Cedar Rapids, IA, USA  
Digital Edition Digital Edition
Log in Log In My Account My Account
Subscribe Today
The Gazette The Gazette
The Gazette The Gazette
  • COVID-19
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Food & Drink
  • Business
Digital Edition Digital Edition
Log in Log In My Account My Account
Subscribe
CLOSE
The Gazette
Subscribe
My Account
  • News
    • All News
    • Election 2020
    • Coronavirus
    • Business News
    • Community
    • Crime and Courts
    • Education
    • Government
    • Health
    • Nation and World
    • Time Machine
    • Search Archive

    Our Journalists

    • Rod Boshart
    • Lee Hermiston
    • Erin Jordan
    • James Q. Lynch
    • Trish Mehaffey
    • Vanessa Miller
    • Kat Russell
    • Grace King
    • John Steppe
    • Gage Miskimen
    • Marissa Payne
  • Sports
    • All Sports
    • Iowa Hawkeyes
    • Hawkeye Football
    • Hawkeye Basketball
    • Prep Sports
    • Prep Volleyball
    • Prep Football
    • Prep Basketball
    • Prep Wrestling
    • Iowa State Cyclones
    • UNI Panthers
    • Small College Sports
    • Minor League Sports
    • Outdoors

    Sports Desk

    • Mike Hlas
    • Jeff Johnson
    • Jeff Linder
    • J.R. Ogden
    • K.J. Pilcher
    • Leah Vann
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Editorial Mission
    • Guest Columnists
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Political Cartoons
    • Staff Columnists
    • Staff Editorials
    • Submit a Letter or Column

    Our Columnists

    • Todd Dorman
    • Adam Sullivan
  • Food and Drink
    • All Food and Drink
    • Chew on This
    • Recipes
    • Restaurants
  • Business
    • All Business
    • Agriculture
    • Business Notes
    • Companies
    • Personal Finance
    • Economy
    • Employment
    • Energy
    • Manufacturing
    • Openings & Closures
    • Real Estate
    • Retail
    • Small Business
    • Transportation

    Our Journalists

    • Rod Boshart
    • Erin Jordan
    • John Steppe
  • Obituaries
    • All Obituaries
    • In Memory Of
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • Daily News Podcast
    • Fact Checker
    • Hlastradamus Odds
    • Iowa Prep Sports
    • On Iowa
    • On Iowa Politics
    • On UNI
    • Pinning Combination
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • Art
    • Books
    • Museums & Galleries
    • Music
    • Theater
    • Things To Do
  • Living
    • All Living
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Milestones
    • People & Places
    • Pets & Animals
    • Recreation
    • Religion & Belief
    • Travel

    Our Writers

    • Diana Nollen
  • Kids Gazette
    • See All
    • Kids Cooking Series
    • Kids Galleries
    • Printables
    • Activities
    • Articles
    • Submissions
    • Resources
  • Photos
    • All Photos and Videos
    • The Iowa Photo
    • Photo Store

    Our Photojournalists

    • Andy Abeyta
    • Liz Martin
    • Rebecca Miller
    • Jim Slosiarek
    • Gazette Visuals
  • Milestones
    • All Milestones
    • Anniversaries
    • Days To Remember
    • Engagements
    • Holidays
    • In Remembrance
    • New Arrivals
    • Thank Yous
    • Submit a Milestone
  • Data
    • Arrests
    • Building Permits
    • Interactive Maps & Charts
    • Salaries
  • Gazette Sites
    • Classifieds
    • Corridor Careers
    • Garage Sales
    • Gazette Gives Back
    • Gazette Rewards
    • Gazette Store
    • Green Gazette
    • HER
    • Iowa Wedding Experience
    • Holiday Light Finder
    • Hoopla
    • Iowa Ideas
    • Photo Store
  • Special Events
  • Special Sections
  • Other
    • About The Gazette
    • Archives
    • Article Removal
    • Business Directory
    • CR Arrest Database
    • Mobile Apps
    • Customer Care
    • Order Back Issues
    • Privacy Policies
    • Puzzle Answers
    • Sponsorship Requests
    • Submit a Letter
    • Weather
Daily News PodcastDaily News Podcast
Daily NewslettersDaily Newsletters
Log out

