The phrase denotes a phenomenon where images or videos featuring golden retrievers, often costumed for Halloween, are situated within or connected to Home Depot stores. These depictions frequently circulate online, becoming a recurrent theme during the Halloween season. For instance, a photograph might show a golden retriever dressed as a pumpkin, posing near a display of Halloween decorations at a Home Depot location.
This particular subject gains prominence due to the inherent appeal of golden retrievers as a breed, coupled with the cultural significance of Halloween and the recognizable setting of a major retail chain. The combination creates readily shareable content, eliciting positive emotional responses from viewers. Historically, the presence of animals in marketing and social media has proven effective in capturing attention and generating engagement, and this falls squarely within that trend.
The ensuing analysis will delve into the reasons for its popularity, examine the types of content typically generated, and explore potential implications for both the retailer and the breed’s perception within popular culture. Subsequent sections will also discuss how to locate and identify related imagery and videos online, as well as address any ethical considerations arising from the creation and distribution of this content.
1. Dog Breed Popularity
The inherent popularity of the Golden Retriever breed is a fundamental driver behind the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. Their generally agreeable temperament and aesthetically pleasing appearance make them a common choice for pet owners, and this familiarity predisposes them to positive reception across digital platforms.
-
Breed Recognition and Appeal
Golden Retrievers are widely recognized as a family-friendly and amiable breed. This positive pre-existing perception translates directly to online content. The breed’s widespread recognition lowers the barrier to entry for content engagement; individuals do not need breed-specific knowledge to appreciate an image or video featuring a Golden Retriever. The inherent appeal contributes significantly to the content’s virality.
-
Association with Positive Attributes
The breed is often associated with traits like loyalty, intelligence, and playfulness. When presented within the context of Halloween festivities at a store like Home Depot, these attributes reinforce the lighthearted and positive tone desired in seasonal content. For example, a Golden Retriever dressed in a costume near Halloween decorations amplifies feelings of joy and nostalgia, drawing on the positive stereotypes associated with both the breed and the holiday.
-
Visual Aesthetics and Photogenic Qualities
Golden Retrievers possess distinct visual features, including their golden coat and expressive eyes, that make them highly photogenic. This quality enhances their appeal in images and videos. High-quality visuals are paramount in capturing and maintaining audience attention online, and the breed’s natural beauty facilitates the creation of engaging content, increasing its shareability and reach.
-
Ubiquity in Pet Culture
The prevalence of Golden Retrievers in pet culture means that a significant portion of the online audience likely has personal experience with the breed, either as owners or acquaintances. This familiarity fosters a stronger emotional connection with the content. Seeing a Golden Retriever, even in a Halloween costume at a Home Depot, can evoke memories and personal experiences, increasing the likelihood of engagement and sharing.
In summary, the breed’s widespread popularity, coupled with its association with positive traits and its photogenic qualities, forms the foundation for the viral nature of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. The breed’s inherent appeal synergizes with the festive context, resulting in readily shareable and emotionally resonant material.
2. Retail Setting Context
The specific retail environment, in this case, Home Depot, significantly influences the reception and dissemination of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. The store’s brand identity, physical layout, and seasonal displays contribute to the content’s overall appeal and virality.
-
Brand Recognition and Association
Home Depot, as a widely recognized retail chain specializing in home improvement and hardware, provides a familiar and accessible backdrop. The stores brand is generally associated with practicality, projects, and home-related activities. Juxtaposing this with the lightheartedness of Halloween and the inherent appeal of Golden Retrievers creates a contrast that captures attention. The recognizable setting lowers the cognitive effort required to understand the context, making the content more readily digestible and shareable.
-
Physical Layout and Visual Cues
The store’s physical layout, often featuring wide aisles and clearly defined departments, allows for easily staged or captured visuals. Seasonal displays, especially during Halloween, provide vibrant and thematic backdrops that enhance the visual appeal of the content. For example, a Golden Retriever dressed in a costume posing near a display of Halloween decorations within Home Depot offers a visually compelling image. The structured environment contributes to the content’s aesthetic coherence.
