Bentley turns heads wherever we go. People constantly comment on how beautiful he is, but what truly makes him stand out isn’t his fluffy coat or golden glow — it’s his energy, joy, and ability to make people smile. His happiness is contagious, and people are naturally drawn to that. It made me realize beauty isn’t about looking perfect; it’s about how you make people feel. When you feel good on the inside, confidence radiates outward, and people see you as beautiful regardless of appearance.
At times it feels like wellness or elevating one’s wellbeing, is diametrically opposed to high achievement and high performance in one’s career. The stress, mental energy, long hours, lack of restful sleep and preoccupation that result from a high-achievement life seem to directly inhibit wellness. And yet, in order to sustain the creativity, flexibility, mental acuity and resilience that are necessary for high performance, wellness and wellbeing of the mind, body and soul are also mandatory. So how do we achieve both? This is the question I’m hoping to answer through conversations with high-achieving leaders and influencers who are practicing their own philosophies about how to maintain their wellbeing.
As a part of our series about “Social Media Influencers Share Their Top Self Care, Wellness, and Beauty Tips, I had the pleasure of interviewing Angel Cindy, owner of doggy influencer Bentley the Golden Digger.
Doggy influencer Bentley the Golden Digger and his human mum, Angel, are health-conscious companions from Brisbane. Angel and Bentley are dedicated to sharing their journey online with the hope it helps other pet owners make informed decisions so they can enjoy a happy life with their canine companions.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory of how you came upon this career path to where you are today?
When I first got Bentley, his charm naturally attracted attention in public, inspiring me to start a social media channel. But everything changed when he became violently ill from a raw food diet. I began sharing his journey in real-time, posting daily updates as we navigated his recovery. One video, filmed while I anxiously waited in the hospital emergency room, resonated deeply with viewers and went viral, reaching over 5 million combined views. That moment made me realize the power of sharing Bentley’s story.
With years of experience in content creation, growing Bentley’s social media presence has come naturally. Before Bentley, I built my travel blog @byangelcindy in the early days of Instagram and ran a creative agency, helping brands connect authentically with their audience. Now, I bring that expertise into Bentley’s journey, using storytelling to educate, inspire, and build a strong community of dog lovers.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
While there isn’t one specific person, the community we built during Bentley’s health crisis became the driving force behind my decision to keep sharing his story. As I navigated endless tests, thousands of people offered support — leaving kind comments, sending messages, and even sharing their own experiences.
Some healthcare professionals, including vet technicians and nurses, helped me interpret Bentley’s blood test results, which I had shared on his blog. Their kindness and encouragement not only kept me going but also helped Bentley’s channel grow into a platform that continues to support and connect with others.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story with us about the most humorous mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson or take-away did you learn from that?
In the early days of Bentley’s social media journey, I was obsessed with pet puns and thought it was adorable to reply to comments as if I were Bentley. Looking back, I have no idea what got into me!
People quickly started commenting that it wasn’t cute and asked me to just “be normal.” It’s so cringe-worthy now when I think about it. The lesson? If you try to be something you’re not, it won’t feel genuine — and your audience will notice.
Authenticity always wins.
As an influencer, you have been blessed with great success in a career path that many have attempted, but eventually gave up on. In fact, perhaps most people who tried to follow a career path like yours did not succeed. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path but know that their dreams might be dashed?
Instead of chasing formulas for success, focus on what you truly love — authenticity and joy naturally resonate with your audience. I believe success on social media comes from sharing what you’re passionate about and infusing it with your personality. That’s what makes your content unique, even if the idea has been done before. When your content reflects who you are and excites you to create every day, it stands out. My viral moments often happen spontaneously because they’re genuine, unfiltered, and created without overthinking.
Now, I’ve simplified my creative process and let go of the need for high production quality when it’s not necessary. I actually prefer editing on my phone using VN Edit or CapCut rather than Premiere Pro. These days, I’d rather focus on the content itself than obsess over aesthetics.
