Allow me to introduce you to — Pinky! The Pinkster. Calamity Pinky. Pinkcasso. Perfectly Special. Call her whatever you like, she could care less, as long as you serve this pit bull babe up a steaming hot Cup O’ Joe. Promptly, please.
She is the latest craze, a messenger of sorts, in a quirky little white pinkish package. She’s using her fame to shout about the awesomeness that is adopting a dog.
I can’t tell you about Pinky without an intro to her loving caregivers first. After all, she totally needed them to help move her messages forward into the world.
One of her moms, Paulette Goodreau, is an internationally known doll designer and an amazing artist who has been owned by many rescued dogs. Her work appears weekly on Pinky’s facebook page. She spotted Pinky’s photo circulating on Facebook from a Galveston animal shelter about a year and a half ago and fell in love on the spot.
Pinky’s other parent, Christie Cornelius, is a veterinarian who is probably best known for helping Dukey, the black lab, on his last day. Her practice, Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice And Euthanasia, assists families at their most difficult times.
Christie told me that Pinky, her antics, and posting on her Facebook page is just what the doctor ordered — a carefree, fun outlet after a taxing day on the job – for her and for Pinky’s fans.
There were several medical issues to tackle with Pinky. She arrived at the shelter with a broken knee that needed surgery immediately. Pinky is visually impaired, has stomach and allergy issues, ingrown eyelashes, and cannot hear well.
During recovery from surgery, she had 2 grand mal seizures, but has been seizure-free since. She is developmentally delayed. So, at 2 years old, her responses are more appropriate of a 4 to 6 month old puppy. The veterinarians confirmed that Pinky’s issues were likely due to inbreeding.
Clearly, this adorable pup was born to get the word out about the horrors of puppy mills and backyard breeders. So, I suppose it’s ok if she has a little attitude while doing it. She has major, important business to handle – “Adopt, Don’t Shop!” barks Pinky.
She is fearless and, yet, she opens hearts in the most subtle ways, so that people can receive this valuable information she has to offer. Then they’re free to do whatever they want with it — like adopt a special needs dog, volunteer at a shelter, donate to a rescue, etc. It’s all fab and it’s all an integral part of the bigger picture.
Despite her many challenges, Pinky’s a hilarious character with quite the enthusiastic following. Her daily frolics are awkward and can be lovably arrogant and demanding at times, but her fans come back for much more.
On a typical day, she can be found silly-playing with her siblings Bob (also a pit bull who she refers to as a “beluga whale”) and Boss (a “portly” rat terrier), celebrating every holiday with fervor — even the silly ones, and she’s made a handsome career out of sleeping.
She is mischievous, but oh, so cute! And this girl’s got a platform to talk about why we should adopt and not shop! Whether it’s through her selfies or adorable doodles inspired by the pup, Pinky’s spreading the word about rescue dogs.
Did I mention that Pinky is positive she is a ballerina?
Her followers boast about the joy and happiness she brings into their lives daily. And I know in her parents’ lives too. I visited Pinky recently in her home and, well, here is their family portrait and the bloopers. Enjoy!
Brother Bob is Everything to Pinky. But it wasn’t always that way. They lived separately in their home up until a few months ago when Paulette and Christie enlisted dog trainer extraordinaire Matt Bryant of The Texas Dogfather for help with Bob’s behavioral issues. Pinky’s magical powers turned things around quickly and she was a calming force in the entire process. Bob fell in love too and now they’re inseparable!
It’s Pinky’s World and everyone wants in! I had to have-in a few months ago and invited Pinky over to the studio. Just couldn’t get enough of her! Paulette calls this one “Hippie Meets Napoleon Dynamite.”
Pinky is loved and adored for her differences and shortcomings. What an inspirational girl. She makes us believe that all things are possible with love and humor. She teaches us that we are all special beings with imperfect perfections who have something to offer the world. She is a fierce advocate for adoption and we just love that. Keep on shining that light, Ms. Pinky!
