The 'Dad and the Dog' meme highlights a universally relatable family trope: the father who adamantly refuses to get a pet, only to become its best friend once it arrives. This meme usually consists of two contrasting images—one representing the dad's initial resistance and the other showing him lovingly napping with or pampering the new dog. It gained significant traction on platforms like Reddit and Twitter around 2019, resonating with anyone who has witnessed a stubborn parent's heart melt. It celebrates the wholesome irony of unexpected companionship and has since evolved to include various pets, though the classic canine version remains the most popular.