This week we are so excited to kick off a new series entitled '"Dog People" where we sit down with with the fascinating humans behind the dogs that we know and love. For this first installment, we were delighted to chat with Alexis Devine, who is a longtime community member, certified professional dog trainer, knowledge assessed, author, and the human behind the viral account @whataboutbunny. Alexis is an incredibly compassionate soul who has a great sense of humor, and we hope that you enjoy this q&a.
Alexis and her dog Bunny skyrocketed to fame on their social media accounts, @whataboutbunny, as Bunny’s use of an AIC button board seemed to become a part of pop culture. Alexis is very open about Bunny’s reactivity and sensitivity and credits Bunny for teaching her a lot about being human.
What is your favorite word?
Tohubohu
What do you suppose is your dog’s favorite word?
Verifiably; poop, and ugh.
What are some everyday things that “kill you with delight”?
Guacamole and sleeping or smiling dogs
What is your motto? Or a favorite quote?
“Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes” -Whitman
Alexis and her husband recently bought a cabin in the mountains that sits on 50 acres of land. While she enjoys the peace and quiet of the mountain air, she says that one of the driving factors for the cabin was wanting to find a space where her dogs, especially Bunny, could relax.
If money were no object, how would you like to spend your days?
Exploring remote spaces with my dogs……. and more dogs
What’s a hard lesson your dog has taught or is teaching you?
(Tenrec) Don't leave panties out unless you're in the market for crotchless panties
What’s a “quality” your dog “embodies” that you really admire?
Resilience
What’s a “side of you” that your dog brings out that you are grateful to experience?
Tenacity
What’s your biggest fear?
That there isn't enough time to learn all I want to learn and experience all I want to experience
What does community mean to you and what are some ways you think we can cultivate it today?
Like minded individuals coming together to uplift and support one another and create something bigger than anyone could manage.
What’s the last thing your dog did that made you belly laugh?
Bunny called Tenrec a cat.
What’s a memorable mistake you’ve made?
I’ve forgotten most of them because i was drunk
What helps you feel connected to this world?
Certainly my dogs. They help me to slow down.
Alexis is a lover of vintage fashion and art, and loves a good artistic photo shoot. Photos like the one above are spread throughout the incredible book she recently published entitled I Am Bunny*.
What sound do you love?
Bass vocals
What makes you feel hopeful?!
Community
What does it mean to you to be a “dog person”?
Centering behavioral diversity and agency.
How would your dog describe you to other dogs?
“She’s kind of a train wreck emotionally, but she does the best she can.”
What’s one question we should ask the next person we talk to?
“Do you wipe standing up or sitting down?”
*[Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]