Golden Retriever Showers New York With Handshakes and Hugs

A five-year-old Golden Retriever named Louboutina (‘Loubie’ for short) is making the streets of New York City a little happier these days, as she gives lucky humans hugs and leaves them walking away with big smiles on their faces.

Loubie often hangs in Manhattan with her human Cesar Fernandez-Chavez, and he says that there’s so much going on in the world today, people respond so well to Loubie’s free and affectionate hugs. He says the joy she brings random strangers is rewarding.

Related: How Do Dogs Show Affection?

Daily Treat/Chona Kasinger

Cesar says that though she is generous with her affection, she seems to just have a knack for knowing who needs some fur-love the most. He says that around Valentine’s Day, 2014, after he’d just gotten out of a long-term relationship, Loubie knew that he could use a little love. She would hold Cesar’s hands and he’d joke that at least he had someone to hold hands with for Valentine’s Day, but it quickly became apparent that Loubie loved giving extra affection.

louboutinanyc/instagram

Every walk they would take would have hand-holding and then, hugging, and people could not get enough of how cute Loubie was. He says no walk is just a regular walk because there’s so much hugging going on, so they don’t often get too far.

He never taught Loubie to do any of the things that make those she encounters go, “Aawwwwwwww,” and that she always initiates any affection that she gives.

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That said, he also says that she is definitely selective with her hugs. People will come up to them on their walks asking for hugs, but unless Loubie bonds with the person, she’s going to be choosy with her love. He says that her sitting next to someone is a good sign they’re probably going to get a hug!

Obviously, an adorable golden retriever hugging strangers on the streets of New York is Instagram-worthy, and pictures of her famous hugs pop up on her accoun t, as well as the accounts of others who are lucky enough to get some of the love. Loubie currently has nearly 30k followers, and that number is sure to keep growing as word of her fluffy-love spreads, and really, it makes total sense. Who can’t use a good hug these days?