New York Dog Giving Away Huges

While I was going through Instagram after a great Christmas day with my family, I came across the cutes golden retriever who gives hugs to strangers. This little New Yorker sits on the street corner of 5th and 17th in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood waiting for anyone in need of a huge. 5-year-old Louboutina or Loubie, named after famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin, started her tradition around Valentine's Day in 2014, but it wasn’t hugging. Owner Cesar Fernandez-Chavez, 47, took Loubie on walks and within minutes she was giving had shakes, and a couple of years later it turned into loving hugs.

Cesar never trained her into giving hugs, he claims it is all her. She is a friend to all, human and canine. The duo goes for walks, but they don’t get far. Loubie is excited for strangers to come up to her, but she doesn’t hug just anyone. While she is generous with her cuddles, she hugs those she has a connection with. If she ‘feels’ you, she will wrap her forelegs around their knees if she feels a connection. According to Cesar, some people have cried after receiving a hug from Loubie.

This loving canine seems to have gathered followers on her Instagram account has more than 200,000 followers. Some of these followers have sent her artwork or pictures, she truly has touched the hearts of many strangers. Unfortunately, Cesar and Loubie were victims of a Christmas day apartment fire and became homeless. On December 25, 2017, their apartment building in Chelsea caught on fire and was ruled accidental, was ignited by unattended candles on the top floor of the six-story building, according to New York Post. Luckily no one died in the fire, Cesar and Loubie were out for a walk during the time of the fire. Cesar lost everything including items from Loubies fans. “I lost a lot of memories, a lot of pictures, drawings of Loubie that were done by fans . . . so a lot of sentimental value . . . it hurts me,” he said. A GoFund Me page was set up for them and had exceeded $75,000. Sadly, Loubie was unable to give hugs after being traumatized from being homeless. It took some time, but the love from others gave her the courage to hug again.

The Power of a Hug

This is a heartwarming story, and this duo is surely spreading the love in a world that needs it. Everyone deserves to feel loved, even from a furry stranger on a New York corner. You can expect the same love and care from our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff. We offer a spa-like experience your fur-baby will love and deserves. Contact us today to schedule an appointment by calling 325-695-2931, visiting our Facebook page, or clicking www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding for the best dog grooming in Abilene.