So, we got a new President in office, but it is Bernie Sanders who is making the rounds on social media and I could not be happier about it.
First, there is the fact that he looks so chill just sitting there in those amazing handcrafted mittens. His whole clothing choice is awesome if you ask me – I bet if he was elected he would have worn the same outfit, that is how he rolls. Whether you like him or not – you gotta’ admire his “I am who I am” attitude.
Also – big congratulations to the artisan, Jen Ellis, who created those amazing mittens for him as a gesture. While she has noted she does not officially sell them, I do see a few available as per her post on Twitter. She also recommends Etsy as an option for similar mittens.
OK, now on to why I really put this post together!
Creativity!
How do memes like this help rescues you ask?
Well, they increase your chance of likes, shares and brand awareness for your shelter or rescue. This can help reach new supporters and possible even donors. There is no downside to doing this as long as you keep it fun and not political or negative!
I have seen some of the most creative Bernie memes from animal rescues and shelters – and even some pet brands and I wanted to share them so you can be inspired for the next time a big event comes around!
Hopping onto the media bandwagon is a great way to get some added exposure and visibility for your animal organization. Opportunities like this also bring a sense of humor and lightness in a world of hard to see things, so it will be marketing that will be very welcome by your community!
Below are some of my favorites I have seen so far.
If you have seen amazing ones that are not listed here, please leave a comment with a link so we can get more giggles in.
City of Abilene Animal Services
Bernie showing his love of cats in this adorable Facebook post asking you to adopt a shelter cat. I bet those mittens are keeping those kitties cozy.
Vintage Pet Rescue
Vintage Pet Rescue has Bernie watching over some of their adoptable dogs and sitting couch side while enjoying watching the dogs during their snuggle time.
Karma Cat + Zen Dog
We all know the phrase “All You Need Is Love & A Cat” – well clearly Bernie agrees with that statement!
Philly Goat Project
Bernie enjoying some time at that farm with adorable goats.
BinxBox
BinxBox had Bernie stop by to see a bunny check out the goods in the latest box he received. Wonder if the bunny found any mittens?
SPCA of Texas
They are using their Bernie meme to try and help Martin get adopted with a fun little meme that shows how much this guy loves his sticks.
San Diego Humane Society
I love this one with, I literally laughed when I read it! Creative – and funny, a perfect example of a great social media play on a trending topic. A good amount of shares and comments to prove this one worked.
Humane Society of Chittenden County
An adorable play on waiting for your adoption appointment for your new kitty. Love all the cats and how they are like why is this dude sitting here!
Dumb Friend League
OMG – how cute is this one. Kittens + Mittens for the win!
Basepaws
This feline genetics company took it next level with not only a great meme, but a great poll as well. The poll is who wore the mittens better and that is as cute as can be! Then their meme mocking the new dogs in the White House! Great stuff!
Jersey Animal Welfare Society
Theirs is a fun way to remind people of their upcoming events and just get the brand name out there. Bernie sitting at the booth waiting to talk about pet adoption is a perfect fit!
CharityPaws
Of course I had to get in on the fun! I had Bernie join us in an adoption photo campaign I did for a local shelter showing called “Opposites Attract“. It was meant to show how misconceptions about pets – and people should be put aside – and that we can all get along. I bet Bernie would agree!
A Few Others Bernie Funnies!
Now, let me make something very clear, Bernie is no newbie to the world of memes!
In 2016 he took the internet by storm in part to a campaign that was created by some Sanders fans called cats can have a little salami. A website was created for this silly campaign and it was promoted as being one of Bernie’s campaign issues he was running on.
I think it is a brilliant idea and wish the site was still live, but I was able to grab a screenshot from archive.org for you to enjoy. There was even a hashtag for the site #notmeowus.
Then there was this beautifully Photoshopped image of him holding cat that ran rampant through social media and touted his love for cats. Seriously, this one is frame worthy.
I never thought I needed a picture of Bernie in a cute sweater hugging a cat but I have it and I’m crying over it pic.twitter.com/WYSFNyHywb
— soph (@melatoninmami) January 18, 2016
