Meet Riley Steinger

We recently connected with Riley Steinger and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from a deep love for rescue dogs which all stemmed from Nubs and my desire to create a more inclusive and supportive community for pet parents—especially those with special needs dogs like Nubs. Seeing how resilient and loving rescue dogs can be has inspired me to give back in any way I can, whether through hosting fundraising events, advocating for adoption, or simply sharing our journey online to help others.

I truly believe that kindness has a ripple effect. The support I’ve received from my community fuels my passion to keep paying it forward. If I can make even a small difference—whether it’s helping a dog find a home, educating someone about pet mobility, or just bringing people together to celebrate their love for dogs—then I know I’m doing something meaningful.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Riley, the face behind @Nubsthepups, where I share the adventures of my three-legged rescue dog, Nubs. (Winner of best influencer in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 & recently 2024) My platform is all about celebrating rescue dogs, advocating for pet adoption, and showing that tripawds can do anything! Through fun and relatable content, I help fellow dog moms discover the best products, travel spots, and tips for giving their pups an amazing life.

One of the most exciting parts of what I do is bringing the dog-loving community together through fundraisers. I host themed fundraisers like Cirque du Pup and Costumes for a Cause, where dog parents can connect, have fun, and support local rescues. Each event has a unique theme and interactive elements, making it more than just a get-together—it’s a way to give back to our local shelters through raffles, pet photography and more.

At the heart of everything I do is a mission to inspire, educate, and uplift the rescue dog community. Whether through social media, in-person events, or new projects, my goal is to make a positive impact.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been authenticity, community-building, and adaptability.

Authenticity – Staying true to my mission and sharing real, unfiltered moments with Nubs has helped me connect with people on a deeper level. Social media is filled with polished content, but what truly resonates is being genuine. My advice? Don’t be afraid to show the real YOU —your audience will appreciate the realness.

Community-Building – Whether it’s online or through in-person fundraisers, creating a sense of community has been key. People love feeling like they belong to something bigger, and I’ve worked hard to make my platform a space where dog moms and rescue advocates can connect. For those starting out, focus on engaging with your audience, responding to comments, and finding ways to bring people together.

Adaptability – Things don’t always go as planned, whether it’s social media trends changing, unexpected challenges at events, or personal hurdles. Being flexible and open to evolving has helped me grow instead of getting stuck. My advice? Stay open-minded, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
For those early in their journey—stay consistent, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay connected to why you started in the first place. Everything else will fall into place with time!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with brands, businesses, and fellow dog lovers who align with my mission of celebrating rescue dogs, pet adoption, and the tripawd lifestyle. Whether it’s pet-friendly travel, high-quality dog products, mobility-focused pet care, or unique event partnerships, I love working with brands that truly care about dogs and their well-being.

I’m also ALWAYS open to partnering with local rescues, pet-friendly venues for events, local and business, and more. Community is everything to me, so I love finding creative ways to bring people and their pups together while supporting meaningful causes.

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out via Instagram @Nubsthepups or email me at [email protected] & Let’s create something pawsome together! 🐾

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Nubsthepups

Image Credits

Professional Photo of just Nubs: TailsandPawsphotography