FAVORITE THINGS
Reindog Days THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE BRINGS TOGETHER SEA ISLAND DOGS AND THEIR FAMILIES . | BY MICHELLE FRANZEN MARTIN |
The holiday season at Sea Island means it ’ s time for a few of our most special traditions , among them the Reindog Parade . The annual event , now celebrating its 20th year , brings together the canine companions of Sea Island members and guests as they don their holiday apparel and strut their stuff on the runway . For two Sea Island members , the Reindog Parade is among their Favorite Things .
VIRGINIA SCHLEGEL
JOINED BY DOGS FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTH COASTAL GEORGIA
Virginia Schlegel , Sea Island member and executive director of the Humane Society of Coastal Georgia , participated in her first Reindog Parade as a judge . The following year , reclaiming her spot on the judges panel , Schlegel brought rescue dogs along for the ride and has ever since . “ It is great ,” said Schlegel , “ because we are able to let people learn about the animals we have available for adoption .” At the event , participants can also meet Humane Society volunteers and learn about the ways they can support the organization .
• FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION : Seeing dogs dressed up in their Christmas gear . “ It warms my heart that people treat their animals like family .”
• FAVORITE PERSONAL MEMORY : Being with the people of Sea Island . “ Everybody at Sea Island is near and dear to my heart .”
• FAVORITE ALL-TIME COSTUME : “ There was a family dressed like the Grinch , and their dog was dressed like the Grinch ’ s dog — it was really cute .”
• FAVORITE OUTCOME : “ We ’ ve had some adoptions come out of it , and that ’ s the ultimate — that we can find a good home for a pet at Christmastime .”
JULIA GOALBY
JOINED BY ELLIE AND GEORGE
This year marks Julia Goalby and her Springer Spaniel Ellie ’ s seventh year in the Reindog Parade — and her English Cocker Spaniel George ’ s second year . Ellie comes for the treats , and George comes for the socialization . “ This is probably our favorite event , but Fourth of July is a close second ,” Goalby admits . Together with her children , 10-year-old Bobby and 12-year-old Frances , Goalby and her dogs look forward every year to this holiday tradition .
• FAVORITE COSTUME FOR ELLIE AND GEORGE : Ellie dressed as a reindeer , and George as Santa . “ Ellie ’ s costume has a hood with antlers that we are lucky if she wears across the stage !”
• FAVORITE AFTER-PARADE ACTIVITY : Visiting the gingerbread house inside The Cloister .
• FAVORITE ACTIVITY FOR ELLIE AND GEORGE : Running on the beach and chasing birds .
• BOBBY AND FRANCES ’ FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE PARADE : Bobby likes the sugar cookies and hot chocolate ; Frances enjoys seeing the Sea Island staff .
32 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL / WINTER 2022 / 23