Molly Baker, a 59-year-old early childhood special education teacher from Chesterfield, Missouri, found herself feeling left out when her friends talked about dressing up their pets in cute costumes. Wanting to feel included, she decided to make costumes for her pet goldfish, Guy Fisheri. Guy Fisheri was purchased by Baker’s daughter, Betsy, two years ago for just 16 cents from PetSmart. Initially thinking the fish wouldn’t last long, Baker took over the care of Guy Fisheri when Betsy returned to college at Clemson University.
Baker’s creativity and love for making people smile led her to start creating costumes for Guy Fisheri. Inspired by her friends‘ discussions about Halloween costumes for their cats and dogs, she began with a pumpkin costume for the fish, which was a huge hit. From there, she continued to make monthly, seasonal costumes for Guy Fisheri, delighting her friends, book club, Bunco group, coworkers, and even her children with the photos of the fish in various outfits.
The reactions to Guy Fisheri’s costumes have been overwhelmingly positive, with many finding joy and humor in Baker’s creative endeavors. Her eldest daughter even runs an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing Guy Fisheri’s costumes. Despite the eye rolls from her children, who suggest she get a dog instead, Baker finds joy in dressing up her fish and bringing smiles to those around her.
For Guy Fisheri’s „gotcha day,“ Baker threw a birthday party complete with fish-themed snacks and games. She even made a fish-shaped Rice Krispies treat and played „My Guy“ by The Temptations. Baker emphasizes the importance of having fun in life and not taking things too seriously, which is evident in her dedication to creating costumes for her beloved pet.
During the photo shoots for Guy Fisheri’s costumes, Baker often finds herself laughing at the absurdity of the situation. Sitting at eye level with the fish, she patiently waits for the perfect shot, capturing moments where Guy Fisheri appears to be either looking through the costume’s hole or giving a side-eye glance. Despite moments of self-awareness and disbelief at what she’s doing, Baker continues to find joy in the process and the reactions she receives.
In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, Molly Baker’s lighthearted and creative approach to dressing up her pet goldfish serves as a reminder to find joy in the little things and to not take life too seriously. Her dedication to making people smile through her costumes for Guy Fisheri is a heartwarming example of the power of creativity and humor in brightening the lives of those around us.
