Column: This Rose Parade float is true to its theme and goals
A rendering of Pasadena Humane’s 2025 Rose Parade float, Welcome Home. (Float rendering is courtesy of Tournament of Roses)
When I first heard the theme of the 2025 Rose Parade “Best Day Ever!” I immediately thought of the day pets are welcomed into their new homes. For shelter pets and their families, adoption day is a day of love, joy, and a fresh start — a true best day ever.
This year, Pasadena Humane, in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, is honored to celebrate pet adoption with our Rose Parade float “Welcome Home.”
Meet Drake, the larger-than-life Siberian husky whose likeness greets you at the front door of our 2025 Rose Parade float. After spending more than 250 days in our care, he finally found his forever home. Now called Rocky, he spends his days playing with his Aussie brother, Freddie, and is lovingly called “an angel” by his family. See representations of Drake and other inspiring pets on our “Welcome Home” float, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/roseparade
Our float tells the stories of real shelter pets who found loving families. Each animal depicted on the float represents a pet adopted from Pasadena Humane — and I’m thrilled to introduce you to them.
From my previous columns or other news, you might recognize Miracle, the inspiration behind our Miracle Medical Fund, or Scooter, the determined little dog with a big personality who got a new lease on life after we fit him with a wheelchair.
And let’s not forget Lua, who stole hearts on last year’s float and soon after found a home.
Then there’s Walter, the deaf pup who had a special bond with his best friend Julia who is also deaf. Sadly, Walter passed earlier this year after many wonderful years with his adopted family. Our thoughts are with Julia and her mom, Chrissy. Thank you for sharing your story with us over the years. You brought inspiration and hope to so many.
Peeking over the windowsill are Machu and Picchu, two playful brothers who began life abandoned outside our shelter. Now, they’re living their best lives together in a home filled with toys, cardboard boxes, and nonstop sibling wrestling matches. See representations of Machu, Picchu, and other inspiring pets on our “Welcome Home” float, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/roseparade
Like Miracle, Scooter, Lua and Walter, the other pets depicted on the float have their own inspiring tales of resilience.
Drake: Greeting you at the front door of the float’s home-like setting is Drake, a spirited 3-year-old Siberian husky. Like many huskies, Drake was full of energy and mischief — qualities that meant he was overlooked in the shelter for more than 250 days. But his Best Day Ever finally came when a family with two dogs gave him a chance. Now named Rocky, he spends his days playing with his new canine brother, Freddie, and has earned the title of “angel” in his new home.
Indy: Indy, the white cat by the door, overcame incredible odds as a kitten. Found sick and lethargic from an often-fatal virus, he survived thanks to Pasadena Humane’s veterinary team. During his recovery, his foster mom fell in love and changed Indy’s life forever the day she adopted him.
Machu and Picchu: Peeking over the windowsill, you’ll find Machu and Picchu, two playful brothers who started life abandoned outside our shelter. Picchu’s early illness meant a rocky start, but with expert care, he recovered fully. Machu’s and Picchu’s happily ever after came when they were adopted together. Today, they thrive in a loving home filled with toys, cardboard boxes and endless sibling wrestling matches.
Miss Marple: Under the armchair, you’ll find Miss Marple, a special-needs tabby with a big, loving spirit. Despite her neurological and vision challenges, she never lets her medical issues slow her down. Her foster mom couldn’t resist her determination and charm, making Miss Marple’s dream come true the day she joined her family permanently. “No one told her she couldn’t do things,” her adopter says, “so she figures it out and keeps going.”
Scout and Potato: On the armchair, kittens Scout and Potato are mid-game, playing hide and seek. Rescued as tiny strays, these siblings were nurtured by a foster volunteer. Their happy adoption day came when a friend of their foster fell in love and gave them a new home.
Be sure to check out our social media (@pasadenahumane) next week to catch a special behind-the-scenes peek when Drake, Lua and Miracle meet their larger-than-life doppelgangers on our “Welcome Home” float.
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on December 20, 2024.
