Darwin (A521622) is a 3-year-old husky with a playful, curious spirit and a heart full of love. He enjoys walks, exploring new places, and meeting people of all ages. Darwin has even joined shelter field trips and community events, where he shines as a friendly, easygoing companion. After a little adventure, he’s happiest leaning in for pets or stretching out by your feet. If you’re looking for a loyal, fun-loving best friend, Darwin could be the one! Learn more at pasadenahumane.org.

Last Saturday’s Clear the Shelters event was a huge success! We found wonderful homes for 81 pets, including 23 dogs, 47 cats, and 11 critters. That number even included nine of the guinea pigs rescued from the recent South L.A. hoarding case.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it possible. Whether you adopted a pet, volunteered at the event, or simply shared our posts online, you played a role in giving these animals a fresh start.

Clear the Shelters always falls right around “Back to School” season, when the pace of life changes almost overnight. Summer break is officially over as kids grab their backpacks and return to class.

Just like children need time to settle into their new routines, our pets also need help adjusting when their favorite playmates are suddenly away for most of the day. To learn how we can make this transition easier, I spoke with our Animal Training Manager, Rochelle Guardado.

Rochelle reminds us that our pets thrive on predictable routines. But the start of the school year can mean new schedules and activities for the whole family.

A healthy daily schedule for our furry companions includes rest, bathroom breaks, nutritious meals or snacks, exercise, play, and mental enrichment. If your pet knows when to expect playtime, walks, naps, and meals, it helps reduce their stress.

If your schedule is about to shift, it’s good to prepare your pet in advance. Adjust mealtimes slowly, so they’re closer to the new routine. Plan a few short mid-day absences before the kids return to school, and gradually increase the time you’re away until it matches a typical school day.

If you’ve ever wondered what your pets do while you’re gone, a pet camera can give you a peek. Chances are, you’ll see them napping more than anything else. My own dog, Sheldon, now a senior, spends most of his time fast asleep, occasionally checking in with me or my wife just to make sure he’s not missing anything exciting.

For the times your pet is awake, give them ways to stay occupied. Chew toys and kibble-filled puzzle feeders can provide mental stimulation, but they work best when paired with quality time and interactive play together when you are home.

Pets remind us to slow down and focus on being present in the moment. Bonding with our pets through play and daily care requires us to step away from homework, social media, and TV, which can be a great reminder to take breaks from the stress of the day.

It’s also important to watch for signs of stress that could indicate separation-related behaviors. These might include excessive vocalizing, over-grooming, pacing, heavy panting, digging at carpets or windowsills, or sitting in doorways for long periods of time.

If you notice any of these behaviors, our training team is there for you. One of our certified trainers can provide an assessment to determine if we can help or if a veterinary behaviorist may be better suited to address your pet’s needs.

And while the school year may have started, the summer heat hasn’t completely let up. Until the cooler fall mornings arrive, keep walks short during the warmest parts of the day and make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water.

If you’re looking for a safe, engaging activity for your dog, sign up for our “Fun Out of the Sun” workshop. Our certified trainers will introduce your pup to indoor games, beginning scent work, and fun tricks, all in a climate-controlled training room at Pasadena Humane.

Whether you’re preparing your pet for a quieter house during the day or just looking for new ways to keep them happy and healthy, we’re here to help. For more tips, training classes, or upcoming events, visit pasadenahumane.org

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on August 22, 2025.