Name: Penny

Age: 2 ½ years (ish)

Breed: Bospin (Boston Terrier + Miniature Pinscher)

Follow her on: Instagram @penny_the_bospin

With well over 3,000 Instagram followers, a spot in The Dogist’s latest book, and a partnership with BarkBox, it goes without saying that Jersey City’s own Penny the Bospin has made her mark on the K-9 world. I took to Van Vorst Park this week to meet Penny and her mom Alexa to get the scoop on this high-flying pooch.

So where did you come from? What’s your rescue story?

PTB: I was born in Tennessee, in the Appalachians. Spaying and neutering aren’t really part of the animal culture there. Let’s just say a family had a Boston Terrier male and a Miniature Pinscher female, and the rest is history! There’s an amazing woman in Tennessee named Cynthia who spends her time going around, house to house, finding all kinds of animals that are in need of rescuing (including horses and pot-bellied pigs).

She found me and took me back to her 90-acre farm, gave me all of my shots and got me fixed, and sent me up north to find a home. The folks at BarkBox had a two-day “Pup Up” adoption event in NYC, and I was one of many available rescues. I was curled up in a back corner when my mom got there, but as soon as I saw her I jumped up and started kissing her—and then fell asleep in her lap. She wasn’t sure that she wanted a dog yet, but my aunt had convinced her to go, and after she met me she knew that she wasn’t leaving without me. We still keep in touch with Cynthia and send her pictures all of the time; I’m so grateful for her help in getting me to my forever home. I was neglected during my time in Tennessee, which gave me separation anxiety when I first came to Jersey City, but over time I’ve realized how much my mom loves me and that she won’t abandon me. I love it here!

How did you get your name?

PTB: My name used to be Selena, which is a beautiful name (if I do say so myself), but one of my mom’s best friends already took it so I got to pick out a new one. It was a no-brainer! I’m copper-colored, I’m cheerful—I’m a Penny through and through.

Do you have any siblings?

PTB: I have a three-year-old human sister, Conalie, who I see on weekends. She’s in love with me and we’re best buds. We love to hang out together in the back seat on long car rides. Any time she calls on the phone she asks to talk to me first!

You have a pretty impressive fan base on Instagram. How did that come about?

PTB: Since I don’t have thumbs, my mom started my account for me about a year and a half ago. She thought it was crazy at first, but it’s been really amazing. I’ve been able to meet so many other dogs in the area and in NYC. The coolest thing that has happened to me so far was BarkBox asking me to be one of their spokesdogs! They do so many fun events to bring together people in the area with dogs, which has been a great way to meet new friends and spread the word about how great rescuing and adoption is. It’s been really rewarding. Sometimes when people see me at events, they tell me how great I am and want to get a dog just like me—and we tell them to head to their local shelter!

Other than Instagram, what’s your claim to fame?

PTB: I’m actually in a book that came out a few months ago, which has been so cool! The Dogist (thedogist.com) put together a photography book of all different sizes, shapes, and types of dogs called The Dogist: Photographic Encounters with 1,000 Dogs, and I made the cut. You can find me in the “Beautiful Blends” section (duh). We sent a copy to my girl Cynthia, of course.

What are your favorite things to do?

PTB: I love running and jumping. I bet you that I could jump over this park fence easily! My mom has to make sure that I get all of the “boingies” out when I go outside. I’m also a professional snuggler. Nobody believes it, but I am so lazy when I’m in my house. They have to force me to go outside in the morning, although I do go crazy once I’m out there. Outdoor-me and indoor-me are pretty much completely different animals (get it?). But what can I say—I like to Netflix and chill.

Every dog has her day—what’s the worst trouble that you’ve ever been in?

PTB: Some dogs destroy shoes, but that’s not my style. I’m a master escape artist. When I was first adopted, I was still worried that I was going to be abandoned and I got out of my crate (they still don’t know how I did it—ha!). I spent the day wreaking havoc, and the neighbors were not happy with my mom when she got home. I’ve heard a rumor that my Miniature Pinscher ancestors are known for escaping, so I must get my Houdini skills from my birth mom.

What’s your advice to people in Jersey City who are looking to add a new (non-human) member to their family?

PTB: I really want to spread the word about adoption. You can rescue a dog and change its life, and even if it seems challenging at first, remember that we are so adaptive and such resilient animals. With time, love, and patience, you can have a really awesome best friend.

The dog scene in Jersey City—paws up or down?

PTB: Up! This has been the most welcoming community that I could have ever imagined. I moved from NYC about a year and a half ago, and I absolutely love it here. I’m lucky enough to have a small fenced-in backyard to play in. I jump right out the window to get outside now. I love socializing with my fellow JC dogs, though. The dog run in Van Vorst Park is closest, so I go there a lot, but the run in Hamilton Park is huge and amazing as well. I also love to go to Morris Canal Park for a change of pace and to really stretch my legs, and Hound About Town for treats. I used to love going to Zeppelin Hall and Surf City when the law allowed my kind. Can we petition to get that changed, please?

Save 10% on your next BarkBox purchase and get free shipping with the code PENNYBOSPIN. You can also use the code at BarkShop.com and get a free bully stick with your order. Pretty cool!

Have a pet that deserves the spotlight? Email us for a chance to be featured on ChicpeaJC!

 

– Erin