From international Vogue and Elle covers to life in New York with her rescued pitbull Sherlock, Anaïs Pouliot has built a life where fashion, creativity, ambition and a deep love for dogs naturally intersect. After years in front of the camera, she still finds inspiration in the collaborative energy of a great shoot, while off duty, her world revolves around long walks, coffee stops, gardening, travel and her four-legged companion. In this conversation, Anaïs talks about the creative magic of fashion, slow days in New York with Sherlock, the misconceptions surrounding pitbulls, and how life with a dog can change the way we see both animals and people.
You’ve graced international covers for Vogue to Elle. What still makes you excited to step in front of the camera?
Anaïs Pouliot: "Even though I have been doing this for many years, I still love stepping in front of the camera because I love being part of the creative process. I am always in awe of what happens when so many talented people in fashion come together to create something. There is so much collaboration between the model, photographer, makeup and hair artists, stylist, creative director, editor, and so many others, and every person brings something important to the final image. I love seeing all of those creative visions come together on the day of the shoot. There is also something incredibly exciting about creating images that can inspire others and potentially have a lasting impact. I’ve had people tell me how vividly they remember specific covers I’ve been on, and there is something really special about knowing that an image you helped create stayed with someone. Being part of that process and contributing to imagery that can live on beyond the shoot is what continues to make me excited to step in front of the camera."
The perfect day for Sherlock and me would involve a great walk that takes us all the way to Intelligentsia Coffee at the High Line Hotel in Chelsea, New York.
What does a perfect day in New York look like for you and Sherlock?
Anaïs Pouliot: "The perfect day for Sherlock and me would involve a great walk that takes us all the way to Intelligentsia Coffee at the High Line Hotel in Chelsea, New York. They have a nice, dog-friendly backyard garden where I could enjoy a nice cappuccino while Sherlock sunbathes and people-watches. He instinctively remembers that they have dog cookies, so I would, of course, be obliged to give him one or two for being a good boy. Then we’d head back home, where Sherlock would take an afternoon nap, likely followed by a bully stick. In the early evening, I’d take him all the way to the West Side Highway and sit on a bench with him next to me while we watch the sunset over the water. We’d then slowly make our way back home and relax for the rest of the evening. I’m pretty sure those kinds of slow, relaxing days are his favorites, and mine too!"
Sherlock is quite a character. What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing he does?
Anaïs Pouliot: "Anything related to water is always really funny with Sherlock. One thing I’ve learned since getting a pitbull, and that I’ve noticed seems pretty common among them, is their general dislike of water. Sherlock is no different. When it rains, it’s as if he is going to melt, and he gives me the saddest look as if I personally turned the rain on. The same goes with showers. He hates them, but surprisingly, he will begrudgingly walk himself into the shower when asked. He looks miserable throughout the entire thing, but the second it’s over, he sprints into the kitchen because he knows he’ll get treats afterwards. He is very food motivated, so I guess that’s enough positive reinforcement to make him cooperate! He’s also not exactly a natural swimmer. So when we were camping in Maine and decided to take him out for a little canoe ride, we were pretty surprised that he was okay with it. He was initially terrified, of course, but once he realized he was safe, he actually ended up enjoying himself. So apparently, he’ll tolerate being around water when there’s a good enough reason, especially if treats are involved!"
It’s been fascinating to see how quickly someone’s perceptions can change when they get to know the dog in front of them.
Has living with a pitbull changed the way you see dogs or people?
Anaïs Pouliot: "I wouldn’t say it changed the way I see dogs, but it has definitely made me realize certain things. I’ve always known that a pitbull’s personality, and any dog’s, is shaped mainly by their environment, training, and upbringing, rather than simply their breed. I’ve always loved all kinds of dogs, and I was never particularly affected by the stereotypes of certain breeds. To me, a dog was a dog, and I never made assumptions based on its breed. At the same time, living with a pitbull has made me much more aware of the responsibility that comes with being a good and responsible owner. I know that my dog has to behave well, because if he doesn’t, people may be more likely to attribute his behavior to the fact that he is a pitbull rather than simply seeing it as the behavior of an individual dog. More interestingly, I think living with Sherlock has changed the way I see people. I’ve seen the opinions of many people, including friends and family, completely change after meeting him. Some were initially hesitant or even terrified to meet him, but quickly fell in love with him once they got to know his personality and demeanor. Some have even gone on to foster and adopt pitbulls themselves after spending time with him. What I’ve learned is that many of those initial reactions were based on what people had heard instead of their own experiences. People who were scared of him had actually never spent any time with these dogs. It’s been fascinating to see how quickly someone’s perceptions can change when they get to know the dog in front of them."
I think I just enjoy having different things in my life that allow me to completely switch gears.
Between modeling, beauty, travel, and content creation, what’s your favorite way to switch off?
Anaïs Pouliot: "I wouldn’t say there is one specific way I switch off, but more of a combination of different things. I guess this year could be considered my gardening era! I’ve been taking care of the plants on both my building’s rooftop and backyard, which has brought me lots of joy. I can be found planting, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, amending soil, watering, and in general learning every day about plants. It’s a great way to decompress and enjoy nature. I’m trying to plant as many native and pollinator-friendly plants as I can, and the bees this summer seemed very thrilled about them! I also really enjoy working out, whether it’s Pilates, strength training, or jogging, as well as listening to music, cooking foods from around the world, and reading great books. My taste is pretty eclectic: I can go from Afrobeats, rock, and electronic music to jazz, and from memoirs and biographies to psychological thrillers and fiction. I think I just enjoy having different things in my life that allow me to completely switch gears."
If Sherlock could pack your suitcase for your next trip, what do you think he’d insist you take?
Anaïs Pouliot: "Probably himself! Haha. But seriously, Sherlock knows when I’m about to leave as soon as I take my luggage out, and he immediately looks quite sad. He loves going to different places, so I wish I could bring him everywhere I go. He has already traveled internationally by car with my husband and me to Canada, and I love seeing how excited he gets when he discovers a new place. If he had to stay in New York while I was away, I’m sure he’d insist that I take my phone so that I could FaceTime him. Although, knowing Sherlock, he’d probably find a way to sneak himself into the suitcase too!"