-
Consumer Demographics and Psychographics
Home Depots typical customer base often consists of homeowners, families, and individuals interested in DIY projects. This demographic likely overlaps significantly with pet owners and individuals who appreciate seasonal festivities. The content caters to these intersecting interests, increasing the likelihood of engagement and sharing within relevant social networks and communities. The retail environment inherently targets an audience receptive to such content.
-
Marketing Synergies and Brand Amplification
The “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon, while often organic and user-generated, can indirectly benefit Home Depot through increased brand visibility and positive associations. The content can amplify the store’s brand message, portraying it as a welcoming and family-friendly establishment. While the company may not actively promote these specific images or videos, their circulation contributes to a broader marketing ecosystem. The association can reinforce positive brand sentiment and influence consumer perception.
In summary, the retail setting of Home Depot provides a crucial context that enhances the appeal and virality of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. The store’s brand recognition, physical layout, consumer demographics, and potential marketing synergies collectively contribute to the content’s resonance and shareability, creating a phenomenon that extends beyond a simple image or video of a dog in a costume.
3. Halloween thematics
The Halloween thematic component is integral to the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. The holiday’s association with costumes, decorations, and festive activities provides the context that transforms a simple image of a golden retriever into shareable content. Without the Halloween element, the scenario lacks the unique appeal that drives its online popularity. For example, a golden retriever in Home Depot on any other day would not generate the same level of interest as one adorned in a Halloween costume amid seasonal displays. The holiday serves as the catalyst, amplifying the inherent appeal of the dog and the retail setting.
The use of Halloween-specific elements such as pumpkin costumes, witch hats, or themed bandanas on the retrievers directly links them to the seasonal celebration. These visual cues immediately signal the content’s relevance to the holiday, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist and the widespread enthusiasm for Halloween. Furthermore, the presence of Halloween decorations within the Home Depot environment reinforces this connection, creating a cohesive and visually engaging scene. The content leverages the widespread participation in Halloween, making it relatable and appealing to a broad audience seeking lighthearted and festive material. For instance, videos showing retrievers “shopping” for Halloween decorations within the store often garner significant views, demonstrating the effectiveness of the thematic connection.
In summary, the Halloween thematic provides the crucial framework that contextualizes and elevates “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. It harnesses the cultural significance and visual appeal of the holiday, transforming commonplace scenarios into viral moments. Recognizing the importance of this thematic element is essential for understanding the content’s popularity and its potential use in informal marketing or social media strategies. It’s a direct example of how a particular time of year can substantially increase the internet appeal of a specific image.
4. Visual Media Trends
Visual media trends exert a significant influence on the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. The prevalence of image-based and video-based content consumption online provides a conducive environment for its proliferation. The subject matter aligns with the current preference for visually engaging content that elicits positive emotional responses. Consider, for instance, the increasing popularity of short-form videos featuring animals, which often gain traction across platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. “golden retriever home depot halloween” content readily adapts to these formats, contributing to its widespread dissemination. These trends demonstrate that visual platforms are prime facilitators of content virality. Further, the ease with which users can create, share, and consume visual content directly contributes to the phenomenon’s prevalence.
The visual nature of the trend leverages specific platform features to enhance its reach. For instance, Instagram’s emphasis on high-quality imagery benefits the aesthetically pleasing nature of golden retrievers in costumes. YouTube provides a space for longer-form videos showcasing the interactions between the dogs, the Halloween decorations, and the store environment, offering a more immersive experience. Social media algorithms, designed to prioritize engaging content, often favor these images and videos, increasing their visibility to a wider audience. The algorithms reward visually appealing and emotionally resonant content, which aligns perfectly with the characteristic of “golden retriever home depot halloween”.
In summary, visual media trends are not merely a backdrop but a driving force behind the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. The alignment with prevailing preferences for image and video-based content, coupled with the capabilities of social media platforms to amplify such content, ensures its continued visibility and circulation. A deeper understanding of visual media trends is crucial to appreciate the mechanisms by which this specific form of content attains virality, with the practical understanding of virality driving further content creation and increased traffic.
