Fiona Mae Ferrett lived a big, full life — even though she only weighed about 2 pounds.
The 10-year-old teacup Yorkshire Terrier, whose mom is Ashley Ferrett of Old Forge, lost her short but brave battle with cancer on March 7. But in that decade on earth, she managed to make a name for herself.
Fiona was a pretty famous pup while living on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, with her Instagram account, @PrincessFionaMae, amassing 16,000 followers. She’s modeled in major fashion campaigns and was featured in publications including Buzzfeed, PopSugar and In Touch Magazine.
“She was absolutely perfect,” said Ferrett, 36, a hair colorist for Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon, who commutes between Old Forge and New York City. “I could talk about her for hours. She brought so much happiness into my life and everyone’s lives. Everyone who met her instantly loved her.”
Fiona Mae Ferrett, a teacup Yorkshire Terrier, whose mom is Ashley Ferrett of Old Forge, lost her battle with cancer on March 7. But in her decade on earth, she managed to make a name for herself.
Fiona got a second chance at life when Ferrett adopted her in cq2015. Although Ferrett and her friend went to the Humane Society of New York to meet a chihuahua for her to adopt, the shelter staff also brought out the cagemate, Fiona (then named Mochi), who excitedly ran out to greet them. Mistreated by her previous owners, the then 4-and-a-half-year-old pup had been neglected and was so malnourished that she only weighed a pound. Fiona had spent most of her time locked in a room and even lost half an ear to an aggressive dog who lived with her.
Still, Fiona had the sweetest personality, Ferrett said.
“They said, ‘I know you wanted the total opposite of (Fiona), but we’ve gotten over 100 applications for this little girl and we just think she’s supposed to be your dog,’” Ferrett said, adding her friend ended up adopting the chihuahua. “I said, ‘Of course she is.’ And that was that. I knew I needed to take care of her.”
Ferrett swaddled the pup she named Fiona (“She needed a girly name,” Ferrett said) in a blanket and held her tight during a 35-minute cab ride back to her apartment. Once home, Fiona, without any fear or hesitation, hopped out of the blanket and immediately rolled on her back, looking up at her new owner to show that she trusted her.
“I made a promise to her that I would do anything and everything to give her the best life possible,” Ferrett said.
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It was clear Fiona was born to be a star. Too small to constantly walk down New York’s busy streets, Ferrett carried her in a Prada bag (the only bag Ferrett owned with a structured bottom), which prompted attention from strangers. Ferrett quickly switched to “momager” mode and started an Instagram account to document Fiona’s fabulous life, which included dining out at restaurants, showing off custom-made costumes, relaxing in Central Park and building up a resume most humans could only dream of.
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Vogue photographer and animal advocate Richard Phibbs photographed Fiona and included her in his book, “Rescue Me: Dog Adoption Portraits and Stories from New York City.” And thanks to Ferrett’s career in the beauty industry, any time someone needed a cute dog for a photoshoot or campaign, Fiona was tapped for it. Her portrait also was displayed in Times Square on the NASDAQ building, where she rang the stock exchange bell on National Dog Day. She modeled for the Modist Magazine and the Jill by Jill Stuart spring 2019 campaign, was a centerfold in the New York Post and more. Fiona also “hosted” and appeared as the guest star at dozens of meet-and-greets, and she helped with the children’s cancer nonprofit Candlelighters of New York City through the Ronald McDonald House.
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When the pandemic hit, Ferrett headed back to Old Forge with Fiona to be with their family. Just before the holidays, Fiona started sneezing, which Ferrett’s uncle, a local veterinarian, attributed to a possible tooth issue. From there, Ferrett took Fiona for multiple tests before she found out the dog had oral melanoma. It was spreading, and Fiona would need either surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, which still wouldn’t guarantee that she would live for more than an extra few weeks. Doctors also were worried Fiona’s tiny body couldn’t handle it all.
Ferrett ensured Fiona’s last day on earth was as special as she was, letting her bask in the sun with lots of belly rubs and kisses. Then, Fiona looked up at her mom and signaled it was time to go. Ferrett cradled Fiona in her arms on her way to the animal hospital, just like she did on their first ride home. Though, in what Ferrett believes was an effort for Fiona to make her mom laugh, the dog stopped breathing for eight minutes before snoring a bit and opening her little eyes.
“She was always my winner for best supporting actress in a drama,” Ferrett said, laughing.
Ferrett stayed in the room with Fiona during her final moments, petting and kissing her and assuring her she was a good girl.
“I talked to so many people who have been through this, got a second opinion, and everyone kind of said the same thing,” Ferrett said. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
As Fiona also was a perfect example of the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement, Ferrett launched a GoFundMe campaign to benefit both the Humane Society of New York and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in South Abington Twp. The former is where the duo’s story began, and the latter holds a special place in Ferrett’s heart, as it’s home to a memorial gazebo for her late uncle, Joseph A. Revello.
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Ferrett hopes to help other shelter animals receive the care that they deserve and to raise awareness about the importance of adoption. She also wants potential owners of small dogs to understand that Fiona wasn’t a toy or plaything but a living, breathing animal who must be treated with love, care and respect. Fiona wasn’t an accessory; she was family.
“She was the best girl, and everyone loved her. She was my baby,” Ferrett said. “I always say I waited 30 years for someone to look at me the way that Fiona did.”
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Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
