If you are in need of a good hug, and find yourself wandering the streets of New York City, then you really could walk into a special surprise.
Louboutina, or Loubie, is a five year-old golden retriever who has become world-famous for her furry hugs. You may have even come across photos and videos of her warm embraces and firm handshakes as she is now a rising star on social media.
Loubie is named after French fashion designer Christian Louboutin, which seems to fit. It is not unusual to find Loubie standing upright on the streets of New York, eager to embrace anyone by wrapping her paws around their legs as they walk by.
“She’s just a love bug,” Louboutina’s owner Cesar Fernandez-Chaves told TODAY. “She loves people and she likes to please people.”
Chaves has had Louboutina for about five years. Loubie was a gift from a friend when she was a puppy with a penchant for Christian Louboutin’s iconic red-soled shoes, hence her name.
Surprisingly enough, she was not always a hugger. Loubie started standing on two legs first, about two and a half years ago and since has progressed to hugs, mimicking her owner. The pause-and-stand became a routine, and Louboutina started to do it every time they went on a walk.
But now Louboutina has made a name for herself with her hugs, and the pair is often stopped in their Chelsea neighborhood and photographed by friendly bystanders.
