Meet the NYC Dog Who Stands on the Corner Offering Hugs

Meet Louboutina, or Loubie, a five year-old golden retriever who’s become world-famous for her doggy hugs. This beautiful dog was named after French fashion designer Christian Louboutin, which seems to fit!

It’s not unusual to find Loubie casually standing upright on the streets of New York with her owner, eager to embrace anyone that walks by. We recently spent an afternoon with Loubie and her dad Cesar to find out just what makes her so popular.

Loubie and Cesar, a Spanish translator for a local hospital, live in Chelsea together.

Loubie started out holding hands with Cesar at around three and a half years of age. Gradually, that morphed into full on hugging.

She’s ready to give everyone who walks by a nice hug.

We went on a short walk together on a sunny Saturday morning and made a few friends along the way. As you can see, Loubie is an impetuous cuddle magnet.

Whatever stereotype people have of New Yorkers being curt and perpetually in a hurry is thrown out the window when this warmhearted canine is involved.

Loubie is always on the look out for the next person to hug. After all, there are a lot of people that call New York City home.

One of her favorite things to do is stand at the corner of 5th and 17th—her “stage”, as Cesar calls it—and let the people come to her.

Human or canine, Louboutina is a friend to all.

It’s true– the world is a crazy place right now, but we’re heartened to see a canine superhero roaming the streets of Manhattan offering a little love where it’s most needed. We salute you, Loubie!

Follow Louboutina on Instagram here.