What a magical surreal world. The instagram edit probably seems eye catching because of the crop maybe? I often crop things in differing ways to see if it improves the composition or it if even gives it a different feel. I had many art teachers who would keep a cut bit of mat board so you could move it around a drawing or piece in class and see should it be cut here or would it be better cropped this way.

I love the colour and the general mood, good luck in the contest. Also, your dog is adorable! Such a sweet face!