It is thanks to this dog that dogs visiting New York can stay at the Plaza – his name is nothing less than Pinky Panky Poo.
This is a story about Mrs. Patrick Campbell, a celebrated stage actress from the early 20th century. However, it might surprise you to hear that she isn’t the star of the show in this particular post. Today, it’s her beloved dog, Pinky Panky Poo, that takes center stage.
This unique canine, gifted to Mrs. Campbell by royalty, would inadvertently become a catalyst for change in the luxurious corridors of New York City’s Plaza Hotel.
As we delve into their intertwined stories, we’ll discover how a dog’s presence influenced societal norms, challenge established policies, and paved the way for future paws!
Key Points
- Mrs. Patrick Campbell, a renowned actress, owned a dog named Pinky Panky Poo, gifted by King Leopold II.
- Pinky Panky Poo influenced the Plaza Hotel’s pet policy forever during their visit to New York in 1907.
- Mrs. Campbell’s theatrical roles were often overshadowed by Pinky Panky Poo’s media attention during her American tours.
- Pinky Panky Poo’s legacy enabled Martha Stewart to dine with her chow chow at the Plaza in 2012.
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Who Was Mrs. Patrick Campbell?
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Mrs. Patrick Campbell, born Beatrice Rose Stella Tanner in 1865 in Kensington, London, was a celebrated stage actress of her time.
She received a dog named Pinky Panky Poo as a gift from Leopold II, the King of the Belgians, in 1890. This tiny canine companion played a significant role in modern-day pet policies at the renowned Plaza Hotel in New York City – but we’ll return to that in just a minute.
Mrs. Campbell’s career saw her taking lead roles in plays such as “The Second Mrs. Tanqueray,” “The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith,” and “Hedda Gabler.” Despite her cinematic success, it was often her dog, Pinky Panky Poo, who often took center stage in media coverage during her visits to America.
Moreover, she was also famous for her flamboyant nature and her penchant for making astonishingly inappropriate remarks.
Getting To Know Pinky Panky Poo: Making It Possible For Dogs To Stay at the Plaza
Pinky Panky Poo, the distinctive and well-known canine companion of Mrs. Patrick Campbell, is the star of this tale.
While his exact breed is not definitively confirmed, he was often referred to as a “monkey griffon,” suggesting a Brussels Griffon lineage. According to documentation, he had “bright, black, beady eyes,” he had “weedy” fur, and his paws were likened to “overgrown spiders’ legs.”
During Mrs. Campbell’s American tours, he consistently garnered significant attention from the press. In fact, on her first American visit, Pinky Panky Poo featured in almost every major newspaper article about the visiting actress.
His antics, appearance, and association with the renowned actress made him a favorite subject for journalists, ensuring that he was as much a star in the newspapers as his famous owner was on the stage.
A Change of Rule: Now Your Dog Can Stay At the Plaza
However, what Pinky Panky Poo is most famous for (and perhaps Mrs. Patrick Campbell too) is the significant policy change at the Plaza resulting from his visit.
When Mrs. Patrick Campbell visited New York in 1907, she intended to stay at the Plaza Hotel with her Pinky Panky Poo. However, upon arrival, the hotel surprised her with their strict no-dog policy. Recognizing the potential public relations disaster of turning away such a prominent guest and her well-publicized dog, the hotel’s managing director, Fred Sterry, faced a dilemma.
In a swift decision that would set a precedent, Sterry chose to amend the hotel’s policy to accommodate small pets. Mrs. Campbell had to sign an agreement ensuring her dog’s good behavior during their stay. This pivotal moment not only granted Pinky Panky Poo access but also opened the doors of the Plaza Hotel to other pets.
The policy change marked a significant shift in the hotel’s approach to its elite clientele and their furry companions.
Pinky Panky Poo’s Passing
Pinky Panky Poo sadly met an unfortunate end around 1909 or 1910. Allegedly, he tragically passed away after consuming some flea powder.
Despite the heartbreak of losing her cherished pet, Mrs. Campbell’s affection for dogs remained undiminished. In 1911, she returned to New York City with another dog, humorously named Pinky Panky Poo Two. Later on, she introduced the world to a Pekingese named Wung-Wung Wah-Wah Woosh-Woosh Wish-Wish Bang.
While Mrs. Campbell had several dogs over the years, none could truly replace Pinky Panky Poo in her heart. Yet, through the stories, media attention, and policy changes he inspired, Pinky Panky Poo’s legacy lives on.
Pinky Panky Poo’s Legacy: Martha Stewart and Her Dog Dine at the Plaza
Although it’s been more than a century since Pinky Panky Poo, he’s paved the way for many paws to walk in his footsteps.
Thanks to Pinky Panky Poo, Martha Stewart could dine with her chow chow, Genghis Khan, at the Plaza in 2012.
Rather than indulging in table food, Martha brought his specialized meal, ensuring he dined in style. While at the Plaza, Genghis Khan exhibited the utmost decorum, sitting regally at the table. Martha described him as not just well-behaved but even likened him to an “aristocratic human being.”
She further highlighted his polite nature, noting that chow chows, including Genghis Khan, prefer privacy when attending to their natural needs. This dignified demeanor, combined with his owner’s fame, ensures that Genghis Khan enjoys a life of luxury and refinement.
The Dog That Made It Possible For Dogs To Stay at the Plaza: Conclusion
In conclusion, the intertwined tales of Mrs. Patrick Campbell and her dog, Pinky Panky Poo, offer a captivating glimpse into societal norms and the ever-evolving relationship between humans and their pets.
Pinky Panky Poo’s influence extended beyond the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the policies of prestigious establishments like the Plaza Hotel. His legacy, which allowed future pets like Martha Stewart’s dog to enjoy the same privileges, is a testament to the profound impact a single canine can have on society.
Stories like the one of Pinky Panky Poo serve as a heartwarming reminder of the timeless connection between people and their beloved pets.
Thank you for reading this article about the dog that made it possible for dogs to stay at the Plaza! If this tickled your fancy, take a look at these stories:
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