This Dog Has No Idea What She's Doing

Recognize her? It’s Bailey, the golden retriever who has no idea what she’s doing. She may be clueless, but Bailey has achieved major internet celebrity thanks to keeping a happy face in even in the most ridiculous scenarios.

In an internet filled with adorable, photogenic dogs, Bailey is coming out on top. Maybe it’s because we’ve all been there—shuffling into a too-cool dance party or faking our way through a meeting that’s over our heads. Do any of us really know what we’re doing? People identify with Bailey—and Bailey gives the people what they want. (The people want more cute dog photos. Obviously.)

Rover.com sat down with Bailey (and her parent, John) to learn how this golden retriever achieved internet fame and glory.

Bailey the dog knows exactly what she’s doing

Instagram/goldenretrieverbailey

Rover.com: Thanks for chatting with us! Can you tell us a little about how you started photographing Bailey in these hilarious scenarios?

Bailey & John: As she was growing up, I oftentimes carried Bailey and held her because she is a relatively small golden retriever. We noticed that she would stay put if I set her down sitting up on the couch like a human. I decided to start taking pictures of her doing human things because she enjoyed it just as much as we did. Just like other dogs do tricks, staying still and comfortable in an unusual position is Bailey’s trick. She especially loves all the treats she gets!

Instagram/goldenretrieverbailey

Rover.com: Bailey’s amassing a big Instagram following—what do you think it is about your photos that resonate with Bailey’s followers? How did she become an internet celeb?

Bailey & John: I think Bailey’s pictures really took off because they were for the most part fairly original ideas showcasing a dog with tremendous talent. She became a celebrity with her “I have no idea what I’m doing” meme, but she really didn’t take off on a huge level until a couple days ago when the album containing her best work over the past few years made it to the front page of Reddit.

GoldenBailey.com

Rover.com: Tell me the story of your favorite Bailey photo, and why it’s your #1 choice.

Bailey & John: I really like the chainsaw one because it was so much fun to shoot. I like the small details in it like her paw placements and her belly fur sticking out of her shirt. I also think she looks cuter when her tongue is sticking out.

Instagram/goldenretrieverbailey

Rover.com: How do you pick the scenarios for your photos of Bailey?

Bailey & John: I just walk around the house and try to think of silly human things for a dog to do or silly things for her to wear (that she would also be comfortable wearing). Then I have to think about the feasibility of each idea and go from there.

GoldenBailey.com

Rover.com: What’s next for you and Bailey? Any fun plans (or cool photo shoots)?

Bailey & John: We’re gonna see where things go from here, but one thing is for sure: we’ll continue to take lots of new fun photos!

GoldenBailey.com

Catch more of Bailey’s hijinks online on Instagram, Facebook, and at GoldenBailey.com. Do you have a favorite Bailey photo? Tell us about it in the comments!