FOLLOW US

The Gazette
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Food and Drink
  • Business
  • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
  • Entertainment
  • Living
  • Kids Gazette
  • Photos
  • Milestones
  • Data
  • Gazette Sites
  • Special Events
  • Special Sections
  • Other
  • All News
  • Election 2020
  • Coronavirus
  • Business News
  • Community
  • Crime and Courts
  • Education
  • Government
  • Health
  • Nation and World
  • Time Machine
  • Search Archive

Our Journalists

  • Rod Boshart
  • Lee Hermiston
  • Erin Jordan
  • James Q. Lynch
  • Trish Mehaffey
  • Vanessa Miller
  • Kat Russell
  • Grace King
  • John Steppe
  • Gage Miskimen
  • Marissa Payne
  • All Sports
  • Iowa Hawkeyes
  • Hawkeye Football
  • Hawkeye Basketball
  • Prep Sports
  • Prep Volleyball
  • Prep Football
  • Prep Basketball
  • Prep Wrestling
  • Iowa State Cyclones
  • UNI Panthers
  • Small College Sports
  • Minor League Sports
  • Outdoors

Sports Desk

  • Mike Hlas
  • Jeff Johnson
  • Jeff Linder
  • J.R. Ogden
  • K.J. Pilcher
  • Leah Vann
  • All Opinion
  • Editorial Mission
  • Guest Columnists
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Political Cartoons
  • Staff Columnists
  • Staff Editorials
  • Submit a Letter or Column

Our Columnists

  • Todd Dorman
  • Adam Sullivan
  • All Food and Drink
  • Chew on This
  • Recipes
  • Restaurants
  • All Business
  • Agriculture
  • Business Notes
  • Companies
  • Personal Finance
  • Economy
  • Employment
  • Energy
  • Manufacturing
  • Openings & Closures
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Small Business
  • Transportation

Our Journalists

  • Rod Boshart
  • Erin Jordan
  • John Steppe
  • All Obituaries
  • In Memory Of
  • Submit an Obituary
  • All Podcasts
  • Daily News Podcast
  • Fact Checker
  • Hlastradamus Odds
  • Iowa Prep Sports
  • On Iowa
  • On Iowa Politics
  • On UNI
  • Pinning Combination
  • All Entertainment
  • Art
  • Books
  • Museums & Galleries
  • Music
  • Theater
  • Things To Do
  • All Living
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Milestones
  • People & Places
  • Pets & Animals
  • Recreation
  • Religion & Belief
  • Travel

Our Writers

  • Diana Nollen
  • See All
  • Kids Cooking Series
  • Kids Galleries
  • Printables
  • Activities
  • Articles
  • Submissions
  • Resources
  • All Photos and Videos
  • The Iowa Photo
  • Photo Store

Our Photojournalists

  • Andy Abeyta
  • Liz Martin
  • Rebecca Miller
  • Jim Slosiarek
  • Gazette Visuals
  • All Milestones
  • Anniversaries
  • Days To Remember
  • Engagements
  • Holidays
  • In Remembrance
  • New Arrivals
  • Thank Yous
  • Submit a Milestone
  • Arrests
  • Building Permits
  • Interactive Maps & Charts
  • Salaries
  • Classifieds
  • Corridor Careers
  • Garage Sales
  • Gazette Gives Back
  • Gazette Rewards
  • Gazette Store
  • Green Gazette
  • HER
  • Iowa Wedding Experience
  • Holiday Light Finder
  • Hoopla
  • Iowa Ideas
  • Photo Store
  • About The Gazette
  • Archives
  • Article Removal
  • Business Directory
  • CR Arrest Database
  • Mobile Apps
  • Customer Care
  • Order Back Issues
  • Privacy Policies
  • Puzzle Answers
  • Sponsorship Requests
  • Submit a Letter
  • Weather
Daily News PodcastDaily News Podcast Daily NewslettersDaily Newsletters
LOG OUT

FOLLOW US

More Stories

Despite their discomfort, some residents beginning to agree to COVID-19…

Two members added to Iowa City Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Hari Michele Osofsky is first University of Iowa presidential finalist…

Iowa universities promise more traditional fall experience

'A way to start over again’: Collaboration aims to replant…

Iowa City man arrested after armed robbery

Cyclist hit Wednesday in Coralville dies

Iowa State Patrol trooper killed during standoff

Home / News / Community

I’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s petted

Jun. 29, 2018 5:05 pm Updated: Jul. 3, 2018 2:32 pm
I’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s pettedI’ve pet that dog! Cedar Falls boy builds an online following telling stories of the dogs he’s petted

Gideon Kidd really loves dogs. And he wants to share that love.