5. Social Media Sharing
Social media platforms constitute a critical infrastructure for the dissemination and amplification of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. These platforms facilitate the rapid sharing of images and videos, thereby expanding the content’s reach and contributing to its viral nature. Understanding the specific mechanisms by which social media sharing influences this phenomenon is essential for a comprehensive analysis.
-
Platform Algorithms and Visibility
Social media algorithms play a pivotal role in determining the visibility of content. Platforms prioritize content based on engagement metrics, such as likes, shares, and comments. “Golden retriever home depot halloween” content, due to its visual appeal and positive emotional connotations, often performs well in these algorithms, leading to increased visibility. For example, a video of a golden retriever in a Halloween costume at Home Depot might be surfaced to users who have previously engaged with similar pet or Halloween-related content, thereby expanding its reach. The algorithmic amplification is a key driver of the content’s spread.
-
User Demographics and Shared Interests
Social media platforms host diverse user demographics, many of whom share common interests, such as pets, Halloween, and home improvement. These shared interests facilitate the formation of online communities that actively share and engage with relevant content. “Golden retriever home depot halloween” content often finds a receptive audience within these communities, leading to rapid dissemination. For instance, pet-focused Facebook groups or Reddit communities dedicated to Halloween might actively share and discuss such content, contributing to its overall virality. The targeted nature of social media sharing enhances its impact.
-
Ease of Sharing and Content Formats
The ease with which users can share content on social media platforms is a crucial factor in its spread. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook provide simple sharing mechanisms, allowing users to quickly redistribute content to their networks. The content formats themselves, such as images and short videos, are well-suited for social media consumption, further enhancing their shareability. For example, a user can easily share a photograph of a golden retriever in a Halloween costume on Instagram with a few taps, instantly exposing it to their followers. The frictionless sharing process contributes significantly to the content’s widespread distribution.
-
Emotional Contagion and Virality
Social media sharing is often driven by emotional contagion, the tendency for individuals to share content that evokes specific emotions, such as joy, amusement, or nostalgia. “Golden retriever home depot halloween” content typically elicits positive emotions, prompting users to share it with their networks as a means of spreading positivity. This emotional response can trigger a cascade of sharing, leading to viral diffusion. For instance, a heartwarming video of a golden retriever interacting with Halloween decorations at Home Depot can prompt viewers to share it with their friends and family, thereby amplifying its reach exponentially. The emotional resonance is a key catalyst for viral sharing.
In summary, social media sharing constitutes a fundamental mechanism driving the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. Platform algorithms, user demographics, ease of sharing, and emotional contagion collectively contribute to the content’s rapid dissemination and viral nature. Understanding these factors is essential for analyzing the cultural and marketing implications of this online trend, especially when considering its influence on brand perception and pet-related trends.
6. Cutness appeal
The inherent “cuteness appeal” of golden retrievers functions as a primary driver in the propagation of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. This appeal stems from the breed’s neotenous features, including large eyes, soft fur, and a generally affable expression, characteristics that evoke protective and nurturing responses in humans. The effect is further amplified by the Halloween context, where the juxtaposition of a traditionally “cute” animal with costumes or festive elements creates a novel and visually engaging scenario. Without this appeal, the content would likely lack the emotional resonance necessary to achieve widespread sharing and viral status. A photograph of a tool display in Home Depot, for instance, lacks the inherent shareability of an image featuring a golden retriever in a pumpkin costume amidst similar decorations.
The importance of “cuteness appeal” can be observed in the performance of different types of animal-related content online. While images of various animals may garner attention, those featuring species or breeds perceived as particularly “cute” tend to achieve greater virality. Golden retrievers, with their established reputation as friendly and aesthetically pleasing animals, occupy a privileged position in this hierarchy. The “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon capitalizes on this pre-existing bias, leveraging the breed’s inherent appeal to create content that is inherently engaging and emotionally resonant. An example of this is evident in the difference between the views and shares of a video featuring a golden retriever in a Halloween costume compared to a video featuring a less conventionally “cute” animal in a similar setting.
