The LILA Gazette illuminates Pasadena Humane’s unwavering commitment to uphold its mission of serving the community with care, compassion and a whole lot of heart.

By Belén Haberman – 8th grade.

During the Eaton fire of January, 2025, The Pasadena Humane Society completed its largest animal rescue mission in its 100 years of history. The shelter played a vital role in offering an area of refuge to the pets of families who were forced to evacuate. During that unforgettable month, it cared for more than 1,500 pets impacted by the fires and donated more than 150,000 pounds of pet food to countless owners. Despite the dangerous conditions, many employees and volunteers chose to stay, providing a combined 2,500 hours of service at the shelter. Even after receiving the devastating news that their own home or family’s home had burned down, these exceptional fighters continued to complete intake forms and file paperwork to register pets into the shelter’s system. 

Pasadena Humane is an animal shelter dedicated to helping animals without homes find their forever family. This special sanctuary offers its assistance not only to the city of Pasadena, but also to all of Los Angeles County. In its steadfast pledge to protect creatures great and small, Pasadena Humane continually fulfills its mission of uniting the greater community with animals in need; one adoption at a time. 

Because of this selfless effort, Pasadena Humane was able to accommodate the time and care needed for so many surrendered animals. In the documentary Pasadena Humane Remembers the Eaton Fire: One Year Later, President and CEO Chris Ramon expresses the shelter’s top priorities and main goals during the chaotic experience. “In those first 72 hours we made a decision that anybody who needed help, human or animal, was going to receive help in the best way that we could provide it.” What was truly heartbreaking for some owners was realizing that their beloved pet’s stay at the shelter was no longer temporary. Individuals had to make the extraordinarily difficult decision of giving up their furry, feathered, and scaled companions, leaving them in the hands of different families. To this day, Dr. Maria Pyrdek, chief veterinarian, still remembers the dystopian-like morning of January 7th. “I returned to the shelter at 5 a.m. to find a long line of people who had been evacuated with their pets and were seeking shelter for their animals. The staggering weight of the disaster, and the resilience of our community, dawned on me while I was waiting on the corner of Del Mar and Raymond for an owner and their pony.” 

The stoic shelter, fulfilling the endless needs of those who had lost everything, was quickly repaid in kind by the public. A few days after the fires, the endless lines that had once consisted of desperate and distressed pet owners were replaced with copious donations of food, supplies, and time, helping both staff and animals. Indeed, the community came together to rally behind the courageous, indefatigable staff. Presently, Pasadena Humane has fulfilled the critical role of rehoming and reuniting all pets, with the loving and princely German Shepherd, Artemis, having been the last. Artemis’ adoption, which took place less than a month ago, is another shining example of the institution’s unfaltering persistence. As stated by Ramon, “The community showed up for us in a way that, as an organization, we will forever be indebted to.” 

On a personal note, the newest member of my family was a puppy born on the streets of Altadena and brought to the Pasadena Humane. He was found just in time, rescued at the beginning of January, 2025, as the raging fires began to spread. A kind samaritan fostered Rashi as he was separated from his mother and in need of being bottle fed. Once weaned, Rashi was returned to the shelter and put up for adoption. Although we were displaced from our own home, my family made it our mission to help the Pasadena Humane and their critical situation by taking in a dog. We went on the shelter’s website and spotted a shaggy haired terrier with a mischievous smile and astonishingly expressive eyebrows. We immediately fell in love. When we met Rashi in person, we knew that he was the one for us. He’s been a joy ever since. This past year, Rashi celebrated his first birthday and continues to bring so much happiness into our lives. We give all our gratitude to the many volunteers who made our bond with Rashi possible. 

The Pasadena Humane has been rescuing animals like Rashi since 1903. A Methodist group founded it, naming the sanctuary: “The Pasadena Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Dumb Animals.” At the time, the organisation was established to help protect and house both retired draft animals and orphaned children. Specifically, resources were directed primarily towards the rehabilitation of abandoned working horses who were discarded by their owners due to new developments in modern machinery. The society purchased its current location on Raymond Avenue in 1914, building their main establishment in 1929. The construction, conducted by William C. Crowell, was completed in 1932 which finally permitted the opening of Pasadena Humane’s adoption office and resource center. Notably, the Crowell firm also built the Pasadena Public High School, the Henry E. Huntington Library, and Pasadena Public Library located on East Walnut St. The Shelter’s unique edifice was designed by architect Robert H. Ainsworth, its structure and style inspired by Renaissance Revival architecture. 

To boot, the society served as a haven during past periods of hardship, offering countless jobs during the Great Depression. Due to its outstanding contributions to the community and unique appearance, the shelter was recognised as a Cultural Heritage Landmark in 1984. In the mid 90s, a major renovation expanded the location, incorporating a biophilic design into the shelter’s space, propelling its seamless growth into the early 2000s. 

During this time the Animal Care center was opened, offering boarding and low-cost neutering to local pet owners. The Neely Cat Center and Flora L. Thornton Foundation Critter House was established, reserving a special sanctuary for hamsters, cats, and rabbits. Six years later, the Sandra J. Goodspeed Wildlife Center was created to help rehabilitate untamed animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitats. Today, the Pasadena Humane Society thrives under the leadership of Chris Ramon, and the tireless work of numerous volunteers. 

Many might have the impression that most animal shelters are dark, damp, and cramped. The word “shelter” commonly evokes a sad place for unloved and lonely animals. Before my first visit, I felt apprehensive about seeing potentially distressed dogs and cats cooped up in enclosed spaces. Upon entering, I held my breath and steeled myself, dreading the moment when despondent faces would surround me. I was truly surprised to find a refreshing outdoor space where dog kennels lined the walls of numerous paths, winding in various directions. Sunlight bounced off every surface as I walked through the miniscule maze. A soft breeze drifted past while I explored. The largest enclosures offer each dog a spacious area to sleep, eat, and play in. I remember smiling when I spotted a volunteer sitting by a kennel, reading softly to an old German Shepherd mix. The two leaned their heads together against the thin bars separating man from beast. The scene was exceptionally beautiful as I realised how much the community cared about this place- about these animals. 

Even though they haven’t found their forever friend, every pet is seen and cared for thoroughly by loving staff members. While their stay is hopefully temporary, Pasadena Humane serves as a family to all cats, dogs and critters sheltering there, offering them a space that candidly mirrors a true home. To add on to its charm and appeal, the shelter thoughtfully gives a name to each animal, suiting both their personality and appearance. Above all, Pasadena Humane is a no-kill animal shelter, resorting euthanasia only in the case of severe, unresolvable health complications. As a result, many animals have recovered from stress-induced illnesses while living there. The shelter also offers extensive training classes and provides the option to foster rather than adopt a pet. Their remarkable flexibility and numerous options make it possible for most of the sheltered animals to find new homes. 

Recognizing those who have given so much to their communities is essential in reminding everyone how important it is to participate in this noble endeavor. It is imperative to maintain the legacy of such an important form of community service. Consider volunteering or donating because, who knows? While you volunteer you might find your forever companion.

Get Involved: https://pasadenahumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/