In Altadena, California, the Pasadena Humane organization has become a sanctuary for hundreds of animals. This follows a swift wildfire that forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, often leaving with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
The demand for shelter was unprecedented, even for a facility experienced in handling crises. Kevin McManus from Pasadena Humane stated, "We have never had to shelter 350 animals at once in a single day." Many pets arrived with their owners, who had to stay in emergency shelters or hotels. Others were brought in by rescue operations.
The shelter maximized its space, even using offices to accommodate pets. McManus emphasized, "It’s not just about dogs and cats. We’ve had animals that we rarely or never see in the shelter." As firefighters work tirelessly to control the flames, families are coming to reclaim their beloved pets.
At the shelter's entrance, tears of sadness have turned into tears of joy. The center is also actively feeding and sharing updates online, providing a list of lost and rescued animals that is refreshed hourly. "We have reunited about 250 pets with their families," McManus shared.