What would you do for a perfect selfie? A TikTok creator has become famous for his selfie videos with his smiling Golden Retrievers as he travels the world with them.
Watch the smiling Golden Retrievers video
Kevin Bubolz is the mastermind behind the heartwarming adventures of his Golden Retrievers, Ellie and Emma. For several years, Kevin and his wife, Katie, have delighted viewers with captivating videos featuring the dogs under the handle @elliegoldenlife on TikTok and Instagram. In late 2023, he shared a remarkable video showcasing their travels across various picturesque cities, embodying their mission of spreading joy wherever they go.
Watch the sweet video here:
Kevin and Katie, along with their dogs, are increasingly popular worldwide for their videos. Their videos generally showcase capturing “smiley selfies” with Ellie and Emma smiling atop their parents’ shoulders.
According to Kevin, “You have this ability to connect with people around the world that don’t even speak the same language.”
Additionally, he shares that Ellie has always been fond of the camera. In his words, “So anytime you bring up a phone, or you set up a tripod, she smiles instantly and just comes running, it’s so funny to watch.” Continuing, he adds, “She had this joy for it, and I thought, well, let’s turn it into something.”
Ellie’s ability to “smile” on command when rewarded sparked the idea for their selfie videos. “I realized that when I say ‘Smile’ in the videos, I’m smiling myself, and I believe it has the same uplifting effect on viewers. It’s truly joyful,” Kevin remarks. With Emma joining in, the addition only multiplied the smiles once she learned to mimic her older sister.
Before the pandemic, Kevin and Katie would bring Ellie, their therapy dog, to volunteer events in their local community near Washington, D.C. However, with COVID-19 halting their activities, they shifted their focus to TikTok and Instagram.
Kevin remarks that engaging with people now, both in person and through video platforms, is truly fascinating.