Meet Josie Gregory
PAL’s Bachelorette

Josie Gregory (pictured with her rescue dog Nash) is in the running for CH2 Magazine’s Bachelorette of the Year, and she has chosen Palmetto Animal League as her non-profit charity. Every year CH2 Magazine holds this contest to raise money for non-profits. The winning Bachelorette will receive $7,500 ($2500 for their non-profit charity and $5000 for themselves,) and her photo on the cover of CH2’s January 2019 issue.

Originally from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Josie relocated to Savannah, Georgia, after college for a reporting job with FOX28. She fell in love with the Lowcountry. It’s also where she fell in love with her rescue dog, Nash.

Who nominated you for CH2/CB2’s Bachelorette of the Year?

My co-workers thought it would be funny to nominate me. They took my headshot off our company website and submitted it. I don’t think they realized how competitive I am and how serious I would take this competition!

What made you want to adopt a rescue?

My family and I have a long history of harboring rescues. Our home in Tennessee is on a cul-de-sac where people would frequently dump puppies and dogs. Those abandoned animals would work their way house-by-house looking for someone to feed and love them. My family always did! Growing up, I had 6 rescue dogs, including two puppies and their mother.

What first led you to PAL?

As a reporter, I couldn’t afford to take care of myself, let alone a dog. When I took a marketing position with Hilton Head Exterminators, I knew I could finally afford to have a dog. I started looking at various rescue organizations. There were so many dogs that needed homes but for some reason, I didn’t feel a connection with any of them. I decided to travel across the river to Palmetto Animal League. I was actually looking to adopt at PAL when Nash chose me.

How did you find Nash?

Right after my visit to PAL, Nash showed up at a Pooler fire station. A friend of mine sent me photos and a video of him and I had to go meet him in person. When I first saw Nash, we had an instant connection. He was so sweet, loving, and quiet. He was skinny, dirty, and his paws were burnt but he was otherwise physically healthy. Nash had been through so much and he stole my heart; I had to save him.

Because he was neutered, micro-chipped and so well-behaved, I knew he had been someone’s pet. The microchip wasn’t registered so I posted on several lost and found pet pages with no luck. I didn’t want to take him to the shelter because some shelters would put him down for even resembling a Pitbull if his owner didn’t come to claim him. So, I decided to keep him. I took him to the vet and learned he was heartworm positive. The treatment was over $1,500 and worth every penny. Maybe that was why he was abandoned.

Out of all the non-profit organizations you could choose to support, why animal rescue and why PAL?

Animals can’t talk and tell us when they’re sick, hurt, or sad. I believe we have a responsibility to be their voice and make sure they are cared for and comfortable. People aren’t always prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for an animal and those animals typically end up in shelters. There’s no way I can rescue every animal; this is my way to show my love for them.

How has Nash enriched your life?

Nash stole my heart; we were meant to be together. Now, I understand why I didn’t have a connection with any of the other dogs I visited, it was because Nash was waiting for me! He loves riding in cars, being around people, and playing with other dogs (just don’t let him see a cat!). To this day, I’ve only heard him bark once! He is an extremely happy pup—running and chasing his ball every chance he gets. He has taught me how to love unconditionally, and I would do anything for him.

Why are you so passionate about supporting The No Kill Movement?

I firmly believe that how a dog acts is a direct reflection of the dog’s training. I hope that by introducing people to Nash, it will remove some of the fear people have about Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes. Public opinion is so negative towards them, but if you met Nash you would change your mind. No animal should be put down based on looks, pedigree, or overcrowding issue. Every animal should be given a chance to live. There is someone out there for every animal.

Show your support for PAL’s bachelorette at CH2 Magazine’s Bachelorette of the Year party on Friday, October 19 at 8pm at The Rooftop Bar at Poseiden! You’ll help CH2 choose the Top 10 bachelorettes by voting for your favorite. Each vote is $3, and the money raised that evening will be donated to the Island Recreation Center. The Top 10 finalists, announced at the end of the evening, will go on to compete for the Bachelorette of the Year title and $2,500 for their charity.

Can’t make it to the party? Click here to learn how you can help propel PAL’s bachelorette into the Top 10 now!

Then December 1-10, online voting takes place for the Top 10 at www.celebratehiltonhead.com to officially crown CH2’s Bachelorette of the Year.