Grumpy Pug Who Nobody Wanted is Now Living His Best Life After Being Adopted

You could call him the doggy ugly duckling, but Cornelius the leucistic pug was far from ugly. Many found him unique, but it took a kind couple to see through his defects and adopt him for what he was.

Cornelius was born in 2015 in Toronto, part of an unplanned litter from a Pug dad and a Shih‑Tzu–Pug mom. From the beginning, his pale cream fur and pale blue eyes set him apart—some assumed he was sick, simply because of his unusual appearance. But Toni Cusson and her partner James O’Donnell fell in love immediately. Though not planning to add another dog, they welcomed this little pug with the grumpy face into their home, recognizing a gentle heart beneath the scowl. Despite the sour expression he was born with, Cornelius’s story would unfold into one of warmth, health, and belonging.

A Diagnosis, Not a Defect

Worried at first that Cornelius might have albinism, Toni did her homework. But veterinary evaluation revealed that he had leucism, a rare genetic condition causing partial lack of pigmentation. Unlike albinism, his eyes and skin were healthy and his vet confirmed he was otherwise completely normal. His unusual coloring turned out to be simply cosmetic—a uniqueness, not a health burden.

The Grumpy Face That Captured Hearts

Cornelius’s perpetual frown might have scared others away—but Toni and James saw comedy, character, and depth. As The Dodo described, he had “the grumpiest pug face,” but also a personality that was loyal, affectionate, and delightfully quirky. His expression might say “don’t even think about it,” but beneath that, he was a ball-loving, bath-enjoying, and downright endearing little guy.

Life with Bowie: Love, Orange Toys, and Baths

Cornelius settled into life with his best friend, a pug named Bowie. He tended to dislike other dogs, but with Bowie, he was content—his grumpy demeanor softened into companionship. He famously adores baths and will hop into the tub himself just waiting for water. Oddly enough, orange objects (toys, blankets, you name it) would coax a rare grin from his face—his fur mom says it’s the only time his usual scowl blossoms into joy.

From Unwanted to Cherished, and Fully Healthy

Cornelius’s journey from ignored puppy to a beloved pet shows that initial appearances can be deceiving. Even though he started life with no takers, he has grown into a healthy, happy adult—free from the assumptions of illness that once dogged him. Today, he thrives under Toni and James’s care, living a life full of love and routine (and the occasional eye roll at spectators who stare at his grumpy look).

Reflections on Acceptance and Seeing Beyond the Surface

Cornelius reminds us that sometimes the faces that look the most unapproachable are hiding some of the sweetest souls. His grumpy facade may fool you for a moment, but it’s a mask for a playful, gentle heart. Living with Bowie taught him trust; bathtime and his orange toys taught him delight. His life is a testament to what love, patience, and curiosity can uncover—even in a dog who seems like he’s permanently over it.

Cornelius’s tale began in 2015 with uncertainty—but now, a decade later, he’s a happy, healthy pug who lives under the eager gaze of his Instagram‑famous owner, adored for exactly who he is: a little grumpy, mostly for show, entirely lovable. To see an amazing showcase of Cornelius life in pictures you can visit his instagram profile where he has chalked up 30k followers at Mrcornelius.