Have you ever seen a dog and felt an irresistible urge to ask, “Can I Go Pet That Dog?” For Gideon, an energetic ten-year-old from Iowa, this isn’t just a fleeting thought – it’s a way of life. His simple question, born from a pure love for dogs, has blossomed into a heartwarming internet sensation. Gideon is the creator behind the Twitter account @IvePetThatDog, a delightful corner of the internet that captures the simple joy of connecting with canine companions. With over 130,000 followers and counting, Gideon’s account is proving that a little bit of kindness and a lot of dog adoration can go a long way in spreading happiness online.
Gideon’s journey began at the age of eight, fueled by an insatiable desire to pet every dog he encountered. This passion led him to ask his mom a pivotal question: “Can I post pictures of dogs online?” This innocent query sparked the creation of @IvePetThatDog, an account dedicated to showcasing Gideon’s encounters with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Beyond his online fame, Gideon is a multi-talented kid who plays various instruments and even runs a Chihuahua fan club, showcasing his genuine love for all things canine.
His initial tweets were straightforward and charming: photos of Gideon meeting dogs, often accompanied by sweet anecdotes. However, the account truly took off when it went viral, jumping from 100 to 5,000 followers in a single day. Now, months later, Gideon has met and petted over 600 dogs, sharing each heartwarming interaction with his ever-growing audience. Despite the online attention, Gideon remains grounded, stating, “No pressure, only happiness.”
(Alt text: Gideon, a young boy with long hair, happily pets Steve McQueen, a brown and white dog, outdoors with green grass and trees in the background, showcasing a joyful “Can I go pet that dog?” moment.)
To fuel his passion project, Gideon embarks on regular “dog-finding missions” with his mother, Rachel, and younger brother, Nigel. They frequent dog parks and farmers’ markets, always on the lookout for new furry friends. While their local farmers’ market closing soon presents a slight challenge, Gideon’s determination remains unshaken. They are now expanding their search radius, sometimes driving 30 to 40 minutes to find a dog they haven’t yet met. When they spot a potential candidate, Gideon checks his mental database – “Do we have this dog?” – before approaching. While some dog owners might initially appear hesitant, Gideon’s genuine enthusiasm quickly puts them at ease. Remarkably, about half the time, people already recognize him and his mission to pet all the dogs!
During these encounters, while Nigel enjoys graphic novels in the car, Gideon engages with the dog owners, or as he affectionately calls them, “caregivers.” He asks about the dog’s age, unique traits, and funny stories. With the owner’s permission, Rachel captures a photo, and Gideon dictates a charming description for each post. Scrolling through Gideon’s Twitter feed offers a sense of comforting routine. Each post begins with “I pet Daisy,” or “Ellie,” or “Milo,” followed by details like, “She is a six-month-old Chiweenie. Her favorite toy is a pig that oinks…”
(Alt text: A heartwarming scene of Gideon gently petting Rosa, a black and white dog with perked ears, capturing the essence of asking “Can I go pet that dog?” and receiving a positive response.)
This consistent format, reminiscent of beloved children’s books, creates a sense of familiarity and joy. It’s the blend of childlike wonder and genuine connection that makes Gideon’s project so captivating. Our relationships with dogs mirror the best aspects of human connection – simplified, distilled, and filled with unconditional love. Witnessing the bond between so many people and their pets, through Gideon’s lens, offers a heartwarming reminder of the purest forms of community. Followers often describe Gideon’s posts as “self-care,” highlighting the soothing and uplifting nature of his content. It’s a testament to the power of simple acts of kindness and the joy of asking, “Can I go pet that dog?”
Gideon’s project has also been personally enriching. He’s expanded his knowledge of dog breeds, now able to identify a Labradoodle and many others. He’s also experienced a boost in confidence and social connection. “I’m a little more popular,” he shares, “I’ve met a lot of friends… I’ve learned that all the people I’ve met love their dog.” If Gideon could interview the dogs themselves, he imagines their stories would echo the same sentiment: “The human that pets me and loves me is my best friend.” For now, he continues to connect with the humans, one “Can I go pet that dog?” at a time, spreading joy and capturing the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
(Alt text: Gideon kneels to pet Hiro, a fluffy white and brown dog, in front of a house, illustrating a successful “Can I go pet that dog?” moment with a happy dog and boy.)
With fifth grade underway, Gideon has ambitious plans to continue his dog-petting adventures. “There’s still tons more dogs left in Cedar Falls,” he says, eagerly anticipating future encounters. His simple question, “Can I go pet that dog?”, continues to open doors to new friendships, both human and canine, reminding us of the simple pleasures and profound connections that can be found in the world around us.