Can you share with our readers some of the strategies you’ve used to build an engaged, loyal, and large online community?
Acknowledge the people who invest their time in supporting you. Engage them by replying to comments, listening to feedback, and showing genuine gratitude.
I love interacting with Bentley’s loyal fans, often recognizing them by name after checking their profiles. Making your audience feel seen and valued, strengthens connections and fosters a truly engaged community.
In my work, I focus on how one can thrive and care for oneself in three areas: body, mind, and heart. You are a busy person with a demanding schedule, can you share with our readers two self-care routines, practices or treatments that help your body thrive?
I cook fresh meals daily, avoiding processed foods and preservatives because our bodies aren’t designed to handle artificial chemicals. Coming from a family where cancer took three of my grandparents early, I’ve always prioritized whole foods. After Bentley’s health scare in July 2024, I switched him to home-cooked meals, and he’s been thriving ever since. It’s the most valuable self-care investment I make for both of us.
2. Proactive Health Monitoring
Living with an autoimmune condition has taught me the importance of regular health check-ups. Every 3–6 months, I monitor key biomarkers through blood tests to stay ahead of any issues. I do the same for Bentley — tracking his thyroid, hormone levels, and joint health to ensure he stays in peak condition. Early detection is key, and staying proactive gives us both the best chance at long-term wellness.
Can you share with us two routines that you use to help your mind or heart to thrive?
A 10-minute interval sprint session a few times a week has been a game-changer for both Bentley and me. The short bursts of high-intensity movement boost serotonin levels, clear my mind, and help manage stress naturally. The rush of endorphins leaves us feeling energized, and we both sleep deeply afterward. It’s a simple but powerful way to reset mentally and emotionally.
2. Prioritizing a Low-Stress Lifestyle
When Bentley was 1–2 years old, I was running an Airbnb while frequently traveling. The constant change took a toll on his mental health — he was anxious, panting, and always on edge. Every little noise startled him, and he struggled to sleep and maintain weight. Once I transitioned to a calmer, more stable routine, he became noticeably more relaxed, and most of his behavioral issues disappeared. This experience reinforced that stress affects both humans and dogs — a predictable, low-stress environment is essential for overall well-being.
Can you help articulate why self-care is so important for your mental wellness?
Self-care isn’t just about what looks good on Instagram — it’s about prioritizing what truly matters, for both me and Bentley. It means making time to recharge, reset, and find balance, whether that’s through exercise, rest, or simply slowing down to enjoy the little moments with him. Sometimes, it’s skipping a night out so I can get enough sleep to take him on an early morning adventure or reassessing spending habits to invest in his health and well-being. At its core, self-care is about making choices that allow me to be the best version of myself — not just for me, but for Bentley too.
One of the biggest shifts I’ve made is keeping my phone on Do Not Disturb 24/7 for the past year, and it’s been life-changing. I no longer feel pressured to accommodate other people’s schedules — I decide who has access to me and when, which means more uninterrupted quality time with Bentley. I check my emails once a day or every other day, and the peace of mind this brings allows me to be more present with him. If you want to reclaim your time and energy, try it — it’ll change your life and deepen your bond with your dog.
Can you share five ideas that anyone can use “to feel beautiful”?
Bentley turns heads wherever we go. People constantly comment on how beautiful he is, but what truly makes him stand out isn’t his fluffy coat or golden glow — it’s his energy, joy, and ability to make people smile. His happiness is contagious, and people are naturally drawn to that. It made me realize beauty isn’t about looking perfect; it’s about how you make people feel. When you feel good on the inside, confidence radiates outward, and people see you as beautiful regardless of appearance.
2. Invest in Yourself
There’s nothing more attractive than a relaxed, calm presence in a hectic situation. Confidence isn’t just about looks — it’s about how you carry yourself under pressure.
When I first got Bentley, I struggled with training him, but I invested time and effort. Now, he’s graduated from four classes and is advancing through agility training. Whenever we go out, people praise how well-behaved and well-mannered he is, and that makes both of us feel great.