The 9-year-old from Cedar Falls is the canine enthusiast behind the I've Pet That Dog Twitter account, which has garnered more than 98,000 followers since launching in April.

The concept behind @IvePetThatDog and an accompanying website is simple: Gideon heads out almost every day, searching for new dogs to pet. He then posts pictures and short stories about the dogs he encounters online.

Asked why he started the project, Gideon didn't hesitate.

'One, I love all dogs, and two, I want to show the public pictures of dogs, these amazing creatures,” Gideon said. 'They're all different. If they were all the same color, same breed, same size, I don't think people would love them as much. They all have their own personality.”

His mom, Rachel Braunigan, is an integral part of I've Pet That Dog's success. She drives him around as they search for dogs and usually is the one taking the photos and writing down the dog's stories.

'I just walk up to people and ask, ‘Hi, can I pet your dog?' Only a few people do not let us take a picture of a dog and post it on our website,” Gideon said. 'Mom writes down the notes. She posts them on the Twitter account. She is like my little helper.”

They started the website in September 2016, far before launching the Twitter account. Twitter is when their dog-petting efforts started going viral; each post can get thousands of likes and hundreds of retweets. Gideon has been interviewed by Iowa Public Radio, People and more, and recently 'Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda followed him and liked a photo, to Gideon's delight.

'It's very strange. It's not something we're used to at all,” Braunigan said of the attention. 'We're slowly adjusting to it. But it's a lot of fun. The website and the Twitter account has kind of taken on a life of its own.”

The whole thing was Gideon's idea, she said.

'He always asked everyone, ‘Can I pet your dog?' He asked me once if he could take pictures of every dog he met, and said that he wanted to show everyone the pictures. I said, ‘You mean a website?' And he said, ‘Yes, that's what I mean.'”

Gideon has been invited to pet some well-known dogs, like a recent trip to pet Drake University's mascot Griff the Bulldog.

'I like bulldogs because they are so adorable,” Gideon said. 'I also like Chihuahuas and St. Bernards. I like Chihuahuas because they're so tiny and precious. I like St. Bernards because they're so big. When they're a puppy, you can't tell they're a puppy.”

When he's not out searching for new dogs to pet, Gideon said he likes giving belly rubs to his own dog, a husky-beagle mix named Walter, as well as playing with his pet gerbils, seeing his friends and playing piano, drums, bells and snare.

He said he has pet more than 380 dogs since he started in 2016. He doesn't plan to stop anytime soon. His goal?

'A million dogs,” he said.

l Comments: (319) 398-8339; alison.gowans@thegazette.com

Photos and captions courtesy @IvePetThatDog I pet Summer. She is 1-year-old and is from a farm. She likes to run. She will give kisses and if you blow on her nose, she will gnaw on your face. Her caregiver says she is either dreaming about being crazy or is being crazy.
I pet Cookie. She is a 9-year-old Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise mix. Cookie broke her back and had surgery. The vet said she might not walk again or even live — but she did! Cookie is smart. Her caregiver once locked her keys and Cookie in the car. On demand, Cookie unlocked the doors!
I pet Viking. He is a 7-year-old dog who came from Georgia. His caregiver saw his picture online and knew she wanted him even though he was heartworm positive. He is healthy now. He is protective but friendly. His caregiver says every stranger becomes a friend to Viking.
I pet Bones. He is a 15-month-old boxer at Cedar Bend Humane Society who needs a home. He is very calm and snugly. He was kicked in the eye by a horse and had surgery for it. Bones will sit for treats. He likes to grab bags of treats and walk around with them as if they all belong to him.
I pet Kyah. She is a 1 1/2-year-old husky. Kyah is an active dog who goes to day care when her caregiver is not home. She loves other dogs, squirrels and howling. Her favorite thing is Dairy Queen ice cream.
I pet Meri. She is a 6-month-old purebred husky. She came from a breeder in western Iowa. Meri's grandfather was a champion Iditarod sled dog. Meri might make a good sled dog, but she is not very good with screen doors. She always runs into them. (Photos and captions courtesy @IvePetThatDog)
I pet Little Bud. He was also adopted from the Cedar Bend Humane Society recently. He is a Chihuahua, pug mix. His caregivers call him their 'little summer sausage.'

