WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Two Central Georgia vets will wave to millions of people on TV and in person on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California.
Dr. Vernard Hodges and Dr. Terrence Ferguson from Critter Fixers got an invite to the Tournament of Roses Parade.
“The granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl game, you know it's probably one of the most recognizable parades in our country and maybe even the world," Furguson said.
Well, the guys quickly said yes, in two shakes of a dog's tail. 40 million people watch the extravaganza but they aren't worried, they've had some experience in this kind of thing.
“For our town and the state and the Southeast the Cherry Blossom is a huge honor and definitely loved being the Cherry Blossom grand marshall that was a lot of fun,” Hodges said.
The guys also appeared in the homecoming parade at Fort Valley State, the school where they met and went into business together. This year they also met President Joe Biden at the White House.
But the Tournament of Roses is far from a tuxedo affair. However, you do have to get the wave down.
“Maybe it's the two-handed one, yeah we won't be robotic," they both chuckled to one another.
They are far from robotic, they're a laugh a minute.
Furguson thought he would have a logistical nightmare gameday.
But in a moment of serendipity, things fell neatly into place.
“I'm just so excited to be in the Rose Bowl and later that day and that afternoon get to see my son play in the Rose Bowl with the University of Alabama,” he said.
It's another experience to add to their bucket list.
“My bucket list was full 10 years ago and I'm very blessed and now someone is just dumping extra stuff on it," Furguson said gratefully.
The dynamic duo's float is also pairing with the Humane Society of Pasadena, which they said is pretty special.
They'll ride with some pups up for adoption.