The same applies to us — investing in learning, health, and personal growth builds self-trust. And when you believe in yourself, you naturally feel beautiful.
3. Beauty Is About Perspective
To feel beautiful, you need a clear perspective. What you focus on shapes how you feel. I used to compare myself to unrealistic standards, especially on social media. Even knowing filters and edits were involved, I still felt inadequate.
So, I took control — I unfollowed anything that made me feel less-than and focused on content that uplifted me. I also distanced myself from people who projected their insecurities onto me. The result? I felt lighter, freer, and more present with Bentley. And in that presence, I found true beauty.
4. Respect Your Emotions
Emotions, not logic, shape how we feel — especially when it comes to beauty. Humans and dogs bond deeply through emotions; they guide our actions and strengthen our connections. Yet, we often dismiss them just because they don’t “make sense.” But emotions aren’t obstacles — they’re signals guiding us toward what we truly need.
I used to ignore mine, especially in social situations. My inner voice would say, “I don’t want to be here, I want to go home,” but I’d force myself to stay because I felt like I should. The result? I’d leave drained, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Worse, that exhaustion would spill over, making me short-tempered with Bentley or the people I love.
Now, I listen. When something doesn’t feel right, I honor that feeling. Respecting my emotions has made me a better person, a better dog mom, and a happier version of myself. And Bentley, always attuned to my energy, thrives when I do.
5. To Feel Positive, You Need Serotonin
Serotonin regulates mood, and low levels can lead to depression and fatigue. I learned this firsthand when I discovered my depression was linked to a vitamin B6 deficiency. Once corrected, my outlook on life improved.
I apply the same care to Bentley — ensuring he gets proper nutrition, exercise, and sunlight. When his needs are met, he’s happy, playful, and full of life. The same goes for us — taking care of our body transforms how we feel.
Is there a particular resource, a practitioner, expert, book, or podcast that made a significant impact on you and helped you to thrive? Can you share a story about that with us?
Andrew Huberman & The Power of Neuroscience!
Andrew Huberman’s podcast, The Huberman Lab, transformed how I understand my brain — and even how I care for Bentley. Learning about dopamine, sleep, motivation, and the gut microbiome made me realize that happiness isn’t about having more, but about understanding how our brains and bodies function.
Just like I optimize my own well-being, I apply the same principles to Bentley — ensuring he gets proper sleep, mental stimulation, and a nutrient-rich diet. When his needs are met, he’s happier, calmer, and more balanced. Simply understanding neuroscience reshaped not just my life, but how I support Bentley’s too.
As an influencer, you are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
The Fresh Food Movement for Dogs!
I want to inspire pet owners to feed their dogs fresh, home-cooked meals instead of processed pet food. Most commercial dog food is packed with scraps, carbs, and additives that harm long-term health and behavior.
Cooking fresh for your dog is easier and cheaper than people think — you can even share meals by preparing simple, nutritious food for both of you. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just real food for a healthier, happier life.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this. :-)
Gary Brecka & The Ultimate Human Podcast
Gary Brecka, a human biologist and former life insurance analyst, offers unmatched insights into human mortality, health, and longevity. The Ultimate Human Podcast reshaped how I view health, emphasizing genetic mutation testing and targeted supplementation over medications that often mask symptoms and come with side effects.
From my own experience — and Bentley’s — I believe nutrition plays a far greater role in well-being than most realize.
I’d love to chat to Gary about how potential nutrient deficiencies can affect mental health, reduce substance dependence, and create more stable communities.
Growing up in an unstable household, I wonder — if my family had the nutrients they needed, could we have experienced a healthier, more supportive environment? Making genetic testing and methylated vitamins more accessible could be a game-changer for both individual and societal well-being. This would be a dream conversation!
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
Follow Bentley’s journey on Instagram — @bentleythegoldendigger
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Contributor at Authority Magazine covering leadership, innovation, and industry insights.
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