OUR FOUNDER AND HIS INSPIRATION
How it all started.
THE START OF SOMETHING SPECIAL
In memory of a good friend.
Patrick and Yukon
OUR FOUNDER
Patrick Sekino was born and raised in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Vegas in 2017. He spent over 24 years working in the film/TV industry, up until moving out of California. Though he enjoyed making movies and television shows, he knew his passion was to help animals. As a huge dog lover, he always imagined starting an organization dedicated to helping dogs in some way. With so many dog nonprofits out there, he wanted to start something unique. He remembered the sudden death of a close friend, who was a K-9 handler in the Air Force. That memory, combined with his love of dogs and respect for the military gave him an idea. Why not have local elementary school kids write holiday cards to the military K-9 units. He would then be able to send those cards along with other gifts, like dog toys to our military working dogs all over the country. That;s how he came up with the idea for Troops With Paws. He hopes that his good friend, Mike Lee is looking down and smiling.
Mike
HIS INSPIRATION
Mike Lee and Patrick Sekino had been friends since high school, but it wasn’t until after high school that they became really close. Patrick was a year older, so he graduated first. Once Mike graduated from high school, he seemed to struggle figuring out what he wanted to do. His struggle led to some problems with his parents, which eventually led to him leaving California, then coming back again. Things were better once he got back home. Not only did he mend the relationship with his family, but the relationship seemed stronger than ever. He later enlisted in the Air Force, thinking that it would be the best option for him while figuring out his life. He was assigned to be a K9 handler at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It was there that he found his calling and was no longer lost. He took a large amount of pride in what he did and loved his job. He even considered trying to become a search and rescue soldier. Sadly, his dreams would never become a reality. In March of 1996, Mike suddenly passed away, due to an infection from an arm injury. Mike was only 23 years old when he passed away. Even after so many years, Patrick still thinks about Mike, and what his life might be like now. Mike's sudden death at such a young age, after finding happiness, was part of the influence behind Troops With Paws. It's a way to honor him and keep his memory alive.