Pasadena Humane Shelter Assists Over 400 Animals Displaced by California Wildfires
A pitbull mix named Canela, rescued from the ashes of a home in Altadena, is just one of more than 400 animals that have arrived at the Pasadena Humane shelter since the Southern California wildfires began last week. Canela, who was found lying in rubble, covered in ash, and suffering from lung damage, was reunited with his owner thanks to CNN’s coverage of his rescue.
The Pasadena Humane shelter, which initially took in animals as a temporary shelter for families evacuating their homes, has evolved into a longer-term sheltering situation as the disaster continues to unfold. The organization has received more injured animals, including a severely burned Husky with singed fur and burned paws.
Dr. Maria Pyrdek, the humane society’s chief veterinarian, described the dog’s condition when it arrived at the shelter: “He wasn’t even lifting his head when he came in. He was just completely exhausted.” Despite the dire circumstances, the dog is showing signs of gradual recovery.
Pasadena Humane has also launched a new phase of its disaster response, search rescue, and recovery. The organization is prioritizing calls to help live animals in the burn zones, including eight injured peacocks and a cow that was in distress.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in nearby Burbank has taken in around 400 animals, mostly horses, but also a few donkeys. Some were brought in by owners who evacuated their homes, while others were found by law enforcement agencies.
As the disaster continues, the community has rallied to provide support, filling five U-Haul trucks with donations.