More: Pepper was rescued from an animal shelter. We were told she was a rat terrier/mutt mix. She loved to go to the Veteran's parade every year, and this was her first year. We didn't put the flag in her mouth, she was a pup and was playing. It was a perfect shot, as some marines were marching by right when she had the American flag in her mouth. THEY SALUTED PEPPER. I will never forget that moment.