Facebook has gotten a lot of bad press lately. Between politics and privacy concerns, a lot of people are swearing off the social network entirely. I am not one of those people. I log on every day primarily due to the dogs of Facebook and the wonderful friends I have made through the online canine community there.
Initially, I became involved with the canine community on Facebook while planning my first trip to Europe with a dog. My Frenchie Tara was turning 13, and I wanted to take her to France, I just didn’t know where to start. I set up a Facebook profile for her so I could connect with other dog owners overseas. I hoped that I could get some suggestions for things to see and do. It certainly never occurred to me that it might lead to real-life friends.
Facebook Furiends
Tara’s Facebook profile took off, and she soon had more online “friends” than me. People invited us to their towns and asked if they could meet Tara during our travels. With their input, I was able to put together a fantastic trip to France. It was also a comfort to know there was a canine community I could turn to if I had a question or Tara needed help.
Fortunately, Tara didn’t have any problems during our trip to France and was still going strong a year later. Her Facebook friend list had grown to include dogs all over Europe and Asia. With some help from the handy translate button, I managed to put together a six-week trip visiting online friends in seven different countries.
An Online Canine Community
Soon after our return from Europe, routine blood work led to the devastating diagnosis that Tara had bladder cancer. I turned to Facebook groups focusing on canine cancer to learn about treatment options. The dogs of Facebook continued to support us as she went through chemotherapy and eventually entered remission.
Sadly, even the most beloved dog can’t live forever. Although cancer-free, Tara’s 14-year-old immune system had paid the price. She developed pneumonia and passed away about seven months after her diagnosis. Once again, her Facebook friends gathered around in support. Even people who had never met us sent cards and condolence messages.
Finding Louie
A few months prior to Tara’s passing, I saw a Facebook post about a one-year-old dog looking for a new home. His name was Louie Vuitton, and I knew we were meant to be together. Most of our contacts in the online canine community were encouraging, although a few gave me a hard time about the fact that he was a “non-standard” colored Frenchie.
Despite some negative backlash, I wanted Louie to get in on the Facebook fun. Unfortunately, the social network had begun deleting profiles for dogs. Apparently, Facebook deemed non-human profiles a security threat, so I was limited to creating a page for Louie. Pages don’t offer as many opportunities for interaction, but at least people could still follow his adventures.
The Doggie Social Network
Louie’s has followed Tara’s legacy by traveling with me and visiting our Facebook friends around the world. Every year we go to Europe for a meeting of the Sons of Frenchies, a group founded by some of our favorite Facebook dogs. We have also made a tradition of visiting California for a Frenchie beach party each winter.
Even when Louie and I are at home, my social calendar tends to revolve around activities with dogs we know through Facebook. Groups like BarkHappy host unusual activities such as pub crawls and fashion shows for dogs then promote them on their page. I’ve even been known to socialize with members of the online canine community without our dogs!
I understand some people’s criticism of Facebook. It’s a scary place if you take everything you see at face value or choose to share personal details. However, if you are looking to interact with other dog lovers, I believe Facebook’s online canine community is a rewarding place to spend some time. You might even make a few new friends in real-life!
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We are hoping to do a US road trip this year!
I only “do” dogs and views of scenery on Facebook but some of my “virtual” Facebook friends have actually looked us up in person and they have all been lovely people. Louie, Jenna and Meredith were the most recent visitors.
Thank you for agreeing to let Louie go rock hunting with his Facebook idol, Susan the Frenchie! Visiting your village and meeting you ALL was the highlight of our trip to the UK.
Facebook is still a wonderful way to connect with people near and far, it’s so cool that you were able to put together an amazing trip to meet up. I’ve learned so much from my dog friends on Facebook, too, the groups is like no other platform.
My favorite thing about Facebook is the dogs I see! Louie is so handsome, it is crazy that people care that he has “non-standard” coloring!
The best use of social media! Gorgeous dogs xx
I agree Facebook still has a lot to offer especially in the canine world. You just need to use common sense when using it. Thanks for the tip about Bark Happy. I didn’t know it about it until now.
I haven’t really used Facebook much for a long time but this inspires me to get reconnected with the dog community there
Facebook has changed a lot but through it I also have managed to get to know some awesome dog loving people who I am in contact with plus all the dog events in my area
I consider Facebook my “happy place”..I love waking up in the morning and going to my computer to see what all my dog friends are up to….no political agendas or angry rants,,,just cuteness and fun. Although I never met most of these dog people I feel as if they are closer friends than some of the friends I see all the time. It’s really an amazing thing!