Who’s the Biggest Dog Star of Instagram & Why Does He Matter?
Tuna with fellow Instagram dog star, RemixtheDog
Uggie, Toto and Beethoven may have the silver screen wrapped up in their paws, but there are new doggy stars in town and they reside on Instagram. Tuna, of @TunaMeltsMyHeart, is the biggest, boasting 1.5 million followers. And while fans flock in droves to sniff out his adorable pictures and endearing captions, this dog star of Instagram is smart; he’s using his powerful platform for good.
Courtney & Tuna
Tuna’s story
Tuna is a five-year-old Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix), with an exaggerated overbite, a recessed jaw and a wrinkly neck (his mom calls it a shrivelneck). At four months old, he was abandoned on the side of the road in San Diego, and picked up by a rescue organization. The day that would change his life forever began at an L.A. farmer’s market adoption event. Courtney Dasher wasn’t looking to add a dog to her family, but she was willing to foster. Tuna tugged at her heart strings. “When I first met him, his name was Wormy because he was so insecure, he’d fall on his belly and crawl instead of walk,” Dasher described. “He seemed like he needed a lot of love, so I took him home.” His looks reminded her of Mr. Burns from The Simpsons. “I nicknamed him Tuney after a cartoon, and my 6- year-old nephew thought I was calling him Tuna. It just stuck.“
Unable to give the little guy up, Dasher adopted Tuna and like any new dog parent, started taking pictures of him…lots of pictures. In December, 2011, with a year’s worth, she decided to start an Instagram account for Tuna, posting one picture a day and calling it The Daily Tuna Special. “Almost immediately, I was getting feedback from people saying he made them laugh and made their day,” Courtney shared. “So, I saw the opportunity for Tuna to bring joy to people.” When Instagram posted pictures of Tuna on their own page, his popularity soared through the roof.
Tuna in his Ruby Rufus sweater.
Photo courtesy: Ruby Rufus
Today, Tuna has his own collection of tee’s and mugs (yes, I have two tee’s), his own book, a signature cashmere sweater collaboration with luxury U.K. dog fashion designer, Ruby Rufus, and has been featured on The Steve Harvey Show, in the Huffington Post and more. He’s followed by Reese Witherspoon, Amanda Seyfried, Hillary Duff and Ariana Grande, to name just a few.
People make things for Tuna all the time. Here’s an illustration we saw on Instagram we thought was pretty dapper and cool.
What’s his message?
Why does Tuna matter? As much as his quirky, unusual looks and sweet charm have been a big draw, Tuna’s message has connected deeply with the people who follow him. His life is a testament to the power of rescue and the power of love, and he wants to spread that message far and wide. “When I initially fostered and adopted Tuna, I didn’t know anything about the rescue world,” Courtney explained. “Through Instagram, I started talking to people who were rescue parents and advocates. I saw this would be such a great way to raise awareness and even financial support for shelter and rescue groups across the U.S. So, I partnered with a variety of shelters and companies. I work really closely with Barkbox and WagAware, who support a ton of different rescue organizations with product. I think it’s really important to create that awareness.”
Empowering young & old alike
In the beginning, not all of Tuna’s followers were supportive. Some would make nasty comments about his looks. While it upset and frustrated her, Courtney also saw an opportunity to start a conversation about our perception of beauty. “I have this platform where I can encourage people to see that true beauty captivates our hearts,” Dasher described. “This became my mission; to celebrate his unusual features. We’re all unique, we all have different attributes. Instead of tearing each other down, let’s build each other up.” And, that’s just what Tuna does.
He’s provided inspiration, smiles, laughter and love for millions. He’s even helped a mother, struggling with Stage 4 cancer. “One of Tuna’s followers reached out to me, saying her mom was going through a very difficult time, and Tuna’s photos were a source of joy and hope for her,” Courtney revealed. “I wrote back and included some special photos of Tuna.”
On a visit to a clothing brand, a girl came up to Courtney and Tuna with tears in her eyes. “I’ve had the worst year of my life and I literally look at your Instagram page and Tuna just turns my day around,” she exclaimed. “It’s these kinds of things that show me this is way more than just an Instagram account,” declared Dasher. “I take it very seriously. I try my very best to be as attentive and responsive to people as I can. If he’s recognized on the street, I want to be present with people, if they want to take photos or ask me questions. It’s redefined my purpose.“
Londontown, books & what’s next
Courtney and Tuna recently returned from a couple of months in London, promoting his Penguin/Random House book, Tuna Melts My Heart: The Underdog with the Overbite. It’s a day in the life of Tuna, with great photos and Courtney’s warm, dry wit. Book signings and meet ups; visits to shelters and party invitations kept the dynamic duo very busy while there.
My husband and I met up with Courtney and Tuna while we were in London, at the UK’s largest animal rescue and education organization, Dogs Trust. We hung out in their conference room for awhile, getting to know each other. Both Courtney and Tuna were super sweet and charming. Courtney shared her love of all things English and some of her recent fun experiences traveling, and Tuna melted our hearts with his calm, super sweet disposition. He sat happily on our laps and dozed a bit, something Courtney said is one of Tuna’s favorite pastimes.
Me & Tuna, hanging out in the offices of the Dogs Trust in London
So, what’s on the horizon for the munchkin? “We’re going to launch some new designs nearer the holidays,” Courtney shared. “A portion of the proceeds will go towards animal rescue.”
You know, you don’t see a dog like Tuna everyday. While this little guy’s beginnings were rough, it’s apparent Tuna is here for a purpose larger than him. “It’s endearing to know people love your dog, but I also feel I’ve been entrusted by over a million people to be a catalyst to change their day,” explained Dasher. “It’s so good to know that Tuna is making an impact on their lives.”
You can learn more about Tuna, buy his book and shop his style at www.tunameltsmyheart.com.
Follow Tuna on Instagram
Follow Tuna on Facebook.
Do you have an inspiring rescue dog story? What dogs do you follow on Instagram?
