The University of Mississippi is home to many great legends; from Faulker to McConnell the Mannings to McAllister and one of our very favorite families; The Gunn Family!
Lundy and Nancy Gunn graduated from The University of Mississippi in 1976, where Lundy played football for the Rebels. This is only part of what makes this family such devoted and enthusiastic fans of the sport. The Gunns settled in Jackson, MS after College to embark on their careers but always planned to retire in Oxford. Like most residents, they were captivated by everything this town had to offer— restaurants, sports, history, and entertainment. With all Oxford has to offer, the Gunn family would be not be complete without their furry sidekicks Nell and Deacon.
Nell is a 9-year-old Border Collie who sports a silky smooth black and white coat, like most pups of her breed. The Gunns adopted her from a Border Collie Rescue Group, which routinely picks Scottish names for their rescues, which is how Nell got her unique name. If she isn’t occupied with her peanut butter chew ring (her most favorite treat!), Nell is showing off her all-star skills by catching her Frisbee in midair. We like to think if she played football, she would have made an outstanding receiver! Outside of athletics she likes to nurture her cultural side by watching National Geographic Wild or Animal Planet. However, refrain from the feline’s please-Nell gets far too riled up when the cats appear! While she is a die-hard Rebel, she gets super annoyed when someone changes HER TV show to watch the game!
Deacon is the more laid back of the two. While Nell is engaged in sports, he prefers to recline in the sunlight or roll around in the cool grass. He too loves to chew on a peanut butter ring but rather than watching TV for entertainment, he’s satisfied to watch Nell perform her high-energy antics. Deacon enjoys stretching his legs with a stroll at Pat Lamar and Bailey’s Woods trails. He loves watching the sun sets over the lake, and despite the stereotype this Lab is not much of a swimmer. He will simply wade in the shallows to cool off- much like your YMCA senior aerobics class! STRETCHHHH!
Although this duo seems invincible to anything life throws their way, they scurry when it comes to rain or thunderstorms. At the strike of thunder they have already prepared an escape plan! Nancy and Lundy are convinced that Nell has super dog powers, as she is one step ahead of the weatherman on whether or not it will rain today! When the cursed drops fall from the sky, Nell can be found curled up in her safe spot: the closet. (Often with brother Deacon at her side.) For the more extreme storms, Nell has taken to the bathtub. She must have learned that from one of her TV shows. 😉
Please join us in chanting Hotty Toddy as we celebrate this month spotlighting one of our favorite, football-loving families.-GOOOO REBS!!