Pets on Parade honors Valley war dogs

Hundreds of people celebrated animals big and small at the 15th annual Pets on Parade at the Doral Desert Princess Resort in Cathedral City. The event, benefiting the Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped and the Humane Society of the Desert, also paid tribute to our American war dogs.

County Supervisor John Benoit presented the Saving American Lives trophy to K-9s and their handlers from the Twentynine Palms Marine Base, that’s how we met Travis Miller and his four-legged partner Max of three years.

“It was a great honor to receive the award, to be recognized for what we do on a daily basis,” said Miller.

Military working dogs entered the war zone during World War I and have served in every war since. Joining troops on the front lines, they’re capable of saving an average 500 lives during their service.

“As an explosive dog his role is to find explosives for us to make sure we stay a safe distance,” said Miller.

There are nearly 3,000 war dogs serving our country today, 700 of them are fighting over seas.

“Max has been deployed to India, Egypt and all over the United States,” said Miller.

The role of the courageous K-9s is heroic and appreciated.

“I’d be terrified to lose him. He’s become my best friend the last three and a half years,” Miller said.