“Pop” Miller Drives Thousands of Miles a Week to Spread the Joy of Pets
by Olivia Green | WeINSPIRE Reporter
HERCULES, Ca. — Ralph “Pop” Miller is in the business of pet transport. He spends his time working with breeders and rescue organizations that need ground transportation for animals and dutifully drives them to wherever it is that their new family awaits. From pit bulls and golden retrievers to the tiniest of kittens, Miller is dedicated to bringing the joy of pets to people across the country and the hundreds of thousands of followers he has acquired online.
Miller began his pet transporting business in 2015 after overcoming severe health issues that threatened to change his life for the worse; however, his strength and ability to overcome led him to realize an occupation that fuels his passions and spreads never-ending positivity to others. “When I was in the hospital, I could have just decided to lay down and let it go, but that’s not really in my nature,” said Miller. “My dad was a firm believer in moving forward. He was a 20-year Marine who did both Korea and Vietnam, and he always said, you stand up, keep moving, and eventually, you overcome and come out the other side. The only way to fail is to quit.”
After recovering, Miller spent time working as a rideshare driver, as his past experiences as a truck driver made him used to long hours in the car. Through a fated conversation with a dog breeder and the power of word of mouth, Miller has been able to build a network of dog breeders and pet rescue organizations that entrust him to transport such precious cargo. It’s almost like it was meant to be. “At one point, they said I was never going to walk again, but it turned into this,” said Miller. “It’s kind of like, you never really know where you’re going, but it led me to where I needed to be.”
Courtesy of Ralph “Pop” Miller
“I always say I’m still standing. I don’t always know if it’s because I’m okay or if I’m just too stupid to lay down, but I’m still standing!”
Within the last year, Miller has used his TikTok platform to chronicle his journeys and highlight some of the pets that he transports, or his “furry friends,” as he calls them. His genuine care and connection with the animals transcend the screen, and in turn, his followers can internalize that same positivity. “People say I look so happy, and that’s because I am! Why wouldn’t I be? Just look at what I’m doing,” said Miller. “Every one of these animals that I’m transporting is going someplace where they’re going to be loved and have a home and make someone else happy, so with all that going on, it keeps me positive.”
In addition to using his platform to spread joy, Miller also takes time to provide viewers with information about the specific needs and characteristics of the animals. “One of the things that I feel strongly about is that a lot of the un-homed pets in the country are just because people didn’t know what they were getting into,” said Miller. “They didn’t do the research. I mean, yes, it’s a cute puppy, but did you check its traits? If I can spread the word on the different kinds of pets and the different breeds, maybe I can help prevent some of that.”
Despite Miller’s cheerful nature, the job does not come without obstacles. From turbulent weather, long hours in traffic, and car trouble, to Miller’s physical limitations, there’s always something to overcome. “I had to relearn how to drive because I have issues feeling anything below my knees, so I drive by feeling the pressure on my legs as opposed to my feet,” said Miller; however, the highs of the job definitely outweigh the lows. “The best part is when you bring somebody a pet for the first time. I’ve been able to deliver pets at kids’ birthday parties where they didn’t know they were getting a pet or to families who have been waiting for one,” said Miller. “That moment when you get to deliver that pet is so special, especially if it’s a surprise.”
Miller can recall one particularly touching delivery he made to a husband and wife in New Jersey. After losing a pet, the husband was devastated and expressed that his sadness wouldn’t ever allow him to have another one, but his wife knew that a new puppy would lift his spirits. One day, under the guise of a trip to McDonald’s, Miller surprised them with their new companion. “Here’s this very nice blue-collar kind of guy who probably doesn’t show his feelings a whole lot, but when I walked over to them, handed him that puppy, and that puppy kind of nuzzled into him, you could just see that man come back to life,” said Miller. “Those are the moments that keep me going.”
As someone who has always had pets himself, Miller knows firsthand that coming home to a furry companion can make such a difference in one’s quality of life. “People who don’t have pets don’t realize just how much they touch your lives,” said Miller. “Even when you come home from having a really bad day, you walk in the door, and here’s this bundle of love, and it’s okay!” “If you don’t have a pet, or have never had a pet, do a little research and figure out what pet is right for you,” said Miller. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a kitten, or a puppy, or an older dog, or a bearded dragon, but if you’ve never known the love of a pet, which is completely given freely and unquestionably, seek one out and try to find one that suits you. If you have known the love of a pet, maybe reach out to someone that doesn’t, and share it with them.”
Courtesy of Ralph “Pop” Miller
Miller’s social media comments are filled with viewers inquiring about how he stays so positive, but Miller says, “positivity is a choice.” When you make a conscious decision to dwell on the good, you may find that you get good in return. “I treat everybody like a friend I haven’t met yet, and I find that it pays,” said Miller. “I feel the same way about the animals. They respond to me because of the way I feel about them. It’s like it is with children. You can’t fake that because they’ll see right through it. You have to be real, and I really do genuinely care about them.” Plus, with the constant negativity that we are all bombarded with, Miller believes in the importance of pushing forth an inspirational narrative, and what better way to do so than with pets?
To interact with Miller, check out his TikTok, or help out by donating to his GoFundMe, because driving thousands of miles a week is not easy on Miller, but it’s even harder on his vehicles!
