Font ResizeLAS CRUCES - Debbie Kandoll of Las Cruces and two of the retired military working dogs her group is trying to find homes for have been invited to ride atop a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade this week in Southern California.
"I never have been to Tournament of Roses parade. I thought my chances were over when my high school band didn't make it," Kandoll said. "I get to accompany these hero dogs for the recognition they deserve.
"I realize it's all about them. I'm excited I get to go along."
Kandoll and the retired military working dogs will ride on a float entered by Cherry Pickens, the wife of oilman T. Boone Pickens, who has adopted two working military dogs of her own and is a big supporter, Kandoll said. She said the dogs will have a spot on the float to ride in.
"They made a little scoopout on the float so the retired dogs don't have to walk the five miles," she said. "The most important thing is we want to get word out about our website (militaryworkingdogadoptions.com) and that these animals make tremendous pets and companions in retirement. Most people don't realize they can be adopted at any military base where they retire."
The group has worked to find homes for about 30 retired military working dogs in the last three years, including a couple in Las Cruces.
"It is our goal that none of these dogs would ever wind up in a shelter, especially after their honorable service of the last few years,"
The Tournament of Roses Parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and will be televised by ABC.
