In the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, there’s a new attraction that’s drawing people’s attention.
The Chelsea area is known for its hip restaurants and nice boutique stores, but neither of those things compare to its newest addition: a dog who loves to give hugs.
Louboutina, or Loubie, as she’s known, has turned into a complete celebrity. The golden retriever has over 58,000 Instagram followers, but it’s her hugs that keep her followers coming back to see her photos time and again.
Loubie’s owner, a 45-year-old man named Cesar Fernandez-Chavez, brings her for two-hour walks every day, but Loubie spends a lot of that time hugging strangers.
“It’s just not a regular walk,” Fernandez-Chavez told The Dodo. “It’s a walk with hugging.”
He also said that Loubie is known for making people’s days better — she’s able to connect with them on an emotional level and knows exactly what they need.
Take a look at the adorable photo evidence of this huggable dog, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Louboutina, the golden retriever who loves to give hugs, is quickly becoming an internet celebrity. Her expert hugging started about three years ago, her owner says.
Cesar had just ended a relationship when Valentine’s Day came around.
He explained, “[Loubie] started sitting up and grabbing my hands with both of her paws, and then crossing the other paw over her paw. I remember joking with my friends, ‘At least I have someone to hold hands with during Valentine’s.’”
Then Loubie started holding hands with Cesar any chance she got.
On every walk, she would hold her paws over one another, looking like a perfect lady.
Everyone who noticed Loubie saw how cute she was, and couldn’t contain their smiles.
Then she started hugging him, picking up her legs and wrapping them around Cesar’s knees.
After Cesar realized how incredible Loubie’s hugs were, he decided he couldn’t be the only one to experience her love.
And everyone who has gotten a chance to receive one of Louboutina’s incredible hugs loves it!
Loubie still loves making everyone smile. She makes sure to hug a few strangers on every walk she goes on.
Apparently she only hugs people she makes a connection with, though, so not just anyone can get a loving hug from Loubie.
