PRINCE THE PUGG

A smaller than usual... larger than life Pug. 

Roles:
Creative Direction, Art Direction, Photography, Social Media Management

Once upon a time, some nine-odd years ago, I found myself becoming a “mother” to a six-week-old Pug. It was clear that he’d be my sole responsibility, my first instance being accountable for and to another living being. My mother named him Prince after our mutual favorite artist.

Prince was the runt of his litter, the tiniest pup with the most personality and energy to match. I got him when things started taking off for me in Photography, so for shits and giggles; I made him an Instagram account. Initially named @PrincethePugg, later changed to @PrinceReefer because you can’t beat that government name; the little guy started racking up thousands of followers in the blink of an eye.

A little less than a year and a few viral moments later, 16,000+ people found him irresistible, and the number kept growing. It was never my intention to have an Insta-famous, recognizable dog. People would stop me in the streets of Los Angeles and tell me they followed him on Instagram. I guess that’s the power of the Internet.

Now an older and more distinguished gentle pup, Prince has since retired from the spotlight to live a quiet life on the Southside of Chicago. Maybe one day, Prince will make his return. There’s a placeholder archive account still floating around out there somewhere… Until then, enjoy some of his best & cutest moments from his reign.

All hail Prince Reefer! Respect to Prince the Pugg! The extra G is for Gangsta.