Meet 2-year-old Pookey (A519347)! This resilient 100-pound mastiff was discovered wandering the burn zone simply days after the Eaton hearth devastated her neighborhood. It’s onerous to think about what she’s been by means of — dropping her residence and household instantly. Regardless of all of it, Pookey’s spirit stays unbroken. She’s loving her walks and exhibiting off her playful facet with loads of jumps and zoomies. Pookey is on the lookout for an skilled proprietor who can present the steerage and assist she must thrive. Study extra at pasadenahumane.org/undertake
Pookey was discovered by an Altadena resident within the burn zone simply days after the Eaton hearth destroyed her neighborhood. It’s onerous to think about what this 100-pound mastiff skilled. Not solely did she lose her residence, however she additionally misplaced her household. It’s been two months, and nobody has come ahead to determine her.
Though she didn’t maintain any accidents associated to the fireplace, the emotional toll should have been devastating. She struggled to regulate to life within the shelter, exhibiting indicators of concern, stress, and anxiousness.
Fortunately, a foster volunteer stepped as much as welcome this candy lady into her residence. After a gradual adjustment interval, Pookey is now having fun with the consolation of a house whereas she waits to be adopted.
Pookey is only one of dozens of huge breed canine who we’ve got obtainable for adoption proper now. In 2024, our buddies at Hill’s Pet Diet launched a report on the state of shelter pet adoption in america. They discovered that fewer than 1 in 4 adults are open to adopting a big canine.
Shelters throughout the nation are seeing this play out in actual time. The median size of keep for big breed canine in shelters has doubled since 2019.
Whereas Pasadena Humane has a profitable adoption program, our shelter just isn’t immune. Since I joined the group six years in the past, I’ve seen a number of recurring themes that make it considerably more durable for big breed canine to get adopted in comparison with smaller and medium-sized canine.
One of many greatest challenges with regards to massive canine adoptions is housing restrictions. Many rental insurance policies restrict the scale of canine allowed in residences or homes, and a few prohibit canine altogether. That is regardless of information suggesting that pet homeowners are typically extra steady tenants, typically staying in a single place longer and being extra accountable with property repairs.
Moreover, potential adopters might understand massive canine as a higher legal responsibility, fearing potential harm if the canine turns into overly excited or aggressive. Monetary issues additionally play a job, as bigger canine require extra meals and sources than smaller breeds, including to the monetary burden for potential adopters.
Regardless of these challenges, Pasadena Humane stays dedicated to discovering houses for lovable massive breed canine. One in every of our hottest adoption packages for large canine is “Foster to Undertake.”
This program affords a trial adoption interval, giving each the adopter and the canine time to regulate and guarantee a fantastic match. In 2024, 171 canine discovered everlasting houses because of trial adoptions.
One other key initiative serving to place massive canine is our cell adoption program. Our Wiggle Waggle Wagon, a 35-foot RV custom-made with kennels, brings adoptable pets into the neighborhood, growing visibility and making adoption extra accessible. Final yr, 173 canine participated in our cell adoption occasions.
I’ve typically mentioned that the neighborhood holds the options for most of the challenges we see in animal welfare. Whether or not you resolve to undertake, foster or develop into an advocate for animals, each small effort provides as much as a big effect.
And, should you’re contemplating bringing residence a brand new good friend, please do! Now by means of March 18, we’re waiving the adoption charges for big breed canine (40 kilos and up) throughout our “Discover Your 4-Legged Clover” adoption promotion. Strive your luck and meet some pups who’re able to allure you with kisses and tail wags!
Pasadena Humane is open for adoptions each day from 10 a.m. to five p.m. No appointment is required.
To view pets for adoption, go to pasadenahumane.org/undertake
Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This weblog submit initially appeared as a column within the Pasadena Star-Information on March 14, 2025.
Autor Pasadena Humane
