A Fairfield dog with a big social media following is in the running to take home one of the internet's most popular awards.

His name is Albert. He's 8 years old, uses a wheelchair and has almost 100,000 followers on Instagram. 

The Yorkie, Shih Tzu poodle mix and his owner, Jill Lawson, use the platform to educate users on special needs animals like him.

"I don't know who nominated us," Lawson says. "I was just told somebody voted for him, and I looked it up and saw he was the first animal in the animal category."

Albert is up for a Shorty Award given to social media influencers. Lawson thinks that the nomination could bring even more attention to rescuers who take in special needs pets.

Albert was found in Arkansas on the side of the road, most likely after being hit by a car. He's been paralyzed since then from the hips down.

That means he needs to use the wheelchair, and he also wears a belly band and needs special care at night and in the morning, according to John Lawson.

Albert's Instagram handle is @albertonwheels.

You can vote for him at the Shorty Awards Website.