpectedly passed away on August 16, 2022. He was my soul dog, and unfortunately, I will never really know why he died. He was sick one day, and three days later, he died in my arms at the vet. During my grief, the dog community was there for me. They sent me cards, flowers, and printed photos of Ruger. About a month passed by and our friend told us her mom had black lab puppies. They were born August 15, 2022, the day before Ruger passed. We picked out Rowe and brought her home a month later. I shared my grief journey on IG and talked to so many other grieving dog parents. Sharing his memories online was also therapeutic. I started sharing Rowe’s journey too. She was a sassy, super cuddly puppy. In January 2023, we picked out Remington (Remy). Remy is Ruger’s half brother and when I went to pick a puppy out, he came up to me multiple times. He picked me. Having two puppies can be crazy and fun and I love sharing that with everyone. I love sharing their shenanigans and how they both helped me heal. They bring me so much happiness and joy, it just makes me want to share that with everyone.
What do you think sets your dog apart from other dogs on social media? What makes them unique or particularly interesting to your followers?
Vicarini: I think Rowe & Remy have their own unique personalities. Rowe is sassy, athletic, jealous, and super cuddly. Ever since she was very small, she would cuddle on top of our heads or chests. She still does that and I love sharing that. Remington is carefree, derpy, and likes to try to eat everything. I think people really enjoy watching their friendship and their adventures and day to day shenanigans. I also know a lot of my followers remember Ruger and they love seeing Rowe & Remy’s content.
How do you come up with ideas for your dog's posts and content? Do you have a specific creative process?
Vicarini: I like to look at trending audio or reels. Sometimes I’ll take similar videos for the trending reels, but sometimes I make my own. I have over 2,000 videos on my phone and the majority of the videos are of my dogs! So I have a lot of options when I create content.
Have you ever faced any challenges or negativity on social media, and how have you dealt with it?
Vicarini: Yes. The Instagram algorithm can cause a lot of challenges. When Ruger passed away, I was not posting and sharing like I normally was for obvious reasons. I lost a lot of my IG momentum, but I couldn’t look at dog posts without crying. It was hard to step away from the community I loved so much because of Ruger’s passing, but it was for my mental health. I started sharing again slowly when we got Rowe, but it was hard to work my way back up again.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own dog influencer account or share their dog on social media?
Vicarini: Be authentic and don’t worry about sharing the most perfect photos and videos all the time. Share what you got! Also, don’t just document your dog’s life for social media. Always document everything with your pup because you never know when their life ends and all you have left are photos and videos. (I documented everything with Ruger & I’m so glad I did)
How has your dog influenced your life outside of social media?
Vicarini: Like I said above, these pups really helped me dig myself out of a hole of grief. With Ruger, he helped me overcome depression from being isolated during Covid. He gave me a purpose and unconditional love. Rowe & Remy gave me both of those things & healing. They’ve made me healthier by walking everyday. They make me spend time outside everyday. They also change our vacation plans so we can include them.
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?
Vicarini: For Rowe, the funniest thing she ever did was during her first week home with us. I was video taping Rowe trying to lay down and sleep. She walks over and then sleeps on my husband’s black shoe. This continued for a couple of days. Since she is a black lab, I always wondered if she thought it was a sibling or something.
What is your favorite thing about being a dog influencer?
Vicarini: The positive dog community is so friendly and supportive.
Lastly, what's next for you and your dog on social media? Any exciting plans or projects in the works?
Vicarini: I think I’m going to try to post more on Tik Tok! & I am going to continue to share their stories with the world!
