A brief, lighthearted moment on a winter morning in New York City has turned an Italian Greyhound named Greg into the internet’s latest canine celebrity. The two-year-old dog, who lives in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, captured widespread attention after a short video showed him attempting to walk in a new pair of snow boots for the first time. The clip, filmed by his owner Andrea Liu as they prepared for a walk toward Madison Square Park, spread quickly on Instagram, amassing close to one million views in a matter of days.
What might otherwise have been an ordinary pet-owner moment resonated with viewers because of its mix of humor, relatability, and the unmistakable earnestness of a dog trying to adapt to unfamiliar winter gear. The video shows Greg moving cautiously across the floor, lifting his legs high and placing each paw down with visible concentration. Dressed in a blue snowsuit and bright orange boots, he appears both confused and determined, embodying an experience familiar to many pet owners who live in colder climates.
Liu captioned the post simply, “Snow day in NYC … send help,” a line that underscored the playful tone of the moment and invited viewers to share in the experience. While the video was initially posted to Liu’s personal Instagram account, friends encouraged her to share it on Greg’s own page, @gregtheig, where he already had a modest but dedicated following. From there, the clip gained rapid traction, propelled by shares, comments, and the platform’s algorithm.
Beyond the immediate humor, Greg’s viral moment reflects a broader trend in social media culture, where small, authentic glimpses into daily life often resonate more strongly than polished or staged content. In this case, the appeal lay not only in Greg’s awkward steps but also in the familiarity of the situation. Many viewers recognized the universal challenge of adjusting to something new, whether it is a pair of stiff shoes or a sudden change in routine. Greg’s experience, though specific to a dog and a snowy New York morning, became a relatable story for a global audience.
From a Simple Walk to an Internet Sensation
According to Liu, the decision to film Greg’s first attempt at walking in his new boots was spontaneous. She explained that he was “just trying his very best to walk in those boots,” and the combination of effort and uncertainty looked both cute and amusing. The video was never intended to reach a wide audience, but once it was shared on Greg’s Instagram account, it quickly gained momentum.
Within hours, the post began circulating beyond their immediate network, drawing comments from viewers who were charmed by Greg’s careful, almost exaggerated steps. Greg’s growing online presence is not entirely new. His account, which features photos and videos documenting his life in New York City, had already attracted more than 7,700 followers before the snow-boot video went viral. However, the sudden spike in views marked a new level of attention.
The response highlighted how quickly social media can amplify a single moment, especially when it taps into a combination of humor, seasonal relevance, and visual appeal. Winter content, particularly involving pets, often performs well online, and Greg’s situation aligned perfectly with that pattern. The setting also played a role in the video’s success. New York City, blanketed in snow, provided a recognizable and evocative backdrop.
For city dwellers, the struggle to prepare for winter weather is a familiar one, and seeing a dog navigate the same challenge added an extra layer of charm. Greg’s destination, Madison Square Park, further grounded the story in a specific urban context, making it feel both local and widely relatable at the same time. Liu noted that Greg has only owned two pairs of boots so far, both introduced out of necessity rather than fashion.
His first winter experience involved a different pair that failed to stay on properly, and Greg was clearly uncomfortable wearing them. That experience informed the decision to try a new brand this year, one designed specifically with greyhounds in mind. Despite the improved fit, Greg’s reaction made it clear that comfort and familiarity take time, even with better-designed gear. The video captured that adjustment period in a way that felt honest rather than exaggerated, which may have contributed to its widespread appeal.
Life as a Winter Greyhound in New York City
Italian Greyhounds are known for their slender builds and short coats, traits that make them particularly sensitive to cold weather. Greg, who was born in Georgia, now faces winters that are markedly different from the climate of his birthplace. According to Liu, winter clothing is not optional for him but a necessity. His short fur offers little insulation against freezing temperatures, making items like coats and boots important for his comfort and safety during outdoor walks.
Greg’s parents have experimented with different types of winter gear to find what works best for him. While the snow boots have proven challenging, he does have a puffer coat from Bongoof that he wears regularly. Liu explained that although Greg does not enjoy the process of putting the coat on, he tolerates wearing it once it is in place. This compromise reflects a common dynamic between pet owners and their animals, where practicality must sometimes outweigh preference, particularly in extreme weather conditions.
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The boots featured in the viral video were purchased from HunnyBoots Australia, a company that designs clothing and accessories specifically for greyhounds. These boots are intended to stay on more securely than standard dog footwear, addressing a common issue for dogs with narrow feet and long legs. While the design appears to be effective in terms of fit, Greg’s reaction suggests that physical comfort and psychological acceptance are two separate challenges.
Learning to walk naturally while wearing boots requires practice, and the video captures the very beginning of that learning curve. Living in Manhattan adds another layer of complexity to Greg’s winter routine. Urban sidewalks can be icy, wet, and treated with salt, all of which can irritate a dog’s paws.
For many city pet owners, boots are less about warmth and more about protection. In Greg’s case, they serve both purposes. The viral video, while humorous, also subtly highlights the practical considerations that come with owning a dog in a dense, cold-weather city. It shows that even the most stylish or well-designed gear must be introduced thoughtfully, with patience and an understanding of the animal’s comfort level.
A Familiar Face on Social Media
The snow-boot video may be Greg’s most recent viral moment, but it is not his first encounter with widespread online attention. Last summer, he garnered approximately 20 million views for a video showing him learning how to use a remote treat dispenser. That clip, like the recent one, focused on a simple behavior presented in an engaging and accessible way. Together, these moments have helped establish Greg as a recognizable figure among dog lovers on social media.
What distinguishes Greg’s content is its emphasis on everyday experiences rather than elaborate setups. His videos often depict small milestones or routines, such as learning a new skill or adjusting to seasonal changes. This approach aligns with a broader shift in online pet content, where authenticity and relatability tend to outperform highly produced material. Viewers are drawn to scenarios that feel genuine, and Greg’s experiences, whether struggling with boots or mastering a treat dispenser, fit that expectation.
Liu’s approach to sharing Greg’s life online appears measured and organic. She has emphasized that many of the moments posted are captured spontaneously, without an expectation of viral success. This perspective likely contributes to the tone of Greg’s account, which feels more like a personal journal than a curated brand. As his following grows, the challenge will be maintaining that sense of authenticity while navigating increased public attention.
For now, Greg’s viral snow-boot moment stands as a snapshot of a dog adjusting to winter in New York City, captured with humor and affection. It illustrates how a brief, unplanned video can resonate widely when it reflects a shared experience, even across species. As Greg continues to navigate city life, winter weather, and the occasional new piece of gear, his online audience will likely be watching, drawn by the same combination of sincerity and charm that first made him a viral sensation.