Many of the videos feature Julian talking to the dogs directly, her Boston accent shining through as she calls them “darling” and “sweetheart.”
A video from August where Julian gives Risky kisses attracted 173,000 likes at the time of reporting. Viewers shared comments like, “I wish Grandma could hug and kiss me too,” and “this granny could heal depression just by existing.”
Another post from September, which currently sits at 135,000 likes, attracted remarks like “these videos make me smile, I love how her grandmother talks to her‚” and “the way she says darling is so comforting & sweet.”
“She asks [Risky and Peach] questions, she asks them if they’re all right, she basically treats them like they’re people,” Schineller says of her mother.
Other videos include Julian making food for the animals and telling stories about her childhood and the independent living facility she lives in.
“There’s a lot of creators out there, and they have to sit there and think about what they’re going to post, but … she always has a running commentary,” Schineller said. “So content comes really easily.”
Throughout the videos, Julian’s affection for Risky and Peach is clear.
“They are the love of my life. I love dogs and I love all animals,” Julian said.
Though she grew up with dogs, Julian finds herself particularly drawn to her daughter’s golden retrievers.
“They’re truly more beautiful … and they’re very loving,” she said.
Schineller believes viewers are drawn to Julian’s endless compliments and love for Risky and Peach, who are also a mother-daughter duo. She recalled reading comments from viewers wishing they were dogs to get the same affection from Julian.
“There’s a lot of people that I think are missing their grandmas and their moms, or their dogs that are no longer here,” said Schineller. “There’s a lot of nostalgia, which I think is a really big appeal for people.”
Though Julian prominently features on the account, Schineller posts some clips of Risky and Peach playing on their own, whether curled up in bed or frolicking off leash.
Despite the family’s rising social media popularity, Schineller said her mother doesn’t quite grasp the account’s reach.
“I added up the number of followers that we have, and … she’s very humble, and she’s like, ‘No. They don’t understand. They don’t know I’m just a person,” Schineller said.
To help Julian understand the reach of their content, the two plotted out where their followers live on a paper map, from Portugal to Australia to Canada.
“I am very impressed, because I certainly haven’t been all over the world,” Julian said.
Ultimately, Schineller thinks the family’s content offers a joyful escape.
“Given what’s going on in the country and the world, I feel like people just need something to believe in,” Schineller said. “People right now need to be loved … and I think this offers something that they’re obviously not going to get if they’re doom scrolling or watching the news.”
Annie Sarlin can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram @anniesarlinjournalism.
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