Noodle (c. 2008 – December 2, 2022) was a pug who gained popularity in 2021 after appearing in a series of TikTok videos titled "Bones or No Bones".[1] Noodle was honored by the New York State Senate in November 2021 for his positive impact on society[2] and was the subject of a children's book published the following year.[3]

Noodle
SpeciesDog
BreedPug
SexMale
Bornc. 2008
DiedDecember 2, 2022
Cause of deathOld age
OccupationPet influencer
Years active2021–2022
OwnerJonathan Graziano

After making multiple public appearances, Noodle died on December 2, 2022, at the age of 14.[4][5][6]

Bones or No Bones

edit

Jonathan Graziano began posting the "Bones or No Bones" series on TikTok in October 2021. He described it as "the game where we find out if my 13-year-old pug woke up with bones and, as a result, we find out what kind of day we're going to have".[1]

In each installment, Graziano lifts Noodle by his front legs to determine whether he will stand up or flop back down. He declares the day a "bones day" if Noodle stands, or a "no bones day" if he does not.[1][7][8] A bones day is characterized by high ambition, productivity, and motivation,[7][9] while a no-bones day places an emphasis on self-care, relaxation, and comfort.[8]

Graziano established the rules of the game after adopting Noodle at age 7.[1] Once the series gained popularity on TikTok, it became widely discussed in pop culture. Several public figures referenced the series, including the Minnesota Vikings football team, rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.[10] Noodle has been called a "pet influencer" for his ability to sway many viewers' mental health and impact their day-to-day plans.[10]

Children's book

edit

In Summer 2022, a picture book titled Noodle and the No Bones Day was published by Simon & Schuster. The story was written by Graziano and illustrated by Dan Tavis.[3][11] It follows Graziano and Noodle on a particular no-bones day, with the stated goal of teaching children that it is "OK not to feel 100 percent all of the time".[3]

Graziano and Noodle appeared on The Today Show in June 2022 to promote the book and perform the ritual for a live audience.[9] The pair also appeared for a reading of the book at the annual Walk for the Animals at Barktober Fest in Rochester, New York.[12]

New York Senate recognition

edit

On November 24, 2021, in observance of Senior Pet Month,[13] Noodle was honored by the New York State Senate in an official proclamation recognizing his service to the "community, State and Nation". It commended Noodle for "bring[ing] joy and hope to New Yorkers during uncertain and challenging times".[2][14] The proclamation was issued by New York Senator Samra Brouk in a ceremony at Lollypop Farm in upstate New York.[13][14]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d Treisman, Rachel (October 19, 2021). "This floppy 13-year-old pug can tell you what kind of day you're going to have". NPR. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Hanson, Hilary (November 24, 2021). "'Bones Day' Dog, Noodle The Pug, Honored By New York State Senate". HuffPost. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Vorrasi-Banis, Lacey (January 19, 2022). "It's a 'Bones Day' for Noodle! TikTok's viral pug gets his own picture book". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  4. ^ Sottile, Zoe (December 3, 2022). "Noodle, the TikTok-famous 'bones or no bones' pug, has died". CNN. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  5. ^ Rubin, April (December 3, 2022). "Noodle, Pug Known for 'Bones' or 'No Bones' Days on TikTok, Is Dead at 14". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  6. ^ Ahn, Ashley (December 3, 2022). "TikTok star Noodle the pug dies at age 14". NPR. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Kato, Brooke (October 8, 2021). "Viral pug forecasts daily moods with "bones day" predictions". New York Post. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Mosley, Tonya; Tong, Scott; Saxena, Kalyani (October 25, 2021). "To his very bones, Noodle is a TikTok phenomenon". WBUR. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Vivinetto, Gina (June 7, 2022). "Will Noodle the pug have a 'bones' or 'no bones' day on TODAY?". TODAY. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Sonde, Kari (October 28, 2021). "Noodle, an Internet-famous pug, sets the vibe for the day. Here's why we love him". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  11. ^ Sung, Morgan (January 19, 2022). "Noodle the pug is starring in a children's book about No Bones Days". NBC News. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  12. ^ Gandy, George (September 24, 2022). "Lollypop Farm kicks off Barktober Fest fundraiser with special guest Noodle the Pug". RochesterFirst. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Gross, Dan; Gilbert, James; Driffill, Matt (November 22, 2021). "Noodle the Pug to receive Proclamation for Senior Pet Month Wednesday". RochesterFirst. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  14. ^ a b Hernandez, Sunny (November 30, 2021). "TikTok's Noodle the Pug has a 'bones day' in Upstate NY, receives proclamation". newyorkupstate. Retrieved December 12, 2022.