Norbert’s bio reads: “I’m a 3-lb registered therapy dog, author & philanthropist. I also give pretty good high-fives.” He’s also incredibly adorable. Known for his quirky posture and with his tongue sticking out sideways constantly, it’s hard not to fall in love with him. “His cuteness is transcendent,” wrote Time; “Norbert is one of the internet’s most popular therapy dogs,” added San Francisco Globe.
But even though he is now an Instagram sensation, life wasn’t always easy for Norbert. In 2009, when he was 4 months old, his mom Julie Steines adopted him through PetFinder.com. He was not in a shelter or rescue, but needed a special kind of home due to his tiny size. The only puppy in his litter, when he was born his fur was dark brown and slowly changed color over the first two years of his life.
Named after the dragon from Harry Potter, the American mathematician and philosopher Norbert Wiener, and Saint Norbert of Xanten – little Norbert has a lot to live up to. His special gift? Making people smile. With a recent DNA test showing he is part Chihuahua part Small Poodle, he’s truly one-of-a-kind!
A trained therapy dog, Norbert currently volunteers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and by special request. A special pooch and one worth following on Instagram.
