Some families dream about big milestones — graduations, first jobs, weddings, or buying a home. But in our family, my stepdad has been chasing a very different dream: getting his dachshund, Gatsby, named “Pet of the Month.”
For two years, this was his mission.
Every month, like clockwork, he’d submit Gatsby’s photo. Sometimes Gatsby was dressed in a bowtie, sometimes he was in a little sweater, and occasionally, my stepdad even staged elaborate backdrops — a beach scene one month, a “camping adventure” the next. He’d polish up the captions, too, writing things like, “Gatsby enjoys long walks, belly rubs, and protecting the house from the mailman.”
Each time, the answer was the same: no. Someone else’s golden retriever, cat, or parrot took the spotlight, while Gatsby’s pictures ended up on the family group chat with the caption: “Next time, buddy.”
But my stepdad never gave up. To him, Gatsby wasn’t just a pet — he was family. He saw in that little dachshund the loyalty, humor, and joy that deserved recognition. And finally, after two years of patient persistence, the email came:
“Congratulations! Gatsby has been chosen as this month’s Pet of the Month!”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen my stepdad prouder. He sent me a photo right away — Gatsby sitting there, chest puffed out, with a certificate beside him like he had just graduated from college. My stepdad’s caption read:
“Proudest moment as a dad.”
And honestly, I believe him.
It’s easy to laugh at something so small, but there’s something deeply moving about it too. For two years, this man poured his heart into celebrating his dog. Not because he needed validation, but because he truly believed Gatsby deserved the world to see how special he was.
That’s love. The kind of love that reminds us family isn’t always about blood — sometimes, it’s about a little dachshund with short legs, a big personality, and a dad who never stopped believing in him.
So here’s to Gatsby, this month’s shining star, and to all the pet parents out there who see greatness in their furry companions long before anyone else does.
#wholesome #dog #family
