Pug Photographer Recreates Images of Hip-Hop Musicians

Often derided by other pet owners for their health issues and low-activity, high-maintenance lifestyles, the pug is having the last laugh online.

In the US, a pug called Doug boasts his own merchandise line and a combined 3.4 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. He has featured in Time magazine and met celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran.

The Pug Life – Crazy Eyes
Picture by Adam Jackman-Moore (The Dog Photographers)

Closer to home, a quick sweep of Instagram unearthed 20 Perth pugs with their own accounts.

Tofu Pug is an official ambassador for Krispy Kreme Australia and a “bowtie enthusiast” with more than 12,500 followers.

But Perth’s most-followed pug is Homer Pugalicious.

His owner, 26 year-old Mei Chandra, of Dianella, can’t believe the journey Homer has taken her on since November.

Mei Chandra with her Pug Homer Pugalicious
Homer has 87,000+ followers on Instagram.
Picture: Ben Crabtree – The West Australian 06/10/2015

She bought the pug from a breeder who deemed him unworthy of being a “showdog” because of a scar near his eye.

About 110,000 followers later — 88,000 on Instagram and 22,000 on Facebook — Homer has shown him.

“Last year, I put big fake eyelashes and a pink scarf on Homer for breast cancer awareness and people really liked it,” Mrs Chandra said.

“He was starting to take over my own Instagram account, so I made one for him in November.”

“It’s not something I wanted to do when we first got him, it was just a bit of fun on the weekend.”

The Pug Life – Beastie
Picture by Adam Jackman-Moore (The Dog Photographers)

The Chandras have reached a point where they are picking and choosing which brands Homer endorses in exchange for free products.

They are now in talks with major review websites The Urban List and Zomato. “It really does blow me away and I want to know how people track me down on there,” Mrs Chandra said.

The Pug Life – Notorious PUG
Picture by Adam Jackman-Moore (The Dog Photographers)

Full-time web developer and casual dog photographer Adam Jackman-Moore, 42, is cashing in on the rise of the pug with his new project — The Pug Life. He is recreating iconic images of hip-hop stars using pets from the Pugs in Perth community group.

“Pugs are just really easy to work with because they’re so food-oriented,” he said. “Once you’ve got the treats, they’re fine with it.”

“The severe head tilts, the looks they give you – they’re ugly and cute at the same time and they’ve got so much character.”

Adam Jackman-Moore’s website is The Pug Life

Credits: Image -The Dog Photographer  , Yahoo