Pookey was found by an Altadena resident in the burn zone just days after the Eaton fire destroyed her community. It’s hard to imagine what this 100-pound mastiff experienced. Not only did she lose her home, but she also lost her family. It’s been two months, and no one has come forward to identify her.

Although she didn’t sustain any injuries related to the fire, the emotional toll must have been devastating. She struggled to adjust to life in the shelter, showing signs of fear, stress, and anxiety.

Thankfully, a foster volunteer stepped up to welcome this sweet girl into her home. After a slow adjustment period, Pookey is now enjoying the comfort of a home while she waits to be adopted.

Pookey is just one of dozens of large breed dogs who we have available for adoption right now. In 2024, our friends at Hill’s Pet Nutrition released a report on the state of shelter pet adoption in the United States. They found that fewer than 1 in 4 adults are open to adopting a large dog.

Shelters across the country are seeing this play out in real time. The median length of stay for large breed dogs in shelters has doubled since 2019.

While Pasadena Humane has a successful adoption program, our shelter is not immune. Since I joined the organization six years ago, I’ve noticed several recurring themes that make it significantly harder for large breed dogs to get adopted compared to smaller and medium-sized dogs.

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to large dog adoptions is housing restrictions. Many rental policies limit the size of dogs allowed in apartments or houses, and some prohibit dogs altogether. This is despite data suggesting that pet owners tend to be more stable tenants, often staying in one place longer and being more responsible with property upkeep.

Additionally, potential adopters may perceive large dogs as a greater liability, fearing possible damage if the dog becomes overly excited or aggressive. Financial considerations also play a role, as larger dogs require more food and resources than smaller breeds, adding to the financial burden for potential adopters.

Despite these challenges, Pasadena Humane remains committed to finding homes for lovable large breed dogs. One of our most popular adoption programs for big dogs is “Foster to Adopt.”

This program offers a trial adoption period, giving both the adopter and the dog time to adjust and ensure a great match. In 2024, 171 dogs found permanent homes thanks to trial adoptions.

Another key initiative helping place large dogs is our mobile adoption program. Our Wiggle Waggle Wagon, a 35-foot RV customized with kennels, brings adoptable pets into the community, increasing visibility and making adoption more accessible. Last year, 173 dogs participated in our mobile adoption events.

I’ve often said that the community holds the solutions for many of the challenges we see in animal welfare. Whether you decide to adopt, foster or become an advocate for animals, every small effort adds up to a big impact.

And, if you’re considering bringing home a new friend, please do! Now through March 18, we are waiving the adoption fees for large breed dogs (40 pounds and up) during our “Find Your Four-Legged Clover” adoption promotion. Try your luck and meet some pups who are ready to charm you with kisses and tail wags!

Pasadena Humane is open for adoptions daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is needed.

To view pets for adoption, visit pasadenahumane.org/adopt

Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org