The Plaza Welcomes Its First Four-Legged Guest: The Story of Pinkie-Pankie-Poo
Oct. 23, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
In 1907, The Plaza Hotel in New York welcomed its first four-legged guest—a nearly blind, toothless 17-year-old Brussels Griffon, reportedly named Pinkie-Pankie-Poo, dressed in a fur coat. The tiny dog belonged to renowned English actress Mrs. Stella Patrick Campbell, who arrived at the hotel with her children, several servants, and about a hundred suitcases. According to ahistoryofdogs, her pet was a gift from King Leopold II of Belgium.
When Mrs. Campbell attempted to check in, hotel staff informed her of a strict no-pets policy. However, to avoid upsetting the actress, hotel co-owner Fred Sterry made an exception, allowing her to stay with Pinkie-Pankie-Poo on the condition that the dog behaved and used service elevators.
Interestingly, that same year, The Plaza launched a dog daycare service for ladies wanting to enjoy afternoon tea while their pets were cared for. The service, managed by a dog keeper, was located in the hotel’s main corridor, marking the start of The Plaza’s long-standing tradition of hosting beloved pets alongside its famous human guests.
