Sitting sweetly by Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge, Biggs shows off his soft side. This 4-year-old American bulldog came to Pasadena Humane during the Eaton fire and has grown into a loyal, loving companion. To learn more, visit pasadenahumane.org.

In the hours and days following the outbreak of the Eaton fire in January, nearly 600 pets arrived at our doors for emergency boarding. Their guardians were seeking a safe, temporary place for their pets as they evacuated their homes.

Most pets were quickly reunited with their families despite the devastation and loss of so many homes in our beloved community.

But for dogs like Biggs, that happy reunion day never came. Sadly, his former owner was unable to reclaim him. And, in May, Biggs began his search for a new home.

Weighing more than 75 pounds, Biggs is, as his name suggests, a rather large boy. The black and white American bulldog mix was understandably frightened when he first arrived at our shelter in the chaos of the fire. But with time and care, he’s shown remarkable resilience, forming deep bonds with our staff and volunteers.

Still, like many large-breed dogs in our care, Biggs has been consistently overlooked for adoption. It’s a challenge we face often for these wonderful dogs who just need the right opportunity to be seen for who they truly are.

Sometimes it takes a little creativity to help that pet find the right person. That’s why we recently launched Hidden Gems, a new program to highlight overlooked shelter animals in a tranquil, welcoming environment that allows their personalities to shine bright.

The idea came from our mobile adoptions manager, Iri Di Vincenzo, who wanted to give longer-stay dogs a chance to show their best selves outside the shelter. She carefully selects dogs who may not present well in a kennel but relax and thrive in quieter settings.

Our friends at PetSmart Pasadena have provided the perfect home for this new initiative. Each dog has a comfortable, individual space visible to shoppers, allowing people to see them in a calm setting.

While the hope is always adoption, even just a few hours outside the shelter can make a big difference for the dogs’ well-being. It’s also an opportunity for staff and volunteers to learn more about each dog’s personality, gaining insights that often lead to better adoption matches later on.

Nine months to the day after he arrived at Pasadena Humane, Biggs was the first dog to take part in the Hidden Gems program back in mid-October. He strutted proudly around the PetSmart room, picked out his favorite toy, and enjoyed a good game of fetch before curling up at the feet of his favorite volunteer.

Biggs wasn’t adopted that evening, but the experience gave him something just as valuable. The connection, joy, and a moment to simply be himself. For us, that’s a success worth celebrating.

Hidden Gems is the latest in a series of programs designed to help our longer-stay dogs find new homes. From field trips to trial adoptions, we’re committed to meeting each pet where they are and finding new ways to support them on their path to adoption.

Biggs’ journey is still unfolding, but his story already reflects what’s possible when we give animals time, patience, and a little extra visibility.

In the months since the Eaton fire, I’ve often thought about the resilience of both people and pets. Out of that difficult time came new challenges and new opportunities to grow. Hidden Gems is one of those bright spots, a reminder that even in the aftermath of crisis, compassion continues to light the way forward.

If you’d like to meet one of our Hidden Gems, stop by PetSmart Hastings Ranch in Pasadena on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. You may just find the dog who makes you sparkle.

To view our full list of off-site adoption events, visit pasadenahumane.org/events

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on November 7, 2025.