Understanding the role of “cuteness appeal” in the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon has practical significance for content creators and marketers. By recognizing the factors that contribute to this appeal, it becomes possible to strategically design content that maximizes engagement and shareability. This might involve emphasizing the breed’s neotenous features, creating visually appealing scenarios that combine the dog with Halloween-themed elements, or leveraging the emotional connections that viewers have with golden retrievers. However, it also necessitates a consideration of ethical implications, ensuring that animal welfare is prioritized and that the content does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or practices. The challenge lies in harnessing the power of “cuteness appeal” responsibly and ethically, ensuring that the creation and distribution of content benefit both the brand and the animal involved.
7. Seasonal Marketing
Seasonal marketing initiatives directly benefit from and contribute to the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. The structured campaigns associated with specific times of year, particularly Halloween, generate increased consumer engagement and brand visibility, which subsequently amplifies the reach and impact of related user-generated content. For example, Home Depot’s deployment of Halloween-themed displays and promotions provides a physical backdrop for the organic creation of “golden retriever home depot halloween” imagery and videos. These displays, designed to attract customers and promote seasonal sales, inadvertently function as sets for pet owners looking to create engaging content featuring their golden retrievers. The resulting convergence of marketing effort and user-generated content creates a synergistic effect, benefiting both the retailer and the online community. Thus, seasonal marketing is essential because it supplies the foundational visual and thematic elements to create content associated with “golden retriever home depot halloween”.
Consider the practical application of this understanding. Retailers can subtly encourage the creation of such user-generated content by designing Halloween displays that are inherently photogenic and pet-friendly. For instance, incorporating low-level elements that allow for easy pet posing or creating interactive displays that invite pet participation. While direct promotion of such activity may be perceived as inauthentic, the strategic design of seasonal displays can indirectly foster the creation of shareable content. This, in turn, can enhance brand awareness and positive sentiment without necessitating overt marketing efforts. A case study of this would be a retailer who invested in attractive Halloween-themed backdrops at pet height, resulting in an unforeseen spike in social media mentions featuring customer pets within the store.
In summary, the connection between seasonal marketing and “golden retriever home depot halloween” is characterized by a mutually beneficial relationship. Retailers’ seasonal campaigns provide the context and setting for user-generated content, which, in turn, amplifies the reach and impact of the marketing initiatives. Understanding this dynamic allows retailers to strategically design seasonal displays that encourage content creation, thereby maximizing brand visibility and fostering a positive brand image. However, this approach requires careful consideration to avoid appearing exploitative and prioritize ethical considerations related to pet welfare and authenticity. As the market shifts increasingly towards user-generated content, it will be key to learn how to utilize opportunities such as this for further marketing endeavors.
8. Brand association
The connection between brand association and the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon stems from the inherent alignment or contrast between the brand image of Home Depot and the positive emotional responses elicited by golden retrievers in festive contexts. A strong, positive brand association occurs when the imagery reinforces or enhances the existing perceptions of the brand. Conversely, a negative association can arise if the content clashes with or undermines the brand’s established identity. In the context of this phenomenon, the prevailing brand association tends to be positive, driven by the widespread appeal of both golden retrievers and the Halloween season. A critical component lies in leveraging the familiarity and perceived reliability of the Home Depot brand with the emotional resonance of the animal and holiday to enhance brand equity and customer sentiment. As a real-life example, Home Depot benefits from portraying itself as a family-friendly, community-oriented retailer when consumers associate the brand with heartwarming visuals of pets celebrating holidays within its stores. This association translates into increased brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
Further analysis reveals practical applications for Home Depot itself. By subtly incorporating pet-friendly elements into its seasonal displays, the brand can indirectly encourage customers to create and share “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. This approach leverages user-generated content to amplify the brand’s marketing message, promoting a positive and engaging image. Strategic placement of visually appealing Halloween decorations at pet-accessible heights, for instance, can lead to an increase in photographs and videos featuring pets interacting with the displays. The brand can monitor social media channels to identify trending content, strategically responding with supportive or appreciative comments, thereby fostering a sense of community and strengthening brand loyalty. This active engagement reinforces the positive brand association and enhances its impact. This can also inform future seasonal displays to be more visually appealing to increase the frequency of positive brand associations.
