Saturday, May 21, 2016

Everybody Loves Norbert!


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There are so many cute dogs and cats on the internet that it's impossible not to spend an absurd amount of internet time cooing over their pictures. Frankly, I'm not immune. Yes, I'm a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant but I don't know if that makes me more or less vulnerable to the little darlings. I shouldn't admit this but I am a complete sucker for Norbert, a 3-lb. registered Therapy Dog, philanthropist, picture book star and social media influencer. I want to kiss him. I want to blow raspberries on his little tummy. I am utterly besotted.  And my colleagues would probably drum me out of the corp. Look at that face. I mean, just look at it? Could you keep your paws off his paws?


Norbert at The L.A. Mission

Julie Freyermuth is the lucky lady who became Norbert's mom when she saw him on Petfinder. "When I adopted Norbert, right away, I knew he was a special dog but I never imagined all of the wonderful things we would do together - from volunteering as a registered therapy dog team to donating books and plush toys to creating a picture book series and more. I am still in awe of it all."

Freyemuth is the children's book author behind Norbert's series of books with such charming titles as, Norbert: What Can Little Me Do? and Norbert and Lil BUB: What Can Little WE Do? co-starring one of my favorite internet cats, the equally adorable Lil BUB, who was featured here in February 2016.The books were illustrated by Virginia K. Freyermuth, Ph.D. and published by Polly Parker Press, LLC. Norbert has won 9 prestigious book awards including a Nautilus Book Award, and Mom's Choice Award.  

Yes, the little guy is a Philanthropist: "Norberthood for Good" does a lot of charity work in the Norbert's name. In addition to visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes and special events, Norbert has supported a wide range of charitable causes such as Pet Partners®, Intermountain Therapy Animals, Just for Kids Sake Foundation, Lil BUB's BIG FUND for the ASPCA, the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation, and Boot Campaign, a military non-profit.


A portion of their profits are obviously sent to a range of charities. "The charities we support were selected because they are in alignment with Norbert's mission to spread smiles and encourage kindness." Norbert believes that you don't have to be big to make a big difference in the world.

Who can possibly argue with that?! It's impossible to look at little Norbert and not smile! There is such sweetness emanating from that little face, so much life sparkling in his eyes. He is totally captivating. 

Norbert's latest charitable venture is a new plush toy in his likeness to benefit Toys for Tots. Who wouldn't want a little Norbert of their own? The little toy looks amazingly like the real Norbert. What a perfect gift for kids of all ages! 

"By partnering with Toys for Tots, we extend Norbert's 'Buy One, Donate One' campaign to bring happiness to children in need who do not have the opportunity to own their own puppy or who could use a toy to hug and hold," says Freyermuth.


"We are very pleased to welcome Norberthood for Good as a National Corporate Donor of the 2016 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign," said retired Marine Colonel Ted Sylvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 68 years through our Toys for Tots Program. Sylvester concluded, "With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many less fortunate children, who otherwise might be forgotten."

What is truly wonderful about Norberthood for Good is that it encompasses all age groups from children to seniors. No one is forgotten, no one is left out.

Norbert has worked on a variety of awareness and branding projects with major National Brands and other non-profit organizations such as The Walt Disney Company, Condé Nast, Hilton Hotels, iTunes, 

Natural Balance, and PetSmart.

In 2009 Norbert was adopted through Petfinder.com. He was so tiny that he could only go to a special home. Julie Freyermuth was deemed to have that special home. When asked how she trained little Norbert, Freyermuth responded, "I got lucky! Norbert is my first dog and I had no experience or knowledge about dog training. Norbert is very motivated by food and is super smart. Both of these things made him very easy to train.

If you want to purchase the Norbert Plush, please visit: www.Norberthood.com


Norbert is all over social networking. One of my favorite places to see him is on his Facebook page where you'll find all sorts of posts and even videos. I'll be you won't be able to resist Norbert's High Five!  https://www.facebook.com/NorbertDog/

In 2015 Norbert won what The New York Times has called the "Internet's Highest Honor," he was a Webby Award Honoree in the Social-Animal Category.

You can Follow him on Twitter @NorbertDog

He's on Vine, YouTube, magazines, newspapers, websites, television. He's everywhere!

33 comments:

Lisette Brodey said...

Thank you for writing this wonderful blog! I'm such a fan of this adorable face and loved learning more about Norbert.

Judy Pierce said...

Norbert is as cute as it gets. Count me as a huge fan - my bichons think he is pretty adorable too - especially Barney

Unknown said...

Once again, well done, Darlene. You bring life to words and writing about Norbert had to have been fun and even spiritual. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Unbelievably excellent story- Darlene brings life to her words

Gordon Brice said...

What a handsome little fellow......he would be embarrassed I'm sure, if I said he was gorgeous, which he is, but that's between us, Darlene. Thank you for sharing so much detail about Norbert's activities, especially his charitable work, which I'm sure is much appreciated by all concerned. Julie Freyermuth certainly struck lucky when she was adopted by Norbert and I wish them both a continued long and happy relationship.
As always, you have provided us with a very enjoyable blog to read and we thank you for that.

Lynne said...

What a cutie, and what good things he and his person do!

PetShrink said...

I'd not come across Norbert on-line - or if I did he wasn't identified. How wonderful to hear that someone is using Internet Fame to help others and in such a big way the very epitome of Small Dogs Big Hearts. May Norbert and Julie be an example for all and enjoy many years together spreading the love.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I hadn't heard of him til now...OMG WHAT A CUTIE!!! Thank you for introducing him to us, he is just precious!!! DakotasDen

DianeS. said...

Norbert is absolutely adorable! I had not heard of him until Darlene's post, so Thank You, Darlene!! Not only is he adorable, he is also a wonderful dog, a worker in charity and compassion. He is, as the old fairy tales used to say "as good as he is beautiful". Julie and Norbert -- what a team!

