Dog Dad’s new book aims to help rescued pets

GREENWICH — Greenwich resident Topher Brophy is an enthusiastic father of four — but two of his young family members are dogs.

In his book “Dog Dad,” Brophy writes about his experience growing up and looking for a sense of belonging, and discovering harmony with his dog, Rosenberg. He tells a romcom-like story of meeting his wife Chantal Adair, also known as @thedogstyler, and having two human children.

Brophy, Adair and Rosenberg, with a combined 345,800 followers on Instagram between their accounts, are known for photos Adair captures with Brophy and Rosenberg in matching apparel.

Brophy and Rosenberg even donned scrubs after the family’s first baby was born for a photo. Adair coordinated the hospitalroom photoshoot herself and had a friend bring Rosenberg and the scrubs into the room shortly after the delivery.

Throughout Brophy’s Instagram, he shares messages of encouragement, lessons he’s learned from having a dog. His book is an extension of a philanthropic and uplifting mission, he said: Proceeds from the sale of the book will help other animals.

“Our goal was to put things on the internet that are going to make people feel good or make them feel happier, tug at their heartstrings and help them tap into their own empathy,” he said. “The reason for writing a book was just to put that all into one story that tries to touch people and help people.”

He is donating all of his proceeds from the book to American Humane, which he chose for its high rating as a charity and its work helping animals in Ukraine and in the path of Hurricane Ian.

“It feels good to help others, and that’s why we did the book. We wanted to help raise money for rescue and help humans understand that animal companionship can save their lives,” he said.

Throughout the book’s 242 pages, Brophy examines lessons Rosenberg — who the book is dedicated to — has brought into his life.

He describes learning to turn away from the narcissism he struggled with in his adolescence. Despite a claim made by a broadcast reporter years ago, he said the Instagram photos are not a reflection of ego; his intention was one of spreading positivity.

“Using (fame) properly for good, to me, is what is important. I think that we can use attention for positivity,” he said.

Brophy joins optimism with everyday setbacks in “Dog Dad” as he shares hardships, like preparing for the birth of a baby in the spring of 2020.

In the situations described in the book, encouragement from Rosenberg or Adair pull him out of hard times, he said.

He said he hopes others can find that same peace.

“I want to help people and encourage them to add companions to help their mental health,” he said.

“I want to help people get some respite and continue to give us some hope by channeling into these magical, innocent, loyal, loving creatures.”

“Dog Dad: How Animals Bring Out the Best in Us and Can Help Save The World” published Oct. 18.

Chantal Adair, @thedogstyler / Contributed photo Greenwich resident Topher Brophy poses with his dog Rosenberg. His wife and creative partner Chantal Adair, who goes by @thedogstyler on Instagram, photographs the pair in matching outfits and joins the styled photoshoots herself occasionally. This photo is the cover image of Brophy’s book “Dog Dad.”