Golden Retriever Plays With Toddler in Backyard, Then He Decides To Roll

Social-media users have fallen in love with a playful golden retriever and his toddler sister.

Katherine and Michael Graft (@hellothisisnorman) posted a reel of Norman bounding across the backyard chasing a ball, until he drops it in front of little Daisy and rolls over, flattening her in the process.

“We have so many videos and photos of them together, but this is one that we continued to go back and revisit because it became a core memory for us,” the couple from Milwaukee told Newsweek.

But Norman wasn’t just a pet. He helped the family heal their broken hearts when Michael and Katherine lost their newborn son Everett in 2018.

He had suffered a birth injury and was diagnosed with both Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and a rare, fatal disorder called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy.

After spending five weeks in the NICU, Everett passed away in Katherine’s arms and Michael by their side holding his hand.

“The pain of leaving the hospital without our baby and going home without him was unbearable,” Michael told Newsweek. “In those early months of grief, he gave us something to pour our love into and was a constant companion.”

By August of that year, Norman came home. “He truly helped save us and heal our hearts,” Katherine said. “He was with us through IVF, getting pregnant with Daisy, bringing Daisy home, moving from Chicago to Milwaukee, the pandemic.”

When the couple welcome their newborn son, Rory, Norman became a big brother to him too. And there was room for one more—Norman’s nephew, Gus, also joined the clan.

“Kate often said he took on our grief,” Michael said. “Dogs are so intuitive, but he did become Kate’s shadow; always by her side and ultimately the sweetest and most patient fur brother to Daisy and Rory.”

Their reel has since gone viral on Instagram, amassing almost 11 million views and nearly 1 likes.

Hundreds of social-media users fell in love with Norman in the comments section.

“They’re gonna be the best of friends you can already tell,” one user wrote.

“The dog’s impulsive thoughts won,” another posted.

Sadly, Norman is no longer with the Grafts, but his memory lives on.

“It felt right to post it after Norman passed away,” the couple said. “We wanted to share the joy and laughter it brought to us—and share Norman with others.

“The response has been heartwarming. Daisy is now 6, and this is still one of her favorite videos to look back on and watch.”