The Dogist, Dean the Basset, and Fat Laila

Maybe you've heard of these now-famous pet accounts on Instagram. If not, please go follow ASAP - you really are missing out. It's the era of making your pet an instagram and getting more likes on those photos than the ones on your ACTUAL instagram. We get it, though. There's something so wholesome and non-controversial about a pet account. While you're visiting the page you won't be greeted with a political opinions or hateful comments, just tail wagging and the "zoomies."

Over the past year, I cleaned out the facebook groups I was a part of and did an unfollow binge on my instagram/twitter. Too much negativity, not enough community. It wasn't until I found @thedogist on a friend's Instagram story that I was introduced to the beautiful pet community of Instagram. The Dogist is a pet version of the famous Humans of New York (or @HONY for short) but the two accounts are unaffiliated. The owner goes around with a DSLR and a tennis ball attachment and takes the most beautiful photos of dogs around New York City. This is where my obsession with pet accounts began. Attached below is a photo from @thedogist. I do not own this image.

Next, I was introduced to Dean the Basset. A canadian basset hound sensation that even has his own merch. His owners schedule meet-ups with fans and attend fundraising events. "He" posts every morning on the account and gets an average of 10,000 likes per post. This blog isn't necessarily about social media analytics for pet accounts, but we could definitely learn something from this account's consistency and branding. What started as a comedic outlet for a funny sounding/looking breed has turned into the ultimate influencer account. He even has his own "basset squad" which has spread his success to other accounts. Here's a sample from Dean's account. I do not own this image.

Finally, I want to give a quick shout out to the legend herself: Fat Laila. Fat Laila was introduced to me on a cat facebook group I am a member of. The nearly 30 lb. black cat quickly gained popularity and the members of the group encouraged her owner to create an Instagram account for her so we could give her the attention she deserves. Fat Laila's owner has an awfully sarcastic sense of humor and creates an environment for followers to forget about their troubles and laugh about the overweight feline's exercise routine or current diet plan. She also has a habit of "aacking" instead of meowing at her owner's newborn baby which is endearingly nicknamed, "screams." Enjoy a sampling of Laila's instagram account below. I do not own this image.

I promise this series isn't only about famous pets but without these accounts, Instagram and Facebook wouldn't be the hub it is now for pet adoption and ownership. It is so refreshing to get together with people from all over the world to "oooooh and ahhhhh" over an innocent image and then carry on with your day. These posts are also great tools to connect with long distant friends or to use as reactions for the struggles of everyday life.

So, here's your homework: go follow these accounts and bask in the greatness that is the comment section. I won't judge you for your human:pet account follow ratio if you don't judge mine.