Elias, founder of the popular Instagram platform "The Doggist," with 7.6 million followers, discusses the profound connection between humans and dogs. He emphasizes that, through his photographs and accompanying stories, he's repeatedly witnessed the unique depth of love people hold for their dogs, sometimes even surpassing the love they have for other people.
Having photographed around 50,000 dogs worldwide over the last 11 years, Elias highlights the recurring theme of unconditional love. He notes that people often share stories of how, after a stressful day, their dog's loving gaze has the power to wash away their worries. Dogs are generous with both their love and their eye contact, a directness Elias strives to capture in his photography. He contrasts this simplicity with the complexities of human relationships, humorously referencing how his dog, Elsa, offers an uncomplicated, enthusiastic greeting compared to the more nuanced interactions with his fiancée. Elsa, a rescue dog from Texas, represents the transformative power of dog ownership in his own life.
Elias also discusses how cultural differences influence the ways people relate to dogs across the globe. While he acknowledges a universal fondness for dogs, certain trends emerge in different regions. In Los Angeles, dogs are often seen accompanying their owners in cars, indicating the extensive time they spend together. He also shares observations from the UK, showcasing pubs where dogs are welcome, a sight less common in the United States. He recounts a humorous anecdote from Croatia, where a town dog named Jutti, meaning "yellow," freely roams and is cared for by the entire community. In Switzerland, the seriousness with which dog breeding is approached, including mandatory training for breeders, impressed him. He contrasts this with the less regulated breeding practices in the United States, which can lead to overpopulation.
Service dogs are another significant aspect of Elias's work. He acknowledges the emotional impact of seeing service dogs at airports and emphasizes their vital role in supporting individuals with various needs, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. He shares the stories of Sharon, a veteran with PTSD, and her service dog, Eddie, who performs tasks such as nightmare interruption and provides emotional support. Elias learned that before Eddie, Sharon was essentially nonverbal. He also recounts the story of Nathan, a retired Air Force veteran who was socially isolated until he received a service dog through America's Vet Dogs. He shares how that dog completely transformed Nathan's social capabilities.
He also shares the story of his friend Angus who has a serious problem with anxiety and depression, and while trying prescription medication, he realized that he needed more help. He came across a special breed of dog specifically trained to help assist people with mental health needs and met the dog, Opal. Elias explains how Angus's dog has shifted his perspective on dating and life. With Opal, he does not have the intense spiral of emotions or fear that would have come up before. If a date doesn't work out, Opal is waiting for him, and it will be a good time with Opal.
He then shares the story about Maggie, a facility service dog, and shares how that dog made him realize that the mood he was previously in was not great.
Elias discusses growing up with dogs and the evolution of "The Doggist." He notes that, for a long time, he had avoided getting a dog of his own, citing his travel schedule and a perceived lack of readiness. However, the pandemic prompted him to foster a dog, which led to him meeting Elsa, a dog from Texas. He fell in love with Elsa and remarks that the event deepened his appreciation for other people's relationships with their dogs, noting that owning a dog opened a new chamber of his heart. His relationship with Elsa catalyzed his engagement to his fiancée, further demonstrating the transformative power of dog ownership in his life.