In conclusion, brand association plays a significant role in the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. The positive alignment between the Home Depot brand, the appeal of golden retrievers, and the festive Halloween season creates a mutually beneficial relationship. By strategically leveraging this dynamic, Home Depot can enhance its brand image, foster customer loyalty, and amplify its marketing message through user-generated content. The primary challenge lies in maintaining authenticity and avoiding overt commercialization, ensuring that the content remains organic and genuine to preserve its emotional impact. As brands increasingly rely on user-generated content for marketing purposes, it becomes crucial to understand and strategically manage the brand associations that these initiatives create.
9. Content virality
Content virality serves as the ultimate outcome and a key indicator of success for the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. This virality is not arbitrary; it is a consequence of several converging factors. The pre-existing popularity of golden retrievers, combined with the festive nature of Halloween and the recognizable setting of Home Depot, provides fertile ground for content that resonates widely across diverse online audiences. The ease with which individuals can share this content on social media platforms acts as an accelerant, rapidly disseminating images and videos to a vast network of users. A primary driver behind the virality is the emotional response elicited by the content, with the inherent cuteness of the dogs fostering feelings of joy, amusement, and warmth. These emotional responses incentivize sharing, creating a snowball effect that propels the content into viral status. For instance, a video featuring a golden retriever dressed as a Home Depot employee may initially be shared within a small circle of friends but can quickly gain traction, accumulating thousands or even millions of views as it spreads across various online platforms.
Further analysis reveals practical implications for marketers and content creators. Understanding the specific elements that contribute to the virality of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content allows for the strategic design of future campaigns. This might involve leveraging trending themes, incorporating visually appealing elements, or crafting content that elicits strong emotional responses. Home Depot, for instance, could subtly encourage the creation of such content by designing seasonal displays that are inherently photogenic and pet-friendly. This can also manifest by engaging with social media posts including the key search phrases. Monitoring metrics such as shares, likes, and comments can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different content strategies, allowing for continuous optimization and improvement. The success of “golden retriever home depot halloween” serves as a case study demonstrating the potential for user-generated content to amplify brand awareness and drive customer engagement.
In conclusion, content virality is not merely a superficial outcome but a critical component of the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. It is the culmination of several interconnected factors, including the inherent appeal of the subject matter, the ease of social media sharing, and the emotional responses elicited by the content. Understanding the dynamics of content virality allows for the strategic design of future campaigns, enabling marketers and content creators to maximize their reach and impact. However, the pursuit of virality must be tempered with ethical considerations, ensuring that content is authentic, responsible, and does not exploit animal welfare. This highlights the need for ethical and thoughtful management of any campaign, user-generated or official.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the observed online phenomenon of Golden Retrievers in Halloween settings at Home Depot stores. These answers seek to provide clarity and context to this subject.
Question 1: What factors contribute to the online popularity of images and videos depicting golden retrievers in Halloween costumes at Home Depot?
The confluence of several elements drives this popularity: the breed’s inherent appeal, the festive nature of Halloween, the recognizable retail environment, and the ease of sharing visual content on social media platforms. The combination fosters emotional resonance, encouraging widespread dissemination.
Question 2: Does Home Depot actively promote or endorse the creation of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content?
While Home Depot may not directly solicit this specific content, the retailer’s seasonal displays and brand presence provide a backdrop that facilitates its creation. The company benefits indirectly from the increased brand visibility and positive sentiment associated with such user-generated material.
Question 3: Are there ethical considerations associated with creating and sharing images or videos of golden retrievers in Halloween settings at Home Depot?
Yes. Animal welfare is paramount. Content creators should ensure that the dogs are comfortable, safe, and not subjected to stress or discomfort for the sake of creating visually appealing material. Responsible pet ownership should always take precedence over online content creation.
Question 4: How can one locate “golden retriever home depot halloween” content online?
This content can be found through searches on social media platforms using relevant keywords, such as “golden retriever,” “Halloween,” “Home Depot,” and related hashtags. Image search engines can also be used to locate visual content.
Question 5: What are the potential marketing implications of this online trend?
