Eaton Fire Recovery Milestone: Last Dog Finds Forever Home

It has been almost a year and a half since the tragic Eaton Fire swept through Altadena and the San Gabriel Mountains, and now there’s a significant update in the recovery process.

This week, Pasadena Humane shared some heartwarming news on Instagram. The final dog evacuated during the fire, a German shepherd named Artemis, has found her forever home.

The shelter’s post celebrated this milestone, stating, “Today we celebrate something truly meaningful: All the animals rescued during the Eaton Fire are now home.”

Artemis’s original family lost their house in the January 2025 wildfires and had brought her to Pasadena Humane for emergency care.

According to the shelter, Artemis’s family faced a tough choice. In early 2026, they decided to release her, understanding the long-term effects of the fire on their situation. After that, the search for a new home began.

While many animals were reunited with their families, others, like Artemis, were not as fortunate. Still, those involved praised her for demonstrating resilience and adapting in ways that made her recovery even more meaningful.

Sally Hooker, the communications manager at the shelter, mentioned, “Artemis is now loved, adopted, and thriving right where she belongs.” She was adopted through the shelter’s program, which is really heartening.

Hooker also reflected on the situation, saying, “The silver lining in all of this tragedy is this incredible story of hope that we were able to help foster and rehome these animals.” She described Artemis as an impressive boy with a fun-loving personality—really dignified.

The Eaton Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, claimed 19 lives and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures, including around 6,000 homes. Following the disaster, the shelter saw a surge of animals needing help.

In the first two weeks post-fire, Pasadena Humane took in over 600 animals, but Hooker acknowledged they had to assist thousands more specifically for emergency boarding—not just dogs but a variety of wildlife as well.

Hooker recounted, “We saw skunks, squirrels, hawks, owls, peacocks, raccoons, and possums,” noting that Artemis was the very last animal evacuated from the fire, marking a poignant moment in their efforts.

For those interested in adopting a pet, Pasadena Humane is organizing a special event where potential adopters can engage in a fun game to determine adoption fees, starting until May 1st.

It’s a thoughtful way for the shelter to continue finding homes for animals while also offering a bit of excitement for those looking to adopt.