Pets of Saskatchewan – Part Three

Over the past two weeks we have meet 7 different pets from Saskatchewan in Part One and Part Two that have an Instagram page for their pet(s). We have learned from them the reasons why they started a page, the ups and downs of it and received tips on how to get started yourself. This week we will hear from 5 more pets who filled out our questionnaire in the final Saskatchewan Pets post.

Let’s meet the final FIVE Pet Accounts from Saskatchewan.

Pet #8 – Picasso, Epoch, Clover -> DSH Cats & lab mix – @picasso.show.cat (Instagram) – Saskatoon – Followers 5,183

• Tell us a little about Picasso, Epoch & Clover: Picasso’s hidden talent is his strength (on top of his good looks!), and our Mr. Muscle man is able to open our heavy sliding door. Ever since he was a kitten, he oddly likes baths and playing in the water. Epoch is a parrot-cat and loves to ride on your shoulders. Clover has a knack for puzzles and brain games; she’s bilingual and understands both spoken French and English, and will find you in a record time when playing hide-and-seek with her. All three pets are rescues. In particular, our dog Clover was found in bad shape; at only 10 weeks old, she was critically underweight and still carries a burn scar to this day. Now thriving, our four-legged friends are energetic, incredibly smart and their unique personalities shine through everyday. They make us laugh and are our everyday companions in life’s adventures.
• Why did you start an Instagram page for your pet? I created my Instagram account back in 2019 without any deep intention, just out of curiosity, and I would never believe where it got me today.
  • I immediately became drawn to the photography community on Instagram and inspired by other photography accounts, learning from their techniques and creativity. As time passed, I urged myself to post regularly, and I progressively got better, going from using an iPhone to confidently using manual settings on a camera. I also learned how to use editing softwares, enabling my photos to reach their true potential. Gaining a community of my own while growing my passion for my hobby has been a rewarding experience. I will always cherish the positive messages I’ve received throughout the years, and the thought that my posts impact people’s lives for the better keeps the flame alive and encourages me to keep doing what I love.
• How often do you post content? Less than once per week.
• What kinds of things do you post about? My content is centered primarily around cat/dog photography and photo editing. I also occasionally post photomontages, light-hearted reels, content about travelling with pets, and dog sports (scent training)! There’s truly something for everyone!
• What do you enjoy about having an Instagram page for your pet? The supportive community makes all the hard work rewarding. I’ve made meaningful connections with the people who follow me and with local businesses I’ve had the privilege of partnering with throughout the years. I look forward to seeing where the future takes us and who we will have the chance to collaborate with next.
• What is a downside to having an Instagram page for your pet? Social media has its up’s and down’s. Trends come and go. Algorithms change. As much as I wish to post as regularly as I once did when first starting out, it isn’t easy to find the time and energy as a busy university student. As I’ve also learned, the trouble is that as you get more popular, your hard work is more likely to get stolen and repurposed without your consent.
• Do you have any tips for those wishing to grow their followers or get started as a Pet Influencer? If you are still unsure about creating a social media account for your pet, consider this a sign to create one! It’s never too late to start learning how to use the platforms and to create photos and videos worth sharing. When I first started out, I thought I had to have the perfect feed, shots, and consistent presence to succeed as an influencer, but I learned that imperfection makes you stand out from all the rest. Creating content featuring your pet(s) is a great way to bond with them, discover their hidden quirks and document their personality and everyday antics. When I first started, I also thought there was power in numbers, and that a higher follower count was synonymous with success. The truth is, you will lose followers with every post, no matter how good it may be. What matters is creating a positive, lasting impact in the lives of your community, who are there for you and support you every step of the way!

Pet #9 – Keiki -> French Bulldog – Age 4 – @keiki_maalaea (Instagram) – Saskatoon – Followers 305

• Tell us a little about Keiki: Stubborn but sweet and very brave. Lives to try new things and has no fear of it. She Has the happiest personality. She would rather say hello to all the humans and couldn’t care any less about another dog. She’s very smart, but refuses to do what you ask of her when you ask her. She will do it but on her own time. She loves her walks and doesn’t let you forget to take her when it’s time. It’s easy to love this little girl.
• Why did you start an Instagram page for your pet? To share her quirkiness with family and friends, but anytime who is interested can see her too. It’s not a private account.
• How often do you post content? Less than once per week.
• What kinds of things do you post about? I post when she does something unique, or funny, or a moment I don’t want to forget. A memory I want to keep easy to find. Sometimes we set up special photo ideas, or just to promote other businesses when I buy her something special like a product I’m super happy with and want to help that seller.
• What do you enjoy about having an Instagram page for your pet? Seeing how she makes other people happy. I like that it’s easy to find certain favorite photos, or to look back at the life she’s had so far. My past dogs had one and I often go to their page and reminisce when I’m missing them.
• What is a downside to having an Instagram page for your pet? Spam comments or dm’s… Like “get 1M followers” or “be an ambassador for free products”
• Do you have any tips for those wishing to grow their followers or get started as a Pet Influencer? For it to grow organically you really have to put in the time and effort and learn the secrets of social media.
• Do you receive any form of compensation from your Pet’s page? No.

