Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Boone.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I met Baloo in my freshman year of college while I was visiting an animal shelter. I used to go often to get my “fix”, since I’d been missing my pets from home. I’d never owned a large dog before, much less a bully breed, and I was in no place to own a dog. But I absolutely fell in love with him when I met him. After a few weeks of visiting, I caved and brought him home. I completely changed my life around to fit him in, and I don’t regret any of it. He was easily the best $90 I’ve ever spent! The moment I brought him home, I decided to start an Instagram account for him. I had absolutely no intention to make him an “influencer”– I originally started it so that I’d have a place to document his progress and have a place to cram all the pictures I knew I was going to take of him. After a while, I started to realize that people I had never met were really starting to enjoy seeing Baloo every day and would wonder where we went if we hadn’t posted for a day. Back then, we only had 100 or so followers, but to me that seemed like the world. 100 people, most of whom were absolute strangers, were constantly keeping tabs on my little rescue mutt and really enjoying our posts. It made me want to do more, so I set out to create content that people enjoyed and started to post daily.
After a few months, Baloo’s account really started to gain traction. We were climbing into the thousands, and people all over the world were starting to take notice. Our content was being shared on a handful of different platforms, and The Dodo even did a feature video about our rescue story. Baloo’s account had officially become one of the biggest names in bully breed and rescue dog Instagram accounts. It was absolutely surreal. Huge brands that I’d seen commercials of my entire life started to reach out to us for partnerships and campaigns and Baloo’s Instagram quickly became like a part-time job. I absolutely loved every second of it. Creating content for brands, making funny captions, and taking pictures of Baloo became one of the best parts of my day. The best part? Baloo was (and is) the best dog I have ever met. I work with dogs every day, and Baloo is one of the most balanced, intelligent dogs that I have ever seen– and I’m so glad I get to call him mine!
Baloo helped me get through one of the toughest transitions in my life and continues to help me every day with my depression and anxiety. I had no idea that a dog could help me as much as he did. After I found Baloo, he completely turned me around. He kept me on my toes, he reminded me that I needed to take care of myself, and he never failed to make me smile. There’s never a dull moment now that he’s a part of my life, and he has made me a completely different person. He has taught me so much and has made me realized how important it is that I take care of myself, especially because I knew I needed to take care of him. He made me so much more active, healthy, and happy, and for that I am so thankful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the hardest parts about being in the public eye is the constant stream of negativity and rude comments that come in. Sometimes I do get burnt out from constantly policing and deleting comments, blocking threatening accounts, and arguing with pitbull-haters. It’s been extremely difficult to grapple with, but I’m starting to learn that it’s impossible to change some people’s minds, and some people are just not worth arguing with. It’s taken a long time for me to realize that, and realize that no matter what I do, I can’t please everyone.
Please tell us about Baloo the Bully.
Though I started Baloo’s Instagram for fun, the goal quickly shifted from entertainment to advocacy. I wanted Baloo’s platform to be a voice for dogs who couldn’t stand up for themselves– breeds that have been overlooked and stereotyped time and time again just because of the way they look. Baloo’s Instagram, and Baloo himself, are living proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Baloo is a bully breed who is dog, cat, and all-animal friendly loves all people and doesn’t have a single mean bone in his body. He is an incredible advocate for dogs like him, and especially for rescue dogs. So many people find it hard to believe that Baloo is a rescue, and we get messages DAILY about what “breeder” I bought him from and where people can get their own. I love to be able to say that Baloo is absolutely one of a kind, and a shelter dog to boot.
I am so incredibly lucky and beyond blessed to have this platform. So fortunate to be able to share Baloo’s story, make thousands of people smile, and squash the stereotypes behind rescue dogs and pitbulls alike. A lot of people think that Baloo doesn’t “look” like a rescue. Baloo is questioned because he doesn’t “behave” the way a rescue dog would. These statements baffle me— how is a rescue dog supposed to act? How is a rescue dog supposed to look? The stereotypes and ideas that people have when they think “shelter dog” steers others away from venturing to a shelter to find their four-legged friend. People need to understand that it is more than possible to find an intelligent, friendly, healthy, and beautiful dog for under $100 at their local shelter or rescue. Thousands and thousands of homeless dogs are piled into shelters each day, waiting to find their person. Pure bred dogs, puppies, working breeds— all can be found at a shelter or rescue. Baloo, Brewski, Ruca, Mango, and all of our rescues are living proof that it is possible to find gorgeous dogs who desperately need love just down the street at your local pound.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest supporters will always be my parents. When I originally adopted Baloo, I was living in a dorm on campus and had nowhere to keep an 80-pound dog. They took care of him for a couple of weeks for me until I moved out of my dorm and into an apartment, and were incredibly supportive since the start. Baloo’s Instagram inspired me to completely change my career path, and my mother and father have both been incredible cheerleaders in every decision I’ve made.
My boyfriend, Mickey (who I met thanks to Baloo), has also been a wonderful supporter throughout my experience with Baloo’s account. He has been the world’s best photographer when I needed him to snap some shots of Baloo and I together, and he has helped me create some awesome content thanks to his adorable pup (and Baloo’s best friend), Louie. I also have an awesome group of friends that I’ve made through Instagram who have been some of the best people I’ve ever met. We bond over our dogs — whether it be talking about training techniques, collar brands, or how to deal with haters– they’re always there for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: baloothebully.com
- Email: baloothebully@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bully.baloo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baloothebully
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@bully.baloo
Image Credit:
@bully.baloo
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
