I first met Sophie Sumner at a friend’s birthday party in Oxfordshire, England. My memories on said birthday party are still a little hazy (I remember climbing a tree and running from an old Volkswagon at some point), but I can clearly recall thinking Sophie was silly and fabulous. We’ve bumped into each other a few times since then, including when I filmed a little cameo on this season’s cycle of America’s Next Top Model, which she ended up winning. (Congratulations!) But the last time I saw her, she told me about her pink poodle. When I realized she wasn’t joking and that she really did have a pink poodle, I decided to find out more.
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Sophie, tell me who is this pretty pink friend of yours?
This is Pink Darcy Dog, she is a very friendly loveable maltipoo!
Forgive my canine ignorance, but what is a maltipoo?
A maltese and a poodle cross, of course.
When did you get her? And did she come pink, or did that happen by magic?
I have had her for a year now. When I was raising money for cancer research my groomer suggested he could dye Darcy pink, which I thought would be a fun and innovative way of raising money. I can’t believe how much attention she is getting!
I know! Maybe I should dye my hair pink. Or do you think Darcy is more popular for other reasons?
Well, she is the friendliest dog and she has the best temperament. I don’t think anyone can resist her pink charm, and she does have a rather amusing Twitter account (@pinkdarcydog), which I think helps in world of dog popularity.
I know you’re doing this to raise awareness. Awareness of what? (And why is this cause important to you?)
I am trying to raise £5,000 for breast cancer research. I think we can all touch on a time when we have known somebody who has struggled with the pitfalls of cancer. I would also like to get Darcy involved with children’s charities; she has such a friendly nature and loves being around people. I think she can make so many people happy and brighten up what may not be the best of days.
Where does she live? What her hobbies?
She has just got her puppy passport so she is a dog of travels, living all round the place! Her favourite thing is stretching, she loves to stretch, she also surprisingly likes the pub as its always busy and full of people. She loves the attention she gets on her walks. She also likes chasing those pesky pigeons.
My dog is called Monster, but he’s just black. Could they be friends anyway?
Oh, absolutely. I think Darcy and Monster would be a great duo, like Bonnie and Clyde, but minus that whole bank robbing and getting shot at the end nonsense.
And how do we learn more about what she’s going to be up to?
Follow Darcy at @PinkDarcyDog, she updates you with her tales –
Or do you mean tails?
Ha! Exactly.