RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe author's dogs get gift packages all the time. Courtesy of the author
My dogs get more brand gifts and PR packages delivered to my door than I do.
What began as casual photos of them turned into viral videos and brand collabs.
I'm now their photographer, publicist, and agent—work I didn't expect but love.
The delivery drivers know my dogs by name at this point.
Almost every week, packages arrive at my door addressed to Bentley and Romeo. Some of the boxes contain gourmet treats made with healthy and premium organic ingredients, as well as supplements. We've opened other packages to find collars , personalized gifts like mugs and pillows, matching pajamas, beds and toys. Some come with handwritten notes from brands thanking my dogs for being "part of the family."
I started their Instagram account in 2020
What started as casually posting photos and videos of my dogs — their particularly spoiled lifestyle and their bond — online slowly turned into something brands wanted to be part of. At first, I only shared cute moments because they genuinely made me happy. Bentley has always had a dramatic personality, while Romeo somehow manages to look photogenic even when doing absolutely nothing.
The author's dogs are regularly invited to events. Courtesy of the author
I opened Bentley's Instagram account in 2020 after I got him as a Christmas gift. I didn't want to oversaturate my own account with photos of him, so now I had one for him. I began documenting my adventures with him, living in London, traveling through Europe, living in the South of France, then Rome and eventually Miami. Two years later, we rescued Romeo one week after moving to Miami.
I never expected strangers or brands to care so much
At first, the attention was small. A few comments here and there, and friends followed. People would ask specific questions about the French Bulldog breed or would react to videos of them acting spoiled. Then came the reposts, the growing follower count, and eventually, some videos went viral. Producers at The Dodo started following them. Direct messages from pet brands asking if Bentley and Romeo would like to try their products followed.
The answer has been yes.
The first actual PR package felt surreal. It was a $363 dog stroller. Then we received gifts such as a massive box of fresh food from a popular brand. A box full of powder supplements and treats arrived to our door from a dog treats online shop. But the influencer status felt even more elevated when the Lionsgate Films press team reached out, wanting to give the pups a customized gift to celebrate the release of "Arthur the King" starring Mark Wahlberg . We opened the box, and there was even a note addressed directly to my dogs from Arthur the dog who appears in the movie.
The author's dogs get invited to press events and are recognized by strangers. Courtesy of the author
I laughed because it felt ridiculous, but also oddly exciting. That's when I knew Bentley and Romeo had officially entered the influencer world.
Being a dog influencer manager is not easy
People online see the cute final photos and reels we post online. What they do not see is me trying to bribe my dogs with treats to sit still, adjusting the lighting in my living room, or attempting to get the perfect picture while Bentley refuses to cooperate. There are days when I sound like a full-time creative director speaking to two furry clients who completely ignore instructions.
Sometimes I spend 30 minutes taking photos of them with a product. Creating the content is part of the influencer lifestyle after all.
Being the manager of influencer dogs is much more work than people think. I am also the photographer, editor, assistant, publicist, agent and chauffeur behind it all. If I don't answer the messages and reply to the e-mails, the influencer deals don't multiply. So it is time-consuming and involves patience with filming content with two dogs.
Still, I cannot complain too much because the opportunities have been genuinely fun. I love that they walk into events and immediately receive attention, treats and compliments. Even with all the gifts and attention, my favorite part has been connecting with other dog owners online and at events. I have met people who genuinely love following me and my dogs' adventures, and hearing that they brighten someone's day brings me joy. What began as a simple hobby out of pure love for my dogs unexpectedly turned into a small community.
The rise of pet influencers says a lot about social media culture today. People love animals because they bring comfort, humor, and personality to social feeds that can otherwise feel overwhelming. I think that is the reason brands connect with them too. Pets feel authentic. They are not pretending to be perfect influencers with carefully curated lives.
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