Trending

  • Cooper DeJean, Iowa’s everything football player

    Leah Vann

  • Hawkeyes add 6-foot-11 Riley Mulvey for next season

    Mike Hlas

  • Cyclist hit Wednesday in Coralville dies

    Lee Hermiston

  • Every Cedar Rapids traffic signal eventually will have observation cameras

    Kat Russell

  • Liam Robbins going from Minnesota to Vanderbilt, not Iowa

    Mike Hlas

Give us feedback

We work hard to provide fair, accurate coverage because we value your trust. If you find an error or omission in our reporting, please tell us here.

Submit a story idea

Do you have a story idea that we should look into? Please tell us here.

Related Stories

‘Saving Our Sisters’ program helps build up girls to be…

‘Saving Our Sisters’ program helps build up girls to be…

Grace King Community Feb. 11, 2021 6:25 pm

North Liberty toddler receives heirloom quilt finished after great-grandma’s death

North Liberty toddler receives heirloom quilt finished after great-grandma’s death

Diana Nollen Living Jan. 11, 2021 6:10 pm

Eastern Iowans greet 2021 outdoors on bikes, skis and snowshoes

Eastern Iowans greet 2021 outdoors on bikes, skis and snowshoes

Erin Jordan Community Jan. 1, 2021 6:19 pm

Community

California organist with Iowa ties fires up Paramount’s Mighty Wurlitzer…

California organist with Iowa ties fires up Paramount’s Mighty Wurlitzer…

Diana Nollen

Community 4h ago

The History Center’s annual fundraiser happens May 8

The History Center’s annual fundraiser happens May 8

Community Apr. 12, 2021 9:44 am

Sign up for April 25 Spring Wildflower Walk at Prairie…

Sign up for April 25 Spring Wildflower Walk at Prairie…

Community Apr. 12, 2021 9:30 am

Iowa City project opens new windows for art exhibitions

Iowa City project opens new windows for art exhibitions

Diana Nollen

Community Apr. 9, 2021 1:32 pm

News

Iowa City man faces life in prison for sexually abusing…

Iowa City man faces life in prison for sexually abusing…

Trish Mehaffey

Crime and Courts 11m ago

24-hour COVID-19 vaccine clinic to take place this weekend

24-hour COVID-19 vaccine clinic to take place this weekend

Michaela Ramm

Health Care and Medicine 9m ago

Inmate accused in prison worker killings pleads not guilty

Inmate accused in prison worker killings pleads not guilty

AP

Crime and Courts 34m ago

Police looking for victim in Kum & Go shooting in…

Police looking for victim in Kum & Go shooting in…

Kat Russell

Crime and Courts 22m ago

Sports

Liam Robbins transferring from Minnesota to Vanderbilt, not Iowa

Liam Robbins transferring from Minnesota to Vanderbilt, not Iowa

Mike Hlas

Hawkeye Basketball 90m ago

Iowa center Noah Fenske to transfer

Iowa center Noah Fenske to transfer

Hawkeye Football 4h ago

Iowa football player Josiah Miamen arrested on Sunday

Iowa football player Josiah Miamen arrested on Sunday

The Gazette

Hawkeye Football 4h ago

Only previous Iowa state trooper shot to death was former…

Only previous Iowa state trooper shot to death was former…

Mike Hlas

Hawkeye Football 3h ago

Opinion

Most Iowa Republicans plan to get jabbed — so should…

Most Iowa Republicans plan to get jabbed — so should…

Adam Sullivan

Opinion 3h ago

Women in agriculture hit hard by pandemic

Women in agriculture hit hard by pandemic

Sara Todd

Opinion 4h ago

How Iowa can stay in front of the next tech…

How Iowa can stay in front of the next tech…

Brent Skorup and Patricia Patnode

Opinion 4h ago

Capitol Ideas column: Iowa justices leave redistricting questions open

Capitol Ideas column: Iowa justices leave redistricting questions open

Erin Murphy

Opinion Apr. 11, 2021 11:24 pm

FOLLOW US

The Gazette is Iowa’s independent, employee-owned source for local, state, and national news coverage.

© 2021 The Gazette

All Rights Reserved.

  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy
  • Web Accessibility

Contact Us

  • 116 3rd St SE
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
  • customercare@thegazette.com
  • (319) 398-8333
  • Live Chat

Links

  • Puzzle Answers
  • CR Arrest Database
  • Article Removal Request
  • Archives
  • Green Gazette
  • Corridor Careers Jobs
  • Work at The Gazette
  • Customer Care

© 2021 The Gazette

All Rights Reserved.

  • Advertise with us
  • Privacy
  • Web Accessibility
Folience A Folience Company