Viral Toronto snow-loving dog is winning over hearts around the world
Toronto's historic Jan. 26 snowstorm wasn't just the day that buried the city in record-breaking snow — it was also the day a canine star was born.
Frankie, a one-year-old Norfolk Terrier, has gone viral around the internet after his owner, Melissa Chan, shared a video of him eagerly dashing outside during the storm, only to vanish into a massive snowbank before poking his head back up, stunned but unscathed.
Chan first posted the video on TikTok, where it amassed 9.8 million views, and later on Instagram, where it garnered 18.3 million views and counting.
"Frankie packs a lot of personality into his tiny body," Chan tells blogTO. "He's incredibly friendly, curious, and absolutely loves the snow—even after his misadventure."
With a post this popular, it's no surprise that big names and brands chimed in. Even the popular Canadian kids' show, Paw Patrol, joked on Instagram, "We nearly had to step in for a rescue."
Frankie's viral moment in Toronto even caught the eye of late-night U.S. television viewers.
On Tuesday, late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert was discussing the latest batch of Epstein files when he had to pause mid-monologue. To break from the gruesome news, he treated the audience to a delightful distraction.
"We've been forced to have these details in our minds all weekend, so I think we all deserve to immediately see this tiny dog running into the snow," Colbert told the audience, putting his hand over his heart.
Now that millions of people have seen the viral video, Chan says Frankie is starting to get recognized by fans during their daily walks around Grange Park.
"I never expected this to reach so many people around the world. It's also been really touching to see how many were concerned about Frankie after the ordeal," she says.
While Chan works as a marketing and proposal manager for Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects, it seems like her new side gig as canine talent manager is about to take off.
"Frankie's been the talk of the town – and in our Teams chats – all week," she says. "Maybe it's time for a celebrity appearance?"
It's proving to be a big week for dogs in the Toronto area earning celebrity status. In addition to Frankie's late-night TV appearance, Penny, a Doberman from the Greater Toronto Area, was crowned Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Wednesday.
Melissa Chan
