Tiny Social Media Star has a Big Heart
Beloved therapy dog, Norbert, spreads joy & helps others.
By Elise Phillips Margulis photo credit Mark Steines
Adorable, three-pound Norbert is a social media star. Despite his tiny stature, he has a big presence and he’s parlayed his cuteness into a philanthropic phenomenon that includes a full line of merchandise that benefits animals and people in need.
It all began 12 years ago when Julie Steines spotted one-pound puppy Norbert on Petfinder. His tiny tongue drops out of his mouth because he’s missing a few teeth—which only makes him more darling. Although she had never had a dog before, it was love at first sight, and Julie adopted him.
Julie shared, “Norbert’s mom only gave birth to one puppy, which makes him one-of-a-kind.” Norbert, who’s had two DNA tests with different results, is most likely a combination of Chihuahua, Cairn Terrier and Lhasa Apso.
Julie’s brother’s suggestion to create a Facebook page for the charismatic cutie ultimately launched a non-profit organization after Norbert went viral.
Julie and her mother, Dr. Virginia Freyermuth, began publishing award-winning Norbert picture books including “Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life,” “Little Me Christmas,” “Norbert: What Can Little Me Do?”, “What Can Little You Do?” and “Norbert and Bub Book: What Can Little We Do?”
Freyermuth, who has a doctorate in Art Education, is a gifted illustrator who has captured her precious grand-dog perfectly.
Julie said she is still amazed that Norbert’s books and merchandise “grew beyond anything she could have imagined.”
Norbert’s merchandise includes the irresistible Norbert plush toy (so everyone can have a Norbert), baby onesies, tote bags, tee-shirts, baseball caps, sweatshirts, mugs, a mason jar, backpacks and a carrying pouch. All profits go to people and animals in need.
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