Finnegan's Birthday: Memories of a Dog Busting Gender Stereotypes

Today, November 22, would have been Finnegan the dog’s twenty-third birthday. Humphrey often hears stories about Finnegan, many of which are very funny, and some touching.

Finnegan playing poker, 1991

Humphrey loves hearing the story of Finnegan’s ongoing social project that challenged gender stereotypes. Since he was a puppy, Finnegan was drawn to anything bright pink. Whatever it was, if it was fuchsia, he had to get his paws on it. Lucky for Finnegan, his accommodating Guardian obliged, and made a point of ensuring his possessions, when possible, were pink. That included leads, harnesses and collars.

Every so often, people in the park would stop, and say things like, “Pretty dog! What’s her name?”

“His name is Finnegan,” Guardian would respond.

On several occasions, the Guardian found herself scolded – “How could you put a boy in a pink collar! That’s terrible!”

You’d never hear such responses to a female dog in a blue collar! So Finnegan made a point of clarifying that he was merely expressing his preference for pink to challenge people’s gender stereotypes. Pink as a girls’ color is a Western construct. The opposite is the case in Poland, and even India! Moreover, the fact that North Americans believe it’s problematic for a boy to wear pink (and not a girl to wear blue) is an expression of how society continues to subjugate women. It’s an insult for a boy to do girl things, but certainly not the other way around. This reminded Finnegan of the opening lyrics to one of Madonna’s hit songs:

Girls can wear jeans
And cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots
'Cause it's OK to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
'Cause you think that being a girl is degrading

That was but one of the many important lessons Finnegan taught those around him. Humphrey encourages those who remember him to post comments!

Finnegan on the picket line, 1997 teachers' work stoppage

Finnegan consorting with his patchouli-scented hippie friends (without his guardian's knowledge!), 1990



Finnegan's portrait, which becomes more prominent at dusk when the contrast is enhanced in low light.