Having a baby is one of life’s biggest milestones, filled with excitement, anticipation, and tough decisions. For Serena and Jacob Cukjati from San Antonio, Texas, one decision turned into a creative family moment that’s melting hearts online.
After struggling to conceive naturally, the couple turned to IVF. The process offered them the unique option of selecting the embryo’s gender—something they just couldn’t decide on their own. So, they turned to an unexpected helper: their dog, Charlie.
In a TikTok video that’s both adorable and hilarious, Serena and Jacob revealed their genius plan. Holding two tennis balls labeled “boy” and “girl,” Serena explained, “We decided we’re going to have Charlie pick our embryo. Whichever one he brings back, that’s what we’re going to go with—and it’s final!”
@serenacukjati Charlie helped us pick which embryo to transfer first! 🥹🥰🐶🎾 #embryotransfer #genderreveal #genderrevealparty #genderrevealworld #genderrevealideas #genderreveals #embryotransferday ♬ original sound – Serena Cukjati
Charlie, a natural showman, made the moment unforgettable. As the balls were thrown, he sprinted toward them, only to pause dramatically. “Wait, he’s going back and forth,” Jacob narrated as Charlie pondered his choice. After what felt like an eternity, the pooch proudly returned with his decision, dropping the ball at their feet.
But the suspense didn’t end there. The video teased, “Come back on August 7, 2023, to find out which embryo Charlie picked!” leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the big reveal.
Why entrust such a monumental decision to their furry friend? Speaking to the New York Post, Serena shared their heartfelt reasoning. “IVF takes a lot of the surprises out of having a baby—it’s very scientific,” she explained. “We wanted to bring a little magic back into the process. Including our dogs just felt right since they’re such a big part of our lives.”
The video sparked an outpouring of love online. One viewer gushed, “So cute! When your kid gets older, they’ll look at your dog and be like, ‘Hey, you got me here!’” Another chimed in, “This is adorable. I love this!”
While the couple hasn’t revealed Charlie’s final pick, they admitted they were “shocked” by his choice. And honestly, who wouldn’t be? Charlie’s decision is bound to make for an unforgettable family story.
So, boy or girl? We’ll all just have to wait. But one thing’s certain: this lucky baby will grow up knowing their journey started with a little help from the family dog.
What do you think of this unique way to make such a big decision?
