Lt. Nemesio “Memo” Arteaga is Pasadena Humane’s longest-serving employee, working in our animal control department for 26 years.  Bringing together his passion for serving animals and people, Memo left the police force to join Pasadena Humane as an animal control officer in 1996.   

Today he serves as our Chief Humane Officer, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality animal control service, which includes investigating reports of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect, reuniting lost pets with their families and rescuing animals from dangerous situations.   

While this will be his first time riding on a float, Memo’s likeness was one of those featured in grand scale on our 2003 float.   

Memo has also been in charge of Pasadena Humane’s decades-long emergency support services provided to the horses and other animals participating in the Rose Parade.  

Memo will be riding on the float with Bowy, his 14-year-old Pomeranian, adopted from Pasadena Humane in 2019. Bowy is a small dog with big dog energy. He is fun, affectionate, loyal to his family, and full of personality.