We Rate Dogs

On 15 November 2015, a student at Campbell University in North Carolina, majoring in golf management, launched a Twitter account based on a simple premise: rate dogs on a scale of 10.

Eight years of doggos, puppers, and floofs later, Matt Nelson’s online undertaking has 9.1 million followers.

We Rate Dogs had a lot going for it. After all, the internet loves adorable animals – perhaps nothing defines the web more than cat videos – but Nelson tapped into a trifecta of excellence that propelled the project into the zeitgeist: dogs, off-the-charts ratings, and humor.

You see, every pupper featured at We Rate Dogs takes the Spinal Tap route and goes to 11 or beyond.

We Rate Dogs became an instant internet sensation. A merch store, a book, and an online game followed. Nelson began receiving upwards of 1,000 user submissions daily, which required staff to winnow the hordes to the best good boys and girls.

The combination of cute critters and comedy resonated with many people. In an age when media tends to trap us in negativity, We Rate Dogs was a welcome respite.

Though the dogs are indeed dapper, the best part of the account resides in its message. To the folks at We Rate Dogs, every pup is a beautiful being, even those that might not fit into the conventional viewpoints on comeliness.

This notion that all living dogs deserve love, respect, and high ratings is not just an empty platitude for online likes, either. At We Rate Dogs, they put their money where their snouts are.

The account has raised millions of dollars for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. More specifically, though, they use their clout to fundraise for individual dogs in need of medical care, whose owners cannot afford the bills. At least every Friday, they launch a GoFundMe campaign targeted at dogs with vet or hospital bills that push into the five figures. In 2020, We Rate Dogs garnered $1.3 million for 170 dogs in need.

In 2020, Nelson adopted a 10-year-old German Shepherd named Doug. The dog had been surrendered to a shelter with severe ear infections, arthritis, and a problem getting along with other canines. He realized many dogs like Doug populated shelters across the world, with attributes or physical issues that made them unlikely to ever leave the facility alive. Nelson realized he had an opportunity to aid these creatures with his visibility, so he launched the 15/10 Foundation.

The group’s mission is to fill “a void in the animal welfare world by sponsoring dogs with behavioral or medical issues unlikely to ever make it out of the shelter. It hopes to channel the overwhelming support the WeRateDogs audience has shown for years into effective care for the dogs who need it most.” We Rate Dogs sends 15% of the proceeds from their merchandise to the charity.

It’s fantastic to see someone parlay their financial success into something that can help the world.

Get your dose of doggy goodness by following the project’s accounts, linked below. If the spirit moves you and you have the means, think about donating to the worthy cause or another in your area. If you can’t donate, think about volunteering at places that help animals in need. Or do both!

Matt Nelson and We Rate Dogs easily garner a 15/10 rating. Would recommend!