Lena’s Instagram Debut (and Why She Deserves It)
I had a hair appointment on Tuesday, and afterward, my stylist—who’s also a good friend—suggested I make my dog Lena her own Instagram account. We laughed about it at first while tossing around name ideas, and I said, “I’ll just post her stuff on mine.” She quickly shut that down: “It’s not the same.” After some discussion, I finally gave in.
The weather’s been nicer lately, so Lena and I have been spending more time outside. One of my favorite things about taking her out is how much joy she brings to other people. I see the look on their faces—the same one I get when I spot a dog—and I ask, “Want to pet her?” Their eyes light up immediately as they say yes and walk over. It’s the best.
When I first got Lena, I was told she didn’t like men or other dogs. So I was careful. I trained her to sit in the elevator and wait when people entered. I’d quietly remind her, “Not everybody likes dogs, Lena. If they want to pet you, they will.” She’d give them the stare-down until they caved. And, nine times out of ten, they did.
She’s the same on walks or when we go into places downtown. People are always surprised by how calm she is—especially at her favorite spot, Spkrbox. At night, when there’s a line of people, she walks straight to the entrance behind the bar, sits, and patiently waits for her treats and pup cup. Everyone loses it. She really has learned to act like a little lady in public.
Loud noises don’t even phase her—not fireworks, not sirens. Which is wild, considering those satellite-dish ears of hers. But that’s my girl. Not your typical dog. A little weird. Kind of like me.
I love how sweet and gentle she is with others, and then at home, if I do something dumb, she gives me the judgiest look ever. Honestly, since having her, I’ve apologized to my family for having to deal with me my entire life after dealing with myself in dog form. She’s truly the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.
I got her during COVID. I was just supposed to foster her. But I fell in love, and she never left. I still can’t wrap my head around how a dog this kind and sweet ended up in three different homes before me. It doesn’t make sense. I hate that it happened, but I’m so grateful it led her to me—sass and all.
We’re still working on making dog friends. She’s not great with on-leash greetings, so I have to squat down to her level and reassure her. Once she feels safe, she’s fine, and they’re best friends. Funny enough, when we lived in Ann Arbor, we started a doggy group chat with like 20 other dogs—and she got along with all of them. It just takes a proper intro, her way.
Right now, she’s giving me side eye from the couch as I write this. I hope she knows just how much I love her—and that the way she makes other people smile puts an even bigger smile on my face than she already does. If her Instagram can put a smile on someone else’s face too, then we did our job.
