Barcelona has long been a city where dogs are not only welcome but are full-fledged citizens in their own right. With a census that already puts the ratio at one dog for every ten residents—outnumbering children in many districts—it’s no wonder that initiatives designed for them generate more excitement than the premiere of a blockbuster. In this very “pet-friendly” ecosystem, the Catalan capital is preparing to welcome one of the most endearing phenomena on social media.
We’re talking about Christian Vieler, the German photographer who has taken the world by storm with his “Treat!” series. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Instagram in recent years, you’ve surely come across his portraits: dogs of all breeds frozen in time, eyes wide and mouths open, trying to catch a treat in mid-air. It’s the most honest portrayal of canine happiness (and their most endearing clumsiness), and now you can have one of your own pet without paying a single euro.
The study of impossible faces comes to Besòs
The venue chosen for this display of adoration and joy is the Diagonal Mar shopping center, which from April 16 to 18 will become the epicenter of local dog culture. The event, organized in partnership with the pet nutrition brand Josera, isn’t just about setting up a studio backdrop and snapping photos. The idea is to recreate that relaxed atmosphere that Vieler has been perfecting since 2017, where the secret isn’t photographic technique, but the ability to connect with the animal so it forgets it’s posing.
Although photo sessions with the star photographer are the main attraction, the venue will feature a gallery showcasing some of his most iconic works. For those of us short on time, there will also be personalized nutritional counseling and a prize wheel so no one goes home empty-handed. Even the youngest members of the family have their place with face-painting workshops, because at this event, the focus is, above all, on family.
How to ensure your dog becomes the next viral sensation
Although access to the activity area is free for anyone strolling through the shopping center’s central plaza, getting Vieler to photograph your pet requires a bit of planning. Given theartist’s viral popularity, spots for the photo sessions are limited and tend to sell out in a matter of hours. To participate, you must register in advance through the Fotoroadshow ES platform.
Barcelona is a special place for this kind of initiative. According to the latest data from the Official College of Veterinarians of Barcelona, the province has the highest number of registered pets in all of Catalonia, with a growing trend toward small dogs and mixed breeds. This reality has made the city the perfect setting for international brands to launch initiatives that blend animal welfare with art, proving that, sometimes, the best family photo is the one that includes a wet nose and a treat flying through the air.