Column: Truly, deeply loved is how adopted senior pets should feel

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Column: Truly, deeply loved is how adopted senior pets should feel

Eighteen-year-old Mouse is thriving in his new home! His adoption is a heartwarming reminder of the joy pets bring to our lives, especially during the holidays. Bring home extra cheer with our Home for Holidays promotion, now through Dec. 31, adoption fees are waived for large dogs (40 pounds and plus) and adult cats (1 year and older). Learn more at pasadenahumane.org. (Photos courtesy of Kuala Picon)

In mid-October, an 18-year-old gray cat was surrendered to Pasadena Humane. Mouse, as he would later be named, was understandably a bit nervous at first.

After spending most of his life in the security of a caring home, Mouse was now in a new environment surrounded by strangers. At any age, this could be stressful, but at 18, I can’t even begin to imagine the effect this had on him.

You might assume that a super senior like Mouse would have little to no chance of finding a new home. But I like to believe that there is a great home for every pet in our care. And in Mouse’s case, he didn’t have to wait long at all.

Kuala Picon has always had a soft spot for pets in need of a little extra love and care. She came to Pasadena Humane with the specific goal of adopting a senior cat.

Volunteer adoption counselor Linda Sindell paired up with Kuala to help her find the perfect match. Linda was overjoyed to learn that Kuala hoped to adopt an older companion.

At first, Linda introduced Kuala to a cat around 12 years old. The meet and greet went well, but Kuala asked Linda if there were any other cats who were older.

Excitedly, Linda replied, “YES!” and took Kuala to meet Mouse, who had arrived at the shelter just three days before. It was an instant connection.

“I believe if it’s meant to be, you will know, and when I saw him, I just knew in my heart he was my kitty,” Kuala shared with us. “I knew I wanted to be the one to smother him with love and make the rest of his kitty retirement as cozy as possible.”

It’s been a few months since Mouse came home with Kuala, and he’s now all settled in. Mouse’s sweet and silly personality brings endless laughter to the home, while he constantly makes Kuala feel loved by running up to greet her when she comes home or cuddling close at bedtime.

“Adopting Mouse has been the best decision of my life. I could never have imagined the deep love and bond we already share, which will only continue to grow.”

Kuala feels that being part of a senior pet’s life is both special and important. She believes they deserve a warm, safe home filled with love to live out the remainder of their lives.

“It’s heartwarming to think that we get to be the last chapter in their journey, knowing they were truly and fully loved.”

As the holidays approach, Kuala is preparing to spend her first Christmas with Mouse. While she decorates, Mouse will be snoozing on his cozy, heated blanket rather than helping with ornaments. But he’ll have his own stocking, gifts under the tree, and, of course, a few extra kitty treats here and there.

I’m so grateful to Kuala for giving Mouse a warm, loving home. I’m equally grateful to Linda, whose dedication to helping animals find their perfect homes shines through. For her, placing Mouse was the most rewarding adoption she’s ever experienced.

Mouse’s story reminds us that every pet deserves a chance to be cherished and a home to call their own. Sadly, there are still so many animals in shelters who want nothing more than to spend the holidays outside of the shelter.

If you’d like to bring home some extra joy and cheer, consider adopting during our Home for Holidays promotion, sponsored by Pet Care Foundation thanks to a generous grant from the Georgia B. Ridder Foundation. Now through Dec 31, we are waiving the adoption fees for all large breed dogs (40 pounds and plus) and adult cats (1 year and older).

Visit pasadenahumane.org to learn more.

 

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on December 19, 2025.