WHO WE ARE
Pinups for Pitbulls, Inc. (PFPB) was founded in 2005 by Deirdre “Little Darling” Franklin. Deirdre was tired of finding that so-called rescues and shelters were euthanizing healthy, friendly, and adoptable animals due to their alleged “breed”, and so she utilized her background in modeling and education in fine arts to create a calendar like no other–eye-catching pinup girls and their pups, paying close attention to detail and era appropriate style along the way.
Since 2005, PFPB has continued its progress and has grown exponentially into the internationally recognized organization it is today. Deirdre’s initial vision and mission has remained intact, however her passion for animals and her ability to capture an audience has enabled PFPB to reach people across the world.
PFPB is a certified 501c3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate people about the history, temperament, and plight of the pit bull-type dog; raising awareness to rally against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and Breed Discriminatory Laws (BDL). PFPB’s goal is to restore the image of the pit bull-type dog to its former reputation of America’s companion animal, war hero, and family member.
Through Deirdre’s ever-growing team of volunteers in over twenty states, PFPB has been able to host educational seminars, community outreach initiatives, and fund-raising events throughout the United States. In its educational crusade, PFPB hopes to end discrimination, abuse, and the unnecessary killing of pit bull-type dogs around the world–all the while dreaming that one day, PFPB will no longer be needed.
MEET THE TEAM
The Pinups for Pitbulls Team is not just another group of pretty faces. We are animal lovers, advocates, educators, and a force to be reckoned with. Not a member of our staff will give up on our work until we are no longer needed. With your help, we are hopeful that this time is just over the horizon.
Deirdre ‘Little Darling’ Franklin
Deirdre is the founder, President, and soul behind PFPB. Having founded PFPB over seven years ago, Deirdre tirelessly and unselfishly works to remain educated, current, and ready to combat Breed-specific and discriminatory laws. Deirdre is currently in graduate school at Drexel University, obtaining a master’s degree in Public Policy to add to her arsenal of discrimination-fighting knowledge. She has extensive experience with animal rescue, having been on the front-lines post-Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and through her years of volunteer work with animal shelters and rescue organizations. Deirdre works as a bankruptcy counselor and mediator when she is not tirelessly working for PFPB. She resides in New Jersey with her fiancé Jeffrey and their family of furry children: Four-Legged-Founder, Carla Lou (pit bull mix, age 18); foster-failure Baxter Bean (pit bull mix, age 6); rescued pup Zoe (harrier-mix, age 12); and shelter dog Lexi (shepherd mix, age 11.5)
Carla-Lou, Four-Legged Founder
Carla-Lou is the true founder and inspiration for PFPB. Having been abandoned by her abusers in a Texas basement at age 1, Carla-Lou (or “Mookie Sue” as she is affectionately called by her closest friends and fans) was rescued by Chako.org over sixteen years ago and has since been Deirdre’s best friend, confidant, and the inspiration for much of PFPB’s custom-designed merchandise. Carla-Lou is a true spokes model and ambassa-dog for PFPB, showing everyone that comes into her wiggly path nothing but kindness and kisses, embodying a true pit bull-type dog through and through. As Carla-Lou continues to grow older and wiser, she is a constant inspiration, and a reminder of the love a human can share with a dog.
Jeffrey “Jeffington” Loncosky
Jeffrey is a Board Member, Treasurer, and overall financial guru for PFPB. Having an extensive background in finance, banking, and accounting (aside from being Little Darling’s main squeeze), there is no better man for the job of Treasurer and Financial Manager than Jeffington. He earned his BBA in Finance & Business Management from Temple University and has an AA in Bank Management. Jeff also does most of the heavy lifting, inventory, and is a regular volunteer at most our events. He has been a musician for 28 years and helps to coordinate a fun and organized atmosphere for our performers, musicians, DJs and bar/club staff for our events so everyone can perform at their best. He resides in New Jersey with Little Darling and their aforementioned clan of fur-kids.
Doron Petersan
Doron is a Board Member and long-time volunteer for PFPB. Little Darling first met Doron through Doron’s famous Washington D.C. Eatery, Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats. Unable to resist the vegan brownies, Little Darling found herself fast-friends with Doron. Doron’s expertise about animal rescue, her love for her pit bull-type dogs Katie Bear and Lucas, and her uncanny calm and witty demeanor makes her an unbelievable asset to PFPB. Doron resides in Washington, DC with her husband Peter, [their son Ezra], and their rescued fur-children [Cat], Katie-Bear, and Lucas (both pit bull-type dogs).
Rachel “Rachel Love” Robison
Rachel is a Board Member and Shipping Coordinator for PFPB. Rachel has a long history of working with animals of all species and creeds, having worked for years as a veterinary technician prior to opening her own business, Mahallah Dog Grooming. Rachel is a true Jill-of-all-trades, dedicating her time to rescuing many homeless animals, volunteering at events and educational programs nation-wide, and organizing and shipping PFPB’s expanding collection of merchandise. In her “free” time, Rachel is a singer and songwriter. Rachel resides in Pennsylvania with her husband Jason and numerous fur-babies – including guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, lizards, and her four rescued dogs, pit bull mix Itty-Bitty, Shepherd Jetta, Labrador Piera, and Pekinese Snowball – just to name a few!
Sandra “Sandra Dee” Jones
Sandra is the Volunteer and Events Coordinator for PFPB. Sandra is an attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with her main focus on law with compassion – animal and family law. Long before law school, Sandra knew she wanted to use her skill-set and education to do more for animals in need. Having adopted her first pit bull-type dog, Stella, from Animal Control, she knew she needed to do everything she could to be a voice for those who cannot speak out against cruelty and discrimination. Sandra has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a juris doctorate from Rutgers University. In addition to attending and organizing events with PFPB nation-wide, Sandra teaches “Animals and the Law” courses at Rutgers University and assists PFPB with various legal issues. Sandra resides in Pennsylvania with husband Greg, former street-cat Penny, and their three rescued dogs: pit bull mix Stella, beagle mix Maverick, and pit bull mix Ruby-Lu.