Somewhat shamelessly, I run an Instagram account for my large, furry, almost-human-like dog, Chloe. This Instagram is filled to the brim with pictures of her doing cute things: running through the sprinklers, begging for a bone, and wearing one of those ugly orange lifejackets, among other things. My younger sister and I originally started this together in an attempt to become Instagram famous. When that didn’t happen, she decided the “fake Instagram” life wasn’t for her, and left me to defend Chloe’s helpless account on my own. I’d like to talk about how much I miss taking creative photos of our dog with my sister, however, our little photo sessions oftentimes turned into me and Laura bickering, while Chloe trotted aimlessly around our venue. One of us (most likely me) would flee the scene with crocodile tears streaming down our cheeks and the session would be over for the day. Now, it’s just me, myself, and Chloe and it’s not too bad.

Running an Instagram for your pet is arguably not the most normal thing to be doing alongside taking your twenties by storm, but alas, here I am. Don’t worry, I defend my somewhat-fraudulent Instagram activity with all my being, no problem. Here are 6 reasons why running an Instagram for your pet is good…Since I seem to face backlash for it on the daily from friends, family, and strangers alike.

1. It serves as a safe space for all the funny/lame captions that you can’t use on your “regular” Instagram account.

I have a plethora of captions perfectly planned out in my noggin that would probably cause me to lose followers on my personal Instagram, so I force Chloe (more like bribe with treats) to bring them to life. Also, there are only so many times I can use Adele lyrics as captions on my personal Instagram.

2. You don't have to worry about likes

While logged on to Chloe’s Instagram, I rarely worry about the amount of likes her pictures are getting. I post them more for fun and there is really no precedent that says how many likes she “should” be getting.

3. It’s strangely relaxing.

Because I run this Instagram, I have to go outside, I have to play with my dog (not that I wouldn't anyway), and I have to take time out of my day to do something that I really enjoy and that doesn't seem like a chore.

4. I get to share my dog obsession with the world.

If you’ve met me, you know I like dogs. If you’ve met me, you know I’m nothing short of obsessed with my dog. She is quite easily the cutest and most important animal that exists. Thankfully, there is a platform which enables me to share her with one hundred and sixty odd people. That platform would be Instagram.

5. I get to spend “quality time” with my dog.

What’s better than roaming around the woods with your dog? Nothing, that’s what.

6. I can shamelessly promote my dog's Instagram on other forms of social media.

Follow Chloe on Instagram: @chloe_leonbergram