Darlene said...

Hi Lisette Brodey, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading "the story behind the face" of the utterly adorable Norbert and his lucky Mom!

Darlene said...

Hi Judy Pierce, I'm happy to hear from another Norbert Fan! I'm glad your Bichons are enamored of him, too! LOL

Darlene said...

Hi Anne Hudson, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about Norbert and Thank You for the lovely compliment!

Darlene said...

Hello Anonymous, I wish you'd left your name but I'm glad you left a comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed this blog post about little Norbert!

Darlene said...

Hi Gordon Brice, Thank you so much for leaving a comment about this blog post. That little face and the story of his charitable work has certainly struck a chord with many people! You're so right about Julie Freyermuth being lucky! Norbert was also lucky that the people who placed him with her were so careful about finding a home for such a tiny dog. Not every home is the right home for such a little one no matter how much they might want one.

Darlene said...

Hi Lynne, I'm happy to hear that you liked learning about the wonderful work little Norbert and his mom are doing!

Darlene said...

Thank you, PetShrink, for commenting on the wonderful way in which Julie and Norbert are using the internet to do so much good for so many. I'm happy I was able to "introduce" you to them on PerPETuallySpeaking!

Darlene said...

Hi Caren Gittleman! Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! I'm surprised by the people who haven't heard of precious little Norbert! I am, as you could tell, utterly enamored of him. I was joking with a friend that if his Mom ever sees his picture on a Milk Carton, she should check my house first. LOL Good thing they're 3000 miles away from me! I'm glad we can chalk up another new fan for Norbert!

Darlene said...

Hi DianeS, I'm so glad you stopped to comment after reading about Norbert and Julie. I love your Fairy Tale comparison. I think you are spot on!

Unknown said...

Oh Darlene, what a precious little guy! And what a well written blog about "good things happening to good people and pets". You know that I am firm believer in Therapy Dogs and proud to be owned by one who has done some good too...we think he saved a few lives as the official spokes dog of the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness organization along with your dear Aimee. It does not get any better than that, my dear, dear friend!

Darlene said...

Oh, Vallie, I'm so glad you stopped by! I thought this was one blog post that would resonate with you as it does with me. Everything you said is exactly why I wanted to write about Norbert and let people know exactly what he and Julie are doing! You're so right, it does not get any better than that. Aimee was proud to be the official spokes cat for the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness organization until, ironically, cancer stole her from me. You Khalin is doing so much good for so many. Norbert and Julie's story gives one hope for the world in these very trying times.

DKSwrites2 said...

What a WONDERFUL and heartwarming blog post! I love Norbert, too (especially his blue and white checkered shirt) and I loved learning much more about him- He (and his talented 'two-legger') are truly making this fractured world a better place. Thank you for this wonderful story.

Susan Conant said...

Thank you for the delightful post. Norbert is so cute that I can't tell the real Norbert from the plush Norbert. Love them both!

Unknown said...

High Five, Norbie!! Can't wait to get my very own Norbert!

Darlene said...

Hi DKSwrites2! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and you're another Norbert lover! You've hit upon exactly why I chose Norbert and his Mom to focus on this time. They are proof that there are good people in this world. The news is so discouraging. We need to read more about Norbert, his mom, and others who are making a difference. One person can't do it all but we can each do something positive.

Darlene said...

Hi Susan Conant, I'm so glad you love Norbert and his Plush doppelgänger. :-) I assume you'll be added a Norbert of your own to your household. ;-)

Darlene said...

Hi Patti Edwards, Doesn't Norbie give the most adorable High Fives?! What fun when you have your very own Norbert. :-) Thanks so much for commenting!

rescuegal said...

Oh, be still my heart. Norbert is the most adorable four legged fur ball, I've seen in a long time. There is just no resisting that sweet little face. Thank you, Darlene for a fun and informative blog about the wonderful work this little spitfire and his human are doing. His charity work is especially dear to my heart. I do wish Julie and Norbert all the best for many long years of service.

Darlene said...

Hi Rescuegal, I'm so glad you love little Norbert and I'm delighted that you enjoyed my blog post about Norbie and his Mom. Thank you so much for commenting!

Redder said...

Darlene, Thank you for this article. What a great story and you make it so real. So nice to read something good for a change.

Now my problem is to stop myself from buying multiple Norbert stuffies ad risking jealous pekes. He has to be the cutest dog
in the world.

Nancy

Darlene said...

Hello Nancy, Thank you for commenting! I'm so glad you liked this post. My blog posts are usually much shorter but Norbert and his Mom have been doing so many wonderful things that I wanted to work in as much as possible. I also chose to write about Norbert because it does restore hope in a world that is far too much of a mess. The world seems to be about hate right now and Norbert is all about love.

Ahhh, multiple Norbert stuffies - what a good idea! They will make great gifts and Norbie and his mom will donate one to Toys for Tots for each one purchased! He really is cute and the the little stuffed one looks so much like him!

Kisses for your Pekes!

Stormy said...

There's just so much good about this story, something we can all use, I'm sure! Thanks for sharing little Norbert's story, and a shout out to Li'l Bub, too. Love that kitteh!

Darlene said...

Hi Stormy, Thank you for leaving a comment! I'm so glad you liked reading about little Norbert and his friend, Lil BUB, too! Who said that dogs and cats can't be friends?!

keti said...

Everything you said is exactly why I wanted to write about Norbert and let people know exactly what he and Julie are doing! You're so right, it does not get any better than that. Aimee was proud to be the official spokes cat for the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness organization until, ironically, cancer stole her from me. I liked your blog, Take the time to visit the me and say that the change in design and meniu?