The debate over social media is ongoing and controversial. Does it create unrealistic standards? Destroy self esteem? Encourage unhealthy or rude behavior? Should children/teens/anyone have access to such an unmonitored form of media?
Regardless of your opinions on these questions, there is one inarguable benefit to social media: access to cute dogs! With the rise of TikTok as a social media platform came the rise of several new internet celebrities in the form of man’s best friend. Here I will be listing my top 5 favorite dog accounts on TikTok, and why you should follow them too.
1. Pudgy, aka @pudgywoke
Follower Count: 5.6 million
Claim to Fame: unique bark and aggressive-yet-adorable nature
Pudgy is an 11 year old Chihuahua, who is adored by fans for the comical noises that he makes. The most notable is his bark. Rather than the typical round syllable of a dog’s bark, Pudgy’s barks are articulated as “OWA OWA!” He also often makes a clicking sound with the back of his throat or by chattering his teeth. He is a fierce little dog, who always makes his feelings known. Pudgy’s owner has revealed that his unique sounds and demeanor are the result of injuries due to an accident involving a car. However, Pudgy is in perfect health now, and enjoys his days walking outside, dressing up in cute sweaters, and addressing his fans with an “OWA OWA!”
2. Leo, aka @life.according.to.leo
Follower Count: 171.9 thousand
Claim to Fame: 😛
Leo is an adorable mini Australian shepherd dog with a very unique face. His large, wide set 
eyes give him a bug-eyed look that followers affectionately describe as having “not a thought behind [them].” However, this quirky dog is more intelligent than he looks. He can stick his tongue out on command! Being a playful and energetic shepherd dog, he often does this trick unprompted, imploring his owners for treats at inconvenient times.
3. Bunny, aka @what_about_bunny
Follower Count: 5.7 million
Claim to Fame: Bunny can talk!
Bunny the dog is truly a fascinating character on TikTok. Bunny’s owners have implemented an experimental method with their dog, where Bunny is given a mat with buttons to express thoughts verbally. Bunny learns what each button means, and can use them to ask for things or to express feelings. In the months since Bunny’s entrance into the public eye, the size of Bunny’s word mat has increased fivefold. Bunny’s words include names, places, activities, and concepts such as time in the form of buttons labeled “yesterday,” “today,” and “tomorrow.” Bunny also has a question mark button, which audiates a “hmmm?” with higher pitch, to imitate the upturn in a person’s voice when they ask a question. Personally, I find Bunny equal parts interesting and scary. While fascinating, the complexity with which Bunny is able to correctly articulate feelings and desires is eerie. Either way, this is not a development that you want to miss.
4. @girlwithedogs
Follower Count: 1.2 million
Claim to Fame: cute dogs getting baths
Unlike the others, this account is not actually an individual dog. @girlwithedogs is a pet 
groomer based in Ontario, Canada, who films videos of the adorable dogs that she grooms. Upon follower request, she has shown countless breeds, ages, and dispositions of dogs, from Shih Tzu to Great Dane, puppies to seniors. She happily explains the preferences of each dog and their owner, while showing video of the dogs at each step in the grooming process. Her videos are not only cute, but also informative for anyone aspiring to be a groomer or simply improve their care of their dog at home. @girlwithedogs mentions each product and brush that she uses by name, including why she chose certain products. Each video ends with a spritz of Sugar Cookie Cologne for the dog and a smile on my face!
5. @carathevettech
Follower Count: 690.9 thousand
Claim to Fame: doggy interviews
Like the previous account, @carathevettech is not an individual dog’s account. Rather, as the name suggests, it is an account run by a Veterinary Technician. As such, she has regular access to all kinds of cute pups. Cara’s videos are centered around “interviews” of her patients, conducted with a mini microphone. Each dog, cat, or pet’s personality shines through as Cara asks them if they have “anything to say to the people today?” Some animals are shy, some purr or sniff into the mic, and some attempt to eat the microphone. The immense variety, combined with a very regular posting schedule, makes this account a quality follow.