What started as a way to document his funny, independent Shiba Inu, Tory, became a creative career and a community of more than a million. We speak to Cody Taurus about their unique bond, the reality of being a Shiba dad and the dog who changed his life.
What did Tory change about your everyday life?
Cody Taurus: "Tory honestly changed almost everything about my day-to-day life. Before her, I could pretty much do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. Now there’s always this little creature whose schedule I have to think about too. When has she eaten? Has she gone outside? How long have I been gone? Even when I travel, part of me is thinking about her back home. But the biggest change is probably something I never expected. Getting Tory eventually pushed me into creating content, and that completely changed the direction of my life. Something that started with me just documenting this funny dog turned into this whole community and career that has given me opportunities I never imagined."
I can look at her face and know exactly what she wants even though she basically has the same expression 90% of the time. That's actually where a lot of my content comes from.
How would you describe the bond between you and Tory, and how does it inspire your content?
Cody Taurus: "Our relationship is funny because Tory isn't the stereotypical super affectionate dog. She's very independent, very particular, and affection is usually on her terms. I joke that sometimes it feels less like I own a dog and more like I have a roommate who silently judges everything I do. But after being together for so long, we understand each other really well. I can look at her face and know exactly what she wants even though she basically has the same expression 90% of the time. That's actually where a lot of my content comes from. I take little things she genuinely does and exaggerate them into what I imagine she's thinking. The character people see online isn't completely made up. It's basically Tory turned up to 100."
What is something about Tory that people don't see online?
Cody Taurus: "Probably how social she actually is with people. Online she has this reputation for being judgmental and antisocial because of the side-eyes and expressions she's known for, but she actually loves meeting people. The funny part is she'll be excited to meet you, let you pet her for a little bit, and then suddenly decide she's had enough and walk away. She's basically an extrovert with a very strict social battery. She's also a lot simpler than people probably think. She doesn't need constant attention. Give her a comfortable place to lie down, some food, a good walk, and the ability to monitor everything I'm doing from a distance, and she's perfectly content."
She's extremely independent and stubborn, and everything happens on her terms.
Shibas are known for being independent and full of personality. Does Tory live up to the stereotype?
Cody Taurus: "Absolutely. Tory might actually be contributing to the stereotype at this point. She's extremely independent and stubborn, and everything happens on her terms. If I call her over, sometimes she'll just stare at me like she's evaluating whether my request is worth getting up for. Usually it isn't. But that's also what I love about Shibas. You really have to earn their affection and trust. So when Tory chooses to come sit next to me or follows me around the house, those little moments actually mean something because I know she's doing it because she wants to."
What has being a dog dad taught you about yourself?
Cody Taurus: "Probably patience and responsibility more than anything. Having a dog is funny because you voluntarily bring this animal into your life that can't speak your language, has absolutely no idea what your schedule is, and then you have to figure each other out. Tory has taught me to pay attention to things outside of myself. You start noticing tiny changes in behavior, learning what they need, and making decisions with someone else in mind."
Tory has taught me to pay attention to things outside of myself.
If Tory could describe you in three words, what do you think they'd be?
"Annoying, useful, and obsessed. Annoying because I'm constantly bothering her or putting a camera in her face. Useful because I provide the food, transportation, housing and basically fund her entire lifestyle. And obsessed because, unfortunately for me, she knows she's my favorite."
