Canelo, a Dog With Scorched Paws, Represents Many Rescued Animals in the Los Angeles Fires
Canelo, a pit bull mix, sat nervously in his kennel at Pasadena Humane, his paws and legs wrapped in bandages and a plastic cone around his head. His injuries were the result of a desperate escape from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. After leaping from his owner’s car amidst the chaos, Canelo sustained severe burns before being found and reunited with his owner days later.
Kevin McManus, a spokesman for Pasadena Humane, reflected on the tragedy: "It must have been devastating for someone to have their dog in their car and get out into the fire — and then have to keep going with the fire right behind you."
Canelo’s owner, who lost their home in the fire, is temporarily unable to care for him while resettling, so Canelo remains under the shelter’s care.

A Menagerie of Survivors
While most animals at the shelter are cats and dogs, they also include rabbits, chickens, lizards, goats, pigs, and even a giant tortoise. A goldfish was brought in a stockpot, and a pony stayed overnight before being transferred to a horse facility. Animals housed at Pasadena Humane before the fire were relocated to other cities, including San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Sacramento, to make room for the influx of fire-affected pets.
Community Support and Reunions
The shelter has experienced a surge in volunteers and donations. Supplies such as food, bowls, and leashes have poured in, and local residents like Emily Klonicki, a scientist from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, have offered their time to help. Klonicki witnessed moments of joy, such as the reunions of a tortoise and two huskies with their families.
"It’s inspiring to have these moments of hope and to watch these families come back together," Klonicki said.

Stories of Loss and Hope
Not all stories have had happy endings. Diana Patel visited the shelter searching for her parents’ lost tabby cat, Blue Jay, after their home was destroyed in the fire. Despite reviewing pictures of stray cats and a list of deceased pets, Blue Jay remained missing.
"We ended up leaving her in the house hoping everything would be OK," Patel shared. Still, she remains hopeful: "Cats are sneaky, right? Fingers crossed."

A Continuing Need for Help
The ongoing crisis highlights the importance of community support for shelters and displaced families. Pasadena Humane continues to provide critical care for animals like Canelo, ensuring they receive medical attention and, where possible, reunite with their families.