Meet the Congleton dog influencers who found fame during the pandemic

By Alex Greensmith

27th Oct 2021 | Local News

This Congleton canine and her owner have gained 9000 followers during the pandemic.

Every day, the Instagram account @gem_molliemaltipoolove brightens up fans from across the globe with pics of crossbreed dog Mollie and human pal Gemma.

The tiny dog is a cross-between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle.

"She is a very small dog and she is absolutely full of life", said Gemma.

Gemma (right) believes Mollie's (dog) happiness and cheerful demeanour, along with her account's positive message is the reason for their high amount of followers. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

"I've always been an advocate for mental health, and the idea to show the understanding that life can be hard and challenging.

"I've thought it is important to be there for people as if to say 'we see you, we understand you, and we'll be here for you and listen to you'.

"That was my main aim for my account, to create that space. But dogs make everything better as well."

"I get 20-30 DMs a day off people saying 'you really help me', or 'my mum's died' but thanking us for 'giving us some hope each day'.

Gemma and Mollie explore Congleton Park, pictured in the background is the Green Flag Award recently won by the 24.7-acre site. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

"And that means a lot. You feel like you can make a little bit of a difference. It is only Instagram, it is a small thing, but simple little things in life help a long way sometimes."

The happy hound gets up at 5am every morning, and will pose for a pic which Gemma will take.

Gemma prefers to post in the morning, to help her followers start their day with a smile, and will often provide motivational words of wisdom with her posts.

Gemma has had Mollie since she was a puppy. The Insta-famous mutt was 12 weeks old when she met Gemma at Kelly's Kennels near Warrington.

Gemma has turned down sponsored posts, as the main message is to spread hope and joy from her account. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

Mollie weighs just five kilograms (11 lbs). She loves to snack on boiled eggs, and loves walking Congleton Park.

"I started the account only month before lockdown because I thought it was a nice thing to do," added Gemma.

"But subsequently we went into lockdown, so Mollie became everything really.

"So the account became a daily place to share love and kindness and friendship, in challenging times for everyone.

The pair took a trip to Congleton's Halton Farms on Chance Hall Lane, in a popular post. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

"Lockdown was wonderful with Mollie."

The Congleton pair average 500 likes per photo.

"We moved to a new build in Congleton recently," Gemma also said.

"I kept showing Mollie pictures of the new house so she could get used to it. And she loves it.

Gemma and Mollie exploring the The Lovell Quinta Arboretum in Swettenham, near Congleton. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

"My favourite thing about Congleton is the people, they are so kind and will always say hello to you."

Mollie is also a musical mutt, she enjoys listening to Gemma's favourite band Linkin Park, along with The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

"Mollie is seven years old but she still thinks she is seven months", Gemma laughed.

"Her favourite toy is a squeaky pink hedgehog called Hettie.

This Congleton duo is the most popular dog Instagram account from our town. They're on a mission to spread joy and share their great times. (Image - @gem_molliemaltipoolove Instagram)

"Whenever me or my partner is watching the football and somebody shouts, Mollie brings the hedgehog as if to say 'it's okay [if you're distressed], have my hedgehog'."

You can follow Gemma and Mollie's adventures on Instagram by clicking this link.

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