Post-adoption pet resource is key to good ‘parenting’

PAWS IN THE CITY

Meet Ellie (A519796), a sweet and affectionate 1-year-old pup who’s ready to find her forever home. She absolutely adores people — especially children. Ellie is housebroken and behaves well indoors, though she certainly enjoys her playtime. Ellie prefers to be the only animal in the home and thrives as the center of attention. At night, she likes to be near her people for comfort, though she’s learning to feel more at ease on her own. For anyone seeking a cuddly, loving and energetic companion, Ellie is eager to meet her new family! She is available for adoption from Pasadena Humane. Photos courtesy of Pasadena Humane

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By Chris Ramon

Correspondent

We often remember our first pet from childhood — the one who sparked our love for animals and taught us what companionship feels like. But just as unforgettable is the pet we have in our 20s. The one who grows with us while we’re still becoming who we are, walking with us through the uncertainty and excitement of real life unfolding.

Jack is my 17-(ish)-year-old Chihuahua, and he’s been with me since I was 27. He’s been by my side through three different decades of my life — seeing me through some of the happiest, most joy-filled moments, and quietly holding space for me during some of the hardest. We essentially grew into adulthood together.

There’s a quiet, steady kind of companionship that deepens over time. It’s the kind you don’t fully appreciate until you reflect on how your companion animal has been there through it all.

Jack has been that steady presence for me—comforting, loyal, and always up for a snuggle. He’s reinforced my deep appreciation for the human-animal bond, a connection that words don’t always capture. It’s built on love, patience, and shared time. And in so many ways, Jack has made my life better just by being part of it.

Adopting Jack was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. He was my first pet as an adult, and I still remember the mix of excitement and anticipation I felt, ready to take on the responsibilities of being a pet parent.

Jack needed a loving home, and I needed a loyal companion. The moment I brought him home, something just clicked. We were exactly what each other needed.

Giving him a second chance at happiness filled me with purpose, and in return, he’s given me unwavering love and friendship. The bond we’ve built since then has blossomed into a beautiful, lifelong connection that continues to bring joy and meaning to my life every day.

Fast forward to the present, and my wife, Nadia, and I now share our home with two dogs and two cats. But I often think back to those first moments after adopting Jack.

I remember pulling out of the parking lot after his adoption and promising Jack that I’d always do whatever I could to give him what he needed—to keep him safe and make him happy. The road hasn’t always been easy. Being responsible for another life can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning. And I often wish there had been more conversations back then about what it really means to be a good pet parent—how to know if you’re on the right path and doing it correctly.

That’s why I’m so proud that at Pasadena Humane we’re committed to helping new pet parents every step of the way. We welcome adopters of all backgrounds and experience levels with an inclusive, supportive adoption process. And our commitment continues with post-adoption resources, so every new pet parent feels confident and cared for.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a pet to your life, there’s no better time than now. From Monday through May 3, we’re waiving adoption fees for all dogs during our Walkin’ On Sunshine adoption promotion. We offer adoptions daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Maybe your version of Jack is waiting for you—ready to walk beside you through all of life’s seasons, making every day a little brighter.

For more information, go to pasadenahumane.org/adopt

Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.