- From “Hee Haw” to Helping Hound Dogs, The Legendary Linda Thompson -

By Jordan Schaul | National Geographic | January 30, 2014

When I learned that Linda Thompson was a big-time animal advocate, and actually aspired to be a veterinarian at a young age, I jumped at a chance to write a tribute to her. I remember watching Linda’s live interview with Larry King over a decade ago on the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. It...January 30, 2014

When I learned that Linda Thompson was a big-time animal advocate, and actually aspired to be a veterinarian at a young age, I jumped at a chance to write a tribute to her.

I remember watching Linda’s live interview with Larry King over a decade ago on the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. It was a gripping interview with the multi-talented ex-girlfriend of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

I was already a fan of hers at the time of the interview and am grateful to the Barbi Twins for introducing me to their good friend in animal rescue.  They see each other at almost every animal-related function in Los Angeles.

Linda was a longtime love interest of Elvis Presley and has graciously and gracefully carried on his legacy, which included his love for animals. 

In fact, he was known for gifting pets to the women in his life from Linda to his mother Gladys. At one point, the menagerie at Graceland included spider monkeys, peacocks, chickens, pigs, poodles, and a Great Pyrenees called “Muffin.” And Elvis’ chow, “Getlow,” who lived at Graceland when Linda was in residence, may have outlived the King by a year according to one source.

Linda Thompson is more than charming. When I saw her interview with Larry King I was so impressed by her poise and elegance. The lovely and articulate Linda Thompson is a true Southern Belle. I’m now even more moved to know her love for the animal kingdom was instilled in her by her mother.

The contestant and finalist in state and national beauty pageants went on to become an Academy Award and Grammy-nominated lyricist. She and her second husband won an Emmy award for their work. Linda also has nearly 20 TV and film credits to her name. Today she dedicates her time to charity and a lot of it involves helping animals in need. As mentioned, her love for animals has been passed down to her from her mother who had a soft place in her heart for the warm-blooded and furry. She in turn has passed down her compassionate spirit to her sons Brandon and Brody Jenner.  Brandon and his girlfriend Leah rescued their dog from a trashcan and Brody has two rottweillers.

Linda has had as many as seven dogs at any one time and currently has a Shitzu and a French bulldog. She is a strong advocate for companion animal welfare having served on the board of a rescue center, where she was an ardent supporter of no-kill shelters and spay and neuter programs.

*Update Feb 1, 2014:  Per Elvis Expert Jay Gordon: “Getlow died in 1976, more than a year before Elvis’ death.”

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 14,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.