Pet #10 – Jake -> Mixed Breed – Age 7.5 – @happy.puppy.3079 (Instagram) – Saskatoon – Followers 143

• Tell us a little about Jake: Jake is very aloof and independent even with people he knows. Every once in a while he likes to to socialize with his small circle of people. He likes other dogs but can be pretty oblivious to them when he is doing his own thing. He is VERY treat motivated. He likes to chew on antlers, and he isn’t an outdoor dog at all. He lives in the city but far prefers the country and actually likes outside if it’s in the country.
• Why did you start an Instagram page for your pet? Because my Facebook page was quickly becoming all about Jake and so I decided to start a page just for him for my friends who didn’t care to see 300 pictures of him sleeping. With him having a public page he has also been able to follow and be followed by other dogs and families who were adopted from WANAR as well. Some of the volunteers even follow him
• How often do you post content? Less than once per week.
• What kinds of things do you post about? Every day stuff. His birthday, gotcha day, when he does exciting things like gets trick titles, or when he just has a day when he is happy to cuddle. 
• What do you enjoy about having an Instagram page for your pet? I have a place to keep in touch with other families who have adopted from the same rescue as him, and even his siblings.
• What is a downside to having an Instagram page for your pet? I forget to post sometimes, and the notifications can be irritating.
• Do you have any tips for those wishing to grow their followers or get started as a Pet Influencer? Just be true to you and your dog. Don’t make them do things you or them don’t enjoy. There are pet pages for everything.
• Do you receive any form of compensation from your Pet’s page? No.

Pet #11 – Sheri -> Papillon Shih tzu – Age 15 – @sheri_papillon_shihtzu (Instagram) – Saskatoon – Followers 114

• Tell us a little about Sheri: Sheri is a little lady. She loves her humans, toys, treats, outings, the park, babies and being cozy. Sheri always gives lots of kisses to everyone and is really sweet. Sheri hates being cold, not being the center of attention, and is afraid of big woofs, kitty’s and bunnies.
• Why did you start an Instagram page for your pet? So people could keep up with her news.
• How often do you post content? A few times a week.
• What kinds of things do you post about? Pictures and outings.
• What do you enjoy about having an Instagram page for your pet? Sharing Sheri.
• What is a downside to having an Instagram page for your pet? None.
• Do you have any tips for those wishing to grow their followers or get started as a Pet Influencer? Nope. Just enjoy your pet.

Pet #12 – Rookie -> Mixed Breed – Age 4 – @rookie.the.rescue (Instagram) – Regina – Followers 88

• Tell us a little about Rookie: Rookie is a teddy bear with fluff for brains to match. He is such a suck up; he just absolutely loves people. He loves crunchy treats and anything with tripe in it. With Rookie, the stinkier the better. He’s the only dog I know that does not like peanut butter. He does love coconut oil though and loves sleeping horizontally on my bed taking up all the room LOL. He loves chasing tennis balls but hasn’t grasped the concept of fetch. He would also rather be outside all day even when it’s -30’C
• Why did you start an Instagram page for your pet? Started the page as a hobby. Planning on using Rookie’s page to bring awareness of how dogs in northern communities are struggling. Rookie was rescued from a northern community after being shot at with a BB gun and attacked by other dogs. I would like to train him to become a therapy dog. I think it would be very powerful to showcase that despite his trauma, he can be the most gentle boy and can now help others. Secondary focuses are healthy diet, enrichment activities, supporting local pet businesses etc
• How often do you post content? Less than once per week.
• What kinds of things do you post about? Treats, toys, holidays to be inclusive, local businesses and other local pet pages
• What do you enjoy about having an Instagram page for your pet? I’ve had his page for three months now and have connected with other pet parents. I’ve found new products I want to try and lots of training tips!
• What is a downside to having an Instagram page for your pet? The constant engagement. Creating content, Posting, commenting, sharing etc I often have to remind myself that it’s a hobby and for it not to take over my life. I also find it hard to stand out as I don’t have social media marketing skills.
• Do you have any tips for those wishing to grow their followers or get started as a Pet Influencer? Just start doing it. Follow and engage with accounts that peak your interests and align with your vision/values. You’ll find your community better that way. Most importantly, be genuine and enjoy it!
• Do you receive any form of compensation from your Pet’s page? Just start doing it. Follow and engage with accounts that peak your interests and align with your vision/values. You’ll find your community better that way. Most importantly, be genuine and enjoy it!

If you’re on Instagram and are looking for some local “celeb” dogs to follow check out the accounts of the pets mentioned above and from Part One and Part Two! I hope you have enjoyed meeting and learning about having a social media account for your pet from local pet owners!