Norbert, the Internet's Favorite Therapy Dog, Dies at 15: 'His Spirit Will Live On Through Our Smiles'

Mar. 15, 2025

Norbert.Photo:Norbert the Dog/Instagram

Norbert the Dog/Instagram

On Monday, Jan. 27, his human mom,Julie Steines, shared in anupdate on Instagramthat the internet-famous pup peacefully died the night before, “wrapped in the warmth of my arms.” She had said in previous posts that Norbert was “unexpectedly hospitalized” for elevated kidney markers earlier in the week.

“At only 3 pounds, he showed us all the importance of making others smile,” Steines included. “It was the honor of a lifetime to be entrusted to oversee his time here on earth.”

“[The best part of Norbert’s work] is seeing the way that people respond to him,”Steines told PEOPLEin 2016, adding that he “can change the energy” of a room.

But his in-person work was only the beginning: Norbert also gained an international audience thanks to his social media presence, where he regularly showcased his kindness and fluff to his nearly 1 million Instagram followers.

The pup has even been featured in a series of children’s books, appeared onTodayandGood Morning America, and was photographed for the covers of several pet magazines, includingAnimal Wellness Magazine,The WAG,Groomer to Groomer,andFIDO Friendly.

Norbert.Norbert the Dog/Instagram

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Throughout Norbert’s life, he and Steines were involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts in addition to his regular animal therapy work. According to hiswebsite, the pair donated over 4,500 plush toys to Toys for Tots and other charitable organizations.

“Norbert made this world a better place, and his spirit will live on through our smiles in his community, the Norberthood,” wrote Steines in her Instagram post. “We feel the love and appreciate the prayers and support from each of you around the world. It means more than words can say.”

source: people.com