Norman Hobbs, the 2-year-old Golden Retriever who also goes by Stormin’ Norman and Big Norm, was born in September 2023 before going home with the Hobbs family two months later.

Nick and McKenna Hobbs, Norman’s owners, said that despite his large size and big bark, Norman is a gentle giant. "He's very friendly and, honestly, is scared of a lot of things: the robot vacuum, the leaf blower, the rake, smaller dogs, etc.," McKenna said. Although he has some fears, Norman often braves the town to head to some of his favorite local spots like Crema Coffee Co. or Coco Bean. If it is somewhere Norman can get a pup cup, he suddenly becomes fearless. Along with pup cups, Norman also enjoys peanut butter and watermelon as his favorite treats.

"Norman's favorite thing to do is go swimming," Nick said. "Once you get him in, there is no getting him out! He will run and jump in the pool chasing his ball for hours and hours. Any days we get to spend with him doing his favorite thing are our best memories with him."

When Norman isn't spending his time in the pool, he loves going for walks around Oak Creek. Nick and McKenna said Norman thinks "everyone should stop and pet him on the way," although passersby likely feel the same way. Norman loves greeting anyone he can, but his best bud is Sunny, one of his fellow Oak Creek Golden Retrievers. Whether he is splashing the day away in the pool or making new friends on his daily walks, Norman brings a gentle but giant-sized joy to everyone in Oak Creek.