By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Tails were wagging in the Bag of Bones Barkery on Friday in awe of Norman the Scooter Dog.
Norman the Scooter Dog is a 70-pound French sheepdog that loves to learn new tricks. Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. discovered him after his appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” where he showed off his scooter riding talents during the “Stupid Pet Trick” segment. Norman has proved time and time again that he’s no dumb dog since then.
His owner/trainer Karen Cobb, of Atlanta, Georgia, said there have been no tricks or skills that have stopped him yet.
”He just really wants to learn new tricks,” Ms. Cobb said. “I try to keep him busy and his mind occupied.”
Like most dogs Norman can sit, stand, lay down, stay, come and stand on hind legs like on command but he can also shake his whole body, limp with his front foot held up, dry off his beard on a towel after drinking, open a cabinet to retrieve an object and then close the cabinet, open doors and shut doors and wipe his feet, walk backwards, ride a bicycle, skate on a skateboard, surf on a surfboard and much more.
Norman, who has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “Today Show,” “Inside Edition,” “Rachael Ray,” “Anderson Live,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Dogs 101” and over 75 different local news stations, in countless newspapers and magazines, also set his own Guinness World Record in July 2013 for the “Fastest 30 Meters on a Scooter by a Dog.” He appeared at Bag of Bones Barkery on Saturday, courtesy of Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc., to entertain customers, children and pets with many of his tricks. Christine Zelley, of Hamilton, said she loved watching Norman.
”It was wonderful,” she said. “To take a dog and see what his potential is — is fantastic. And the delight on the children’s faces, you can’t top that.”
Bag of Bones Barkery has been in business for nine years, three in its Hamilton location.
”Business is strong,” owner Gregg Bernhardt said. “We’ve done extremely well in this location.”
The barkery is a gourmet pet bakery and natural product store.
”The items in the bakery are nutritious and holistic and made by us with natural ingredients,” Mr. Bernhardt said, adding that pet owners could actually share the treats with their dogs if they wanted to.
”We handpick everything to ensure the quality of the products to certain standards and for safety,” he said. “You can leave it up to us. Anything you pick is a safe, natural product.”
The staff at the barkery try to make the shop a destination stop for pet owners and their furry friends.
”It’s as much about the experience as it is about the products,” Mr. Bernhardt said. “Norman doesn’t go many places and we are really happy and honored to have him here with us today.”
Norman’s favorite food, which can be purchased at the barkery, is Natural Balance Original Ultra Premium Formula and he also loves Limited Ingredient Treats and Dog Food Rolls, according to Ms. Cobb.Ms. Cobb said wherever Norman goes he is also trying to raise awareness of the need to first consider rescuing dogs and saving a life rather than purchasing puppies from a puppy mill.
”He also promotes, if you choose not to rescue, to only get dogs from reputable breeders,” she said. “These breeders can be hard to find, but Norman informs people on how to find such breeders on his website www.normanthescooterdog.com.”
Ms. Cobb, a professional dog trainer for the past 20 years, researched Norman’s breeder for 13 years before selecting him, she said.
To find out more about the barkery, visit http://www.bagofbonesbarkery.com/.

