An Ode To Dog Instagram Accounts

Recently, I've been afflicted by an extreme longing. No, it's not my biological clock ticking — though the sensation is akin to an awakening maternal instinct.

I want a dog. Desperately.

But, since the timing isn't quite right, I've turned to the next best thing: the tiny, fluffy pooches of Instagram. Specifically, Maltese, Havanese, and Shih tzu breeds. Obsessed is an understatement.

It all began a month ago. My roommate Lindsay and I sat at our kitchen table, tired to the point that we could only muster the strength for double tapping and one-finger-typed hashtags into our phones. Then suddenly, we hit a gold streak. We discovered the Instagram world of minor celebrity-dog accounts. Think followings of 500 to 2,000 — not megastars like Boo or Menswear Dog. Instead, the tiny pups who are not in it for fame and only want to make new friends. Soon enough, we were screen grabbing accounts and texting them to each other on the daily. The admiration intensified. We started referencing pup accounts by name.

"Did you see Winstontubbyton's pic today?"

"Mhmm, too good."

I've always been a dog lover, but canine accounts make my heart melt in a different way. Through their posts, I get to follow the park adventures, mischief aftermath (think: torn up loafers), and new hairstyle changes I'm currently missing out on. And, the dogs themselves have a lot to say. It's great they finally have this platform.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't thank the parents of my new four-legged friends. They must know they're helping to fill a hole in my heart. Click through for my favorite dose of fluffy medicine. And, if you have a favorite canine Insta pal, please let me know in the comments below. Adorable poodles are just the tip of the iceberg. If you're new to this trend, I recommend starting with #weeklyfluff #tongeouttuesday.