Norbert: the inspiring story of a tiny dog with a big Heart

In a world where we often look for heroes in capes or on the big screen, sometimes the most inspiring figures come in the smallest packages. Norbert, a tiny dog with a big personality, has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. His story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible bond between humans and animals. From his humble beginnings to becoming an internet sensation and a therapy dog, Norbert’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Who is Norbert?

Norbert is a small mixed-breed dog, often described as a "Chihuahua mix" or "Chiweenie" (a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix). Born on June 21, 2009, Norbert quickly became known for his adorable looks, expressive eyes, and charming personality. But what truly sets Norbert apart is his incredible story of overcoming challenges and spreading joy wherever he goes.

Early life and rescue

Norbert’s journey began in a shelter, where he was found as a tiny puppy. His exact origins are unknown, but it’s clear that he had a rough start in life. Fortunately, his fortunes changed when he was adopted by Julie Steines, a loving dog mom who would later become his biggest advocate and the co-author of his story.

Julie and Norbert quickly formed an unbreakable bond. Despite his small size, Norbert had a larger-than-life personality. He was playful, affectionate, and full of energy. But it wasn’t long before Julie noticed something special about him—his ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level.

Norbert the therapy dog

Norbert’s gentle nature and intuitive understanding of human emotions made him a perfect candidate for therapy work. In 2011, he became a certified therapy dog through the Love on 4 Paws organization. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort, affection, and support to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other settings.

Norbert’s small size and calm demeanor made him particularly well-suited for working with children and the elderly. He visited hospitals, schools, and even libraries, where children would read to him as part of literacy programs. His presence brought smiles to countless faces and provided comfort to those going through difficult times.

Internet stardom

Norbert’s fame skyrocketed when Julie started sharing his adventures on social media. His Instagram account (@norbertthedog) quickly gained a massive following, with fans from all over the world falling in love with his adorable photos and heartwarming story. Norbert’s posts often feature him dressed in cute outfits, posing with his favorite toys, or simply enjoying life with his human family.

But Norbert’s social media presence isn’t just about cuteness—it’s also about spreading positivity and raising awareness for important causes. Julie uses Norbert’s platform to advocate for animal rescue, therapy dog programs, and the importance of adopting pets from shelters.

Author and advocate

Norbert’s impact extends beyond social media and therapy work. In 2015, Julie and Norbert co-authored a book titled Norbert: What Can Little Me Do? The book, aimed at children, tells Norbert’s story and encourages readers to believe in themselves, no matter how small they may feel. It’s a message of empowerment and kindness, inspired by Norbert’s own journey.

The book was a hit, further cementing Norbert’s status as a beloved figure. It also helped raise awareness about the importance of therapy dogs and the incredible work they do.

Norbert’s legacy

Sadly, Norbert passed away on June 4, 2020, just shy of his 11th birthday. His passing was met with an outpouring of love and tributes from fans around the world. Though he may no longer be with us, Norbert’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the joy he brought to so many.

Julie continues to honor Norbert’s memory by sharing his story and advocating for the causes he cared about. She has also written a second book, Norbert: The Dog Who Can Do It All, which celebrates his life and the lessons he taught us.

Lessons from Norbert

Norbert’s story is a reminder that even the smallest among us can make a big difference. Here are a few lessons we can learn from this remarkable little dog:

1. Kindness Matters: Norbert’s gentle nature and ability to comfort others remind us of the power of kindness. A small act of love can have a huge impact on someone’s life.

2. Overcoming Challenges: Despite his rough start, Norbert never let his past define him. He embraced life with joy and resilience, showing us that it’s possible to overcome adversity.

3. Believe in Yourself: Norbert’s message to children—and to all of us—is to believe in ourselves, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel. We all have the potential to make a difference.

4. The Power of Animals: Norbert’s work as a therapy dog highlights the incredible bond between humans and animals. Pets have the ability to heal, comfort, and bring joy in ways that words cannot express.

   
   

Conclusion

Norbert may have been a small dog, but his impact was immeasurable. Through his work as a therapy dog, his social media presence, and his books, Norbert touched the lives of millions and left a lasting legacy of love and kindness. His story continues to inspire people around the world to be kinder, to believe in themselves, and to appreciate the incredible bond we share with our furry friends.

In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Norbert reminds us that even the smallest acts of love and compassion can make a big difference. And for that, we will always remember and cherish this tiny dog with a big heart.