Have you ever felt an irresistible urge to Pet That Dog you see on the street? For Gideon, an energetic ten-year-old from Cedar Falls, Iowa, this isn’t just an urge – it’s a mission that has captured hearts across the internet. At just eight years old, Gideon transformed his simple love for dogs into a heartwarming Twitter account, @IvePetThatDog, which has blossomed into a global phenomenon with over 130,000 devoted followers.
Gideon’s journey began with a straightforward question to his mom: “Can I post pictures of dogs online?” His innocent desire to share his adoration for dogs and give them “a little bit of fame” has turned into something truly special. More than just adorable photos, @IvePetThatDog is a celebration of the pure joy dogs bring into our lives and a reminder of the simple connections that make the internet a wonderful place.
Beyond his online endeavors, Gideon is a talented musician who plays piano, drums, and various percussion instruments. He also shares his life with Walter, a medium-sized dog who loves belly rubs and ham, and even runs a Chihuahua fan club with a friend, showcasing his multifaceted passions. However, it’s his Twitter account that truly shines. Starting with simple snapshots of dogs he met, accompanied by charming anecdotes, Gideon’s account quickly went viral. One morning, he had a modest 100 followers; by the time he returned from school, that number had skyrocketed to 5,000. Now, months later, his follower count continues to grow, and he has lovingly petted over 600 dogs. Despite the internet fame, Gideon remains grounded, stating, “No pressure, only happiness,” perfectly encapsulating the spirit of his delightful project.
Gideon’s dog-finding missions are a family affair. Three to four times a week, he, his mother Rachel, and his younger brother Nigel embark on adventures to discover new canine friends. They frequent local hotspots like dog parks and farmers’ markets, always on the lookout for pups they haven’t yet met. As the Cedar Falls Farmers’ Market season ends, they are becoming even more resourceful, sometimes driving 30 to 40 minutes to find a new dog to pet that dog. When a potential candidate is spotted, Gideon checks his mental database: “Do we have this dog?” before they approach. While some people are initially surprised by their approach, Gideon’s genuine enthusiasm quickly puts them at ease. Remarkably, about half the time, people already recognize him and his mission to pet that dog, a testament to his local celebrity.
While Nigel enjoys graphic novels in the car, Gideon diligently interviews each dog’s owner, or “caregiver” as he affectionately calls them, gathering details about the dog’s age, unique traits, and funny stories. With the owner’s permission, Rachel captures a photo, and Gideon dictates a heartwarming caption for each post. Scrolling through his Twitter feed is a comforting and predictable experience. Each post begins with “I pet [Dog’s Name],” followed by endearing details like “She is a six-month-old Chiweenie. Her favorite toy is a pig that oinks….” This consistent format, reminiscent of beloved children’s books, creates a soothing rhythm that resonates with his followers.
The appeal of @IvePetThatDog extends beyond just cute dog pictures. It taps into the profound connection we share with our canine companions. These interactions, distilled through Gideon’s innocent perspective, reflect the purest forms of human connection and community. Followers often describe Gideon’s posts as “self-care,” highlighting the calming and uplifting effect of witnessing these simple acts of kindness and affection. It’s a reminder of the love and joy that exists in the world, readily available in the act of petting that dog.
This project has also been transformative for Gideon himself. He’s expanded his knowledge of dog breeds, now recognizing Labradoodles and countless others. He’s gained confidence and social skills. “I’m a little more popular,” he acknowledges with endearing seriousness. More importantly, he’s learned a valuable lesson: “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, Gideon continues to connect with the humans, sharing the love and joy of petting that dog with the world.
Fifth grade holds exciting prospects for Gideon, primarily focused on his unwavering goal: to pet more dogs. “There’s still tons more dogs left in Cedar Falls,” he assures us. His dedication is infectious, as he looks out the window, ever vigilant, asking himself, “Do I have that dog? That dog looks awesome.” Gideon’s simple yet profound mission to pet that dog continues to bring smiles and warmth to the internet, reminding us all of the power of simple joys and the unconditional love of our furry friends.