The trend demonstrates the power of user-generated content to amplify brand awareness and positive sentiment. Retailers can leverage this phenomenon by creating environments that encourage content creation, thereby enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.
Question 6: What is the historical context for “golden retriever home depot halloween” as an online trend?
While difficult to pinpoint a precise origin, the trend is rooted in the broader history of using animals in marketing and social media to capture attention and generate engagement. The combination of a popular breed, a widely recognized holiday, and a familiar retail setting creates a readily shareable formula that has resonated over time.
These frequently asked questions provide insight into the key facets of the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon. Understanding these factors is crucial for navigating its cultural and marketing implications.
The following section will explore strategies for effectively managing user-generated content of this nature, balancing brand promotion with ethical considerations.
Strategies for Managing “Golden Retriever Home Depot Halloween” Content
The proliferation of user-generated content centered around the “golden retriever home depot halloween” theme presents both opportunities and challenges. The following guidelines offer strategic approaches for navigating this phenomenon effectively.
Tip 1: Monitor Social Media Channels: Implement a robust social media monitoring system to track mentions of Home Depot, Halloween, and golden retrievers. Utilize keyword searches and hashtag tracking to identify relevant content. This proactive approach allows for timely engagement and response.
Tip 2: Engage Authentically: When responding to user-generated content, prioritize authenticity. Avoid overly promotional messaging. Instead, offer genuine appreciation for the creativity and enthusiasm displayed in the posts. A simple “Thank you for sharing!” can be more effective than a generic marketing message.
Tip 3: Highlight Positive Examples: Selectively showcase exceptional examples of “golden retriever home depot halloween” content on official Home Depot channels. This curation process amplifies positive brand associations and encourages further user participation. Ensure proper attribution is provided to the original content creators.
Tip 4: Provide Clear Guidelines: Develop clear and concise guidelines regarding pet safety and responsible content creation. Communicate these guidelines through official channels, encouraging users to prioritize animal welfare when creating “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. This proactive approach mitigates potential negative publicity associated with animal mistreatment.
Tip 5: Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with pet-focused influencers to create engaging and responsible “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. This collaboration can help to shape the narrative and promote ethical practices within the community. Select influencers who align with Home Depot’s brand values and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare.
Tip 6: Analyze Content Trends: Regularly analyze the trends and themes emerging from “golden retriever home depot halloween” content. This analysis can inform future marketing strategies, seasonal displays, and product offerings. Identifying popular costumes or posing techniques can provide valuable insights into customer preferences.
Tip 7: Address Negative Content Promptly: Develop a clear protocol for addressing negative or inappropriate content associated with “golden retriever home depot halloween.” This might include removing offensive material, responding to complaints, or taking other necessary actions to protect the brand’s reputation. Timely and decisive action is crucial in mitigating potential damage.
Effectively managing user-generated content requires a balanced approach that prioritizes authenticity, responsibility, and ethical considerations. By implementing these strategies, Home Depot can leverage the positive aspects of the “golden retriever home depot halloween” phenomenon while mitigating potential risks.
The subsequent section will provide a comprehensive conclusion, summarizing the key takeaways and outlining future directions for research and analysis.
Conclusion
This exploration of “golden retriever home depot halloween” has illuminated the multifaceted factors contributing to its online prevalence. The analysis has underscored the interplay between breed appeal, seasonal thematics, retail context, and social media dynamics in driving content virality. The inherent “cuteness appeal” of golden retrievers, coupled with the festive atmosphere of Halloween and the recognizable backdrop of Home Depot stores, creates a unique synergy that resonates across diverse online audiences. Successful content in this niche leverages social media algorithms and emotionally resonant imagery to maximize reach and impact.
Moving forward, continued observation of this phenomenon remains crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of user-generated content and its implications for brand management. Responsible participation in such trends requires a sustained commitment to ethical considerations, prioritizing animal welfare and authenticity. The convergence of marketing, social media, and pet culture necessitates ongoing analysis to ensure that engagement remains both impactful and ethically sound, potentially setting a positive precedent for how brands and individuals interact with viral trends involving animals in the digital sphere.