LOGAN SQUARE — Cass and Elmore might be Logan Square's most famous dogs.
The adorable Newfoundlands — one 4 years old and the other 9 months — are the stars of the popular Instagram account "The Logan Square Bears."
Since formally launching about six months ago, the account has earned more than 15,000 followers, surprising the dogs' owners, 32-year-old Ashley Gaer and her fiance, Andrew Knoop.
"It was immediate fame ... pretty much when the puppy arrived," Gaer said of Elmore, the younger of the two pups.
Visit the account and you'll find endless photos of the giant dogs doing their thing: On a walk through Logan Square, lying on the couch and even posing in front of the Cubs marquee.
The account also documents the affection between the two dogs, who, despite the wide age gap, have become close.
"Elmore is a little crazy man puppy, but he loves Cass. And Cass has really adapted to being his brother," said Gaer, who is originally from the Detroit area.
Newfoundlands are known for their giant size and heavy fur coat. Adult dogs usually weigh between 130 and 150 pounds. According to the Newfoundland Club of America, the breed may be one of the oldest in America today.
Gaer pointed to a few possible reasons for the cult following.
For starters, she said, pictures of cute dogs are an escape from daily life. Then there are those followers who are either interested in getting a Newfoundland or have recently lost their pet, she said.
"I've had people reach out to me, saying, 'I lost my Newfoundland and your account has really helped me through some hard times.' Or even if they don't have a dog, they say, 'This has helped me through hard times,'" Gaer said.
The account doubles as a way for the couple, who have lived in the neighborhood for about three years, to spread information about the breed, including how to responsibly train the dogs. The pair promote breeders like the Newfoundland Club of America and the Newfoundland Club of America Rescue Network.
And they dismiss the notion that big dogs can't handle the big city.
"Yes, it's a giant. But the size doesn't mean it doesn't fit well in the city. They're actually perfect for the city. As long as you're doing things with them outside and inside your home, they're perfect," Gaer said.
Check out "The Logan Square Bears" account here.
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