Have you ever seen a dog and immediately wanted to ask, “Can I Pet That Dog?” For Gideon, an energetic ten-year-old from Iowa, this feeling isn’t just a passing thought – it’s a way of life. His infectious love for dogs has blossomed into a heartwarming internet sensation. At just eight years old, Gideon turned his passion into the Twitter account @IvePetThatDog, and it has since captured the hearts of over 130,000 followers, becoming a beacon of positivity in the online world.
Gideon’s Simple Mission: Petting Dogs and Spreading Joy
Gideon’s journey began with a simple childhood desire: to pet every dog he encountered. He recalls asking his mom if he could post pictures of dogs online, driven by his immense love for them and a wish to share their adorable charm with the world. What started as a simple idea has evolved into a delightful project that brings smiles to thousands daily.
Beyond his canine enthusiasm, Gideon is also a talented young musician, playing piano, drums, bells, xylophone, and mallet percussion. He shares his home with Walter, a medium-sized dog who enjoys belly rubs and ham. Adding to his list of endearing pursuits, Gideon co-runs a Chihuahua fan club with a friend, where they celebrate the unique qualities of these tiny dogs, like their distinctive small heads.
His initial tweets in April were straightforward and charming: photos of Gideon meeting dogs, often accompanied by sweet anecdotes. One such story mentioned Sasha, a dog from a rare litter of only two puppies. Then, in May, the internet took notice. Gideon woke up to find his follower count had jumped from 100 to 5,000 overnight, thanks to some influential retweets. Five months later, his account continues to grow, and he has now met and petted over 600 dogs. When asked about the pressure of having so many eyes watching his dog-petting adventures, Gideon responds with a simple and pure sentiment: “No pressure, only happiness.”
The Dog-Finding Missions and the Stories Behind Each Pet
Three to four times a week, Gideon embarks on “dog-finding missions” with his mother, Rachel, and younger brother, Nigel. They explore dog parks and farmers’ markets, always on the lookout for new furry friends. While the Cedar Falls Farmers’ Market, a frequent hunting ground, is closing soon, Gideon’s determination remains strong. Having met most of the local dogs, they now sometimes drive 30 to 40 minutes to discover new canine companions. Upon spotting a potential dog to pet, they circle back, double-checking if they’ve already featured the dog on their account.
Sometimes, approaching strangers to ask “Can I pet that dog?” can lead to initial nervousness, with owners wondering if they are being followed. However, Gideon’s genuine enthusiasm and friendly demeanor quickly put people at ease. Remarkably, about half the time, people already recognize him, a testament to his growing local fame in Cedar Falls.
While Nigel enjoys graphic novels in the car, Gideon engages with dog owners, asking questions about their pets: age, unique traits, and funny stories. With the owner’s consent, Rachel takes a photo, and Gideon dictates a description, which his mother then crafts into a tweet. Scrolling through his Twitter feed offers a sense of comforting familiarity. Each post features Gideon, his face beaming, leaning towards a new dog – be it a collie, pit bull, or flat-coated retriever. The dog often gazes at something just out of frame, while a leash hints at the patient owner’s presence. Followers get a glimpse into these heartwarming interactions, sensing the love between people and their pets.
More Than Just a Pet: Building Community and Understanding
Each post begins with “I pet Daisy,” or “Ellie,” “Milo,” or “Mayhem,” followed by details like, “She is a six-month-old Chiweenie. Her favorite toy is a pig that oinks….” This consistent rhythm, reminiscent of children’s books, creates a captivating pattern that is both comforting and surprisingly engaging.
The interactions Gideon shares are more than just fleeting moments of petting dogs; they reflect the essence of human-animal bonds. These simple exchanges offer glimpses into the purest forms of community and connection. Followers often describe reading Gideon’s posts as “self-care,” highlighting the soothing and uplifting nature of his content. It’s an act of witnessing and appreciating the love and care shared within our communities.
This project has also been transformative for Gideon. He’s expanded his knowledge of dog breeds, now familiar with Labradoodles and many others. He acknowledges his increased popularity with a touch of seriousness, noting, “I’m a little more popular. I’ve met a lot of friends… I’ve learned that all the people I’ve met love their dog.” If he could interview the dogs themselves, Gideon believes 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 human companions, sharing their dogs’ stories and spreading joy, one pet at a time.
The Future of Dog Petting in Cedar Falls and Beyond
Fifth grade is a significant year for Gideon, filled with plans to pet even more dogs. “There’s still tons more dogs left in Cedar Falls,” he confidently states. “I’d say maybe 50. I get to look out the window and say, Do I have that dog? That dog looks awesome.” His dedication to finding and petting every dog he can embodies a simple yet powerful message: asking “Can I pet that dog?” can open doors to connection, joy, and a whole lot of tail wags.
