Elvis Presley’s Graceland has some unseen rooms that fans don’t get to see during the usual tour. Now, the historical site is opening up one of Elvis’ unique rooms. Downstairs near the famous Jungle Room, there’s a small closet. Inside, there are the original dog collars that belonged to Elvis Presley’s pups.
A Graceland tour guide and archivist, Angie Marchese, once commented on the collars, saying, “I love it because it’s so authentic, it’s so real.”
During his life, Presley was a huge dog lover and was the proud owner of many dogs. According to Graceland’s official website: “He had a Basset Hound named Sherlock, Great Danes named Brutus and Snoopy, and Edmund, a Pomeranian he gave to his Aunt Delta, because the two bonded so quickly.”
The site adds, “Get Lo, a Chow, was another of Elvis’ dogs. He was once flown to Boston on Elvis’ small Jetstar plane to get treatment for a kidney ailment. The dog stayed in Boston for three months as he underwent treatment and then was flown home, where treatment continued. Sadly, Get Lo passed away shortly after.
Besides Get Lo, Elvis had other dogs. “Elvis also had dogs he named Whoosh, Oswald. And Michael Edwards, named after Elvis’ character in ‘It Happened at the World’s Fair'”, the site adds. In 1956, Elvis gave his mother, a tiny dog called Sweet Pea. Later, for Christmas of 1962, Priscilla Presley received a poodle puppy named Honey. Today, the dog collar closet is used as a utility room.
Special Guest Plans To Visit Graceland For Elvis Presley Week
Speaking of Graceland, Priscilla Presley will return to her former home during Elvis Week. The event is expected to attract thousands of Elvis fans to Memphis, Tennessee.
Last year, the event was solely “virtual” as the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height. Presley will appear at the August 16 “Elvis in Concert” event at the Graceland Soundstage. She’ll also attend the August 17 “Conversations on Elvis” panel discussion at the Soundstage for this year’s celebration.
The King of Rock-n-Roll’s former wife will also attend a new event: a cocktail party on Graceland’s back lawn for Elvis Week Platinum Package Holders.
Due to social distancing protocols, last year’s Elvis Week was mainly a virtual event. The annual “Candlelight Vigil” procession to Elvis’ grave was restricted for the first time to a limited number of people.
However, Graceland is preparing for “a huge gathering of thousands of Elvis fans and friends for this year’s celebration,” according to Graceland spokesperson David Beckwith.
