SC social media influencer raises over $400K to help animals in California wildfires. Here’s how
Two years ago, Jonathan Lower said he and his golden retriever Teddy were just “riding the wave” of social media popularity.
The wave is still rolling with millions of followers, and he’s putting his heft into raising money for the Pasadena, California, Humane Society as it meets the needs of animals displaced by the fires in Southern California.
He set an ambitious goal — $400,000. By Thursday, after five days, he had raised $435,430 from more than 13,000 people.
Lower is known for his YouTube videos of Teddy, of course, who has his own apartment under the stairs in Lower’s house complete with storage drawers under his bed, a television, heating and air conditioning, a Ring doorbell, fireplace and shelves with potted plants.
Lower is often setting Teddy up for funny videos like Teddy opening a dishwasher to lick the dirty plates or establishing a petting zoo of stuffed animals and trying to give away his brother dog, Archie.
Lower and his wife, Katelyn, who live in Piedmont, started the videos as something fun to do. It’s morphed into a mission. They hope to bring attention to overcrowding in shelters and to benefit the overall health of pets.
They have donated tens of thousands of dollars in collars, food and assorted dog stuff and Lower takes a dog out every week for a day on the town filled with parks, pup cups and chicken tacos. The dogs get a new toy, leash, collar and a dog tag.
The Greenville Humane Society says every dog Lower has taken out has been adopted.
About the Los Angeles fire, Lower said on Instagram, “Hey everyone, our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastating impact of the California wildfires. Estimates are already in the millions to rescue, treat, feed, and rehome these precious animals.”
After the goal was met, Lower wrote, “It’s truly unbelievable what we’ve accomplished! Thanks to all of you, the amazing supporters of AGuyandAGolden, and some amazing friends that shared, we’ve raised over $400,000 for Pasadena Humane to help animals impacted by the devastating fires.”
