Months later, Eaton fire’s 4-legged survivors still hope for forever homes. Meet 6 of them

I have spent my entire adult life as a photojournalist, covering a wide range of events, from professional sports to preschool graduations, and everything in between.

In January of 2025, I covered the most devastating fires ever to hit Southern California. The Eaton and Palisades fires ripped through neighborhoods, leaving nothing but ash and grief in their wake.

The fires destroyed residences, businesses, and the lives of many. The places that families called home were left in ruins, forcing people to find new places to live, and requiring many of those who had four-legged family members to relocate or give up their beloved pets.

With options slim and with uncertain futures, choices had to be made, no matter how difficult they were.

I was working on covering the aftermath of the Eaton fire in Altadena when I saw an animal control officer searching through the ruins of homes. It hit me, they were looking for the remains of animals that did not survive the inferno.

These were pets that did not escape with their families as they rushed to flee the flames, which consumed everything in their path – the ones that did not come when frantically called by their humans.

I thought of my two dogs and my cat and realized the devastation it would bring to my family if we were to lose them in such a sudden and unexpected way.

As I continued to work, the thought of the animals lingered, and I couldn’t shake it. I wondered how many people not only suffered the loss of their homes and all of their possessions but also the loss of their pets.

Many of these pets perished. But others poured into shelters. Perhaps their owners had to make a tough choice to give them up. Many simply escaped on their own, only to wind up in a shelter, waiting for a family they would never see again.

As we approached the six-month anniversary of the fires this week, an opportunity arose to offer some hope and help for many animals that still have a chance for a home.

I learned that Pasadena Humane was still housing several rescued dogs from the fire. So, through the shelter’s Interim President/CEO Chris Ramon and his team, I got access in late June to the canines, all with distinct personalities – all with clear hope in their eyes. Turns out, there were seven remaining dogs, ranging in age from 1 to 8, all with amazing personalities — some shy, some not, some just need a little gentle loving care — which I hoped to capture through my lens. I was able to make portraits of six of them, which we share with you here.

Animals are resilient. With some love, patience, and a treat or two, they will heal and bring another family the love, loyalty, and delight that only something with four legs and a tail can do.

These beautiful Eaton fire dogs require a loving home and caring individuals to look after them.

They have been through so much and lost everything, but they haven’t lost the ability to bring smiles and love to anyone lucky enough to give them a chance.

If you have any interest, to learn more, check out pasadenahumane.org/adopt.

Nila, A519792, 8 years

Pasadena Humane describes this German Shepherd as gentle, wise and “oh-so-sweet.”

She was found as a stray amid the chaos of the fire.

“Despite the uncertainty she’s faced, her spirit remains calm and kind,” according to Pasadena Humane.

She’s always up for listening to your stories. She’s always up for greeting you with a happy tail wag.

If you’ve got a quiet, cozy home, where Nila can bask in love and gentle scratches, well… she may very well be the one.

Bruno, A519043, 4 years

Bruno found his way to Pasadena Humane after being boarded because of the Eaton fire.

But here’s a reminder of that terrible choice that many people had to make amid the chaos back in January.

According to Pasadena Humane, his family was forced into a living situation where “despite their best efforts,” Bruno would not be allowed to join them.

It took a minute for the initially shy dog to settle. But workers say he got more comfortable.

Bruno would do best in a calm home with no other dogs and with kids who are teenagers and older, if any, according to Pasadena Humane.

“Bruno is now looking to start the next chapter in his life and needs a calm, patient family to call his own.”

Billia, A519045, 4 Years

Meet Billia. Her family was not able to reclaim her after being forced to evacuate from the fire.

Billia had a tough time adjusting to her new space.

But her caretakers harnessed trust though a mix of patience and love, “and her circle of friends kept growing,” they said.

The shelter team also said: “Once Billia knows you’re in her corner, she’s all in. She bonds deeply with her people and just needs a home that understands her need for slow introductions and a little extra patience.”

Lula, A519739, 1 Year, 5 Months

Look at those eyes!

Lula, a Dutch Shepherd mix, came to the shelter as an Eaton fire stray, full of energy and smarts.

She thrives with consistency and structure, and her shelter caretakers say she’ll do best with an active adopter who can provide her with the training and outlets she needs to shine. For Lula, that home environment would be best without  young children and no other dogs.

“She’s a spirited and loyal companion looking for someone who understands her needs and can help her thrive,” according the team at Pasadena Humane.

Biggs, A519265, 4 Years

Biggs likes to take things slowly at first. When he first came in to the shelter as an emergency boarding case, he was understandable stressed out from the fire.

It wasn’t easy for him to acclimate. But the shelter team said that with time and dedication, Biggs has bonded with others and shared more affection than ever.

“Biggs would love an adult-only home where he can be slowly introduced to a new environment, new people and a new home,” the team said. “Once his loyalty is won, you can’t imagine the reward.”

Wile, A520178, 2 Years

After losing his home in the Eaton fire, Wile was brought to Pasadena Humane.

The team there said the shy and thoughtful pup is still learning to feel comfortable again — needing a little time to trust new people, new situations.

So, for now, the team at the shelter says he prefers to observe from a distance, and move at his own speed. But they add: “With gentle care, he’ll start to come out of his shell.”

He’s got tons of potential to become a loving companion, in a quiet home with a gentle heart.