So, you're a famous dog on Instagram...
So, you’re walking through Dolo park one day – like you do most Sundays when the sun is out and the Mission is 10 degrees warmer than the rest of your universe – and a woman stops you and says, “Is that Gambit?” while pointing at your dog. Most likely, (if you’re a sentient and feeling human) a rush of self-conscious drudgery blasts through your mind, supernova like:
- Have I meet this person at a party?
- If so, how sloshed was I?
- Did I do anything embarrassing I should be ready to apologize for?
- If not, work then?
- OMFG who is this person, I feel like an ass.
Nothing else to do but ask. But, make sure to play it cool.
“Yes, it is. Do we have a mutual acquaintance?” - Ok bandaid ripped. Good job.
Turns out ‘no’ she doesn’t know you (the human) at all. She follows your dog. Physically around town? No, on Instagram.
Oh well, relief, but also a strange new feeling ushers in a wave of realization, and paranoia. Real people, within a walkable vicinity to my home are watching my dog? You mean all of those ‘Likes’ and ‘Comments’ from the ethos track back to human fingertips and interest? Dear sweet Jesus, I’m being watched! Ah!
And seriously, he’s 2-stone, four legged, fart machine with a broken back and allergies worse than my whole family combined. What on earth could he do to elicit not only continual interest, but recognition in public???
It’s happening everywhere, not only with our beloved ball of @gambitthefrenchie fur, but with so many others that we’ve met with all manner of dog breeds. They are bigger than Kardi’s bootay shot, but not yet breaking the interwebs.
Celebri-pups are all over the place, from sink-sleeping @manny_the_frenchie to toothy @tunameltsmyheart, (both with monolithic million+ followings). They’re everywhere, and it’s just nuts.
Now, let’s be upfront, my most loved, broke-backed frenchie is nowhere near this echelon of infamy, but a certain lifestyle and noticeable expansion to our social circle has occurred. And it’s not a Bary-Area-only phenom.
Gambit’s star has followed us across the ocean and into foggy Londontown where it’s a whole different game to be played. There’s an entire cadre of dog owners here that are not satisfied with an offering of swag and a promotional post on a larger brand channel. No no, now contracts are entered into, funds expected, and more than just a pup’s back getting scratched.
Dog agencies… no, really, there are agencies to manage my dog’s presence. I think some of the contracts last longer than his life expectancy.
There’s good though that comes from this, including a slew of doors literally opening for our dog to join us on a Saturday out. Eateries like @bellanger_n1, pet supplements like @pettura_range, they’re looking to make every dog’s experience in the city one of inclusion and not being tied up on the rails.
We’re having a great time meeting all of these new folks and trying so many things we might not have without Gambit’s instagram wanderings.
But at the end of the day, he’s a dog, he’s our dog, and I want him to feel loved and walked and energized all the time. So, find us exploring along Regents Canal, and come take a pic with, we’ll keep chronicling. Give him a little stroke. But always ask the owner first… more on that next time.