Thanks for reaching out jsgibson22,
It sounds like you're having trouble including GIFs in your messages. We can help.
You can start by checking out this article to Send and save GIFs on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
Add a GIF from #images
Use #images in the Messages app to find and share GIFs with your contacts. Here's how:
1. Open Messages, tap , and enter a contact or tap an existing conversation.
2. Tap .
3. To search for a specific GIF, tap Find images, then enter a keyword, like birthday.
4. Tap the GIF to add it to your message.
5. Tap to send.
and
If #images is missing from app drawer
Make sure that the #images app is enabled:
1. From the app drawer, swipe left, then tap .
2. Tap Edit, then tap to add the #images app.
Make sure that your keyboard is set to a supported language and region. Go to Settings > General and tap Language & Region.
The #images app is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, India, Singapore, Philippines, and Japan.
Hope that helps.
Take care.