By Chris Ramon
Over the past few weeks, you’ve heard from me and members of my incredible team at Pasadena Humane as we navigated the challenges of the Eaton fire.
While this disaster tested us all, it also revealed the true strength of our community — the unwavering support, teamwork and shared dedication to our mission. Seeing this firsthand has been both humbling and inspiring.
As the new author of this column, I look forward to sharing more stories of hope, resilience, and the countless happy endings we create for animals in need — including those affected by the Eaton fire. But first, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.
For as long as I can remember, a love for animals has been a central part of who I am. Like many of you, I grew up with pets. That experience of sharing my life with them sparked a lifelong desire to help animals in need.
I remember the first time I reunited a lost dog with its family. I must have been about seven or eight when I found a dog wandering the streets of my La Cañada neighborhood. Thankfully, the dog had a collar with its owner’s contact information. To this day, I vividly remember the owners’ joy in finding their beloved pup. Helping animals became part of my life’s mission from that moment on.
I started volunteering at Pasadena Humane when I was in high school. Even then, I knew I was part of something special. For many years, however, I believed the only way to have a career in animal welfare was to become a veterinarian.
That all changed when I accepted my first leadership role in animal welfare over a decade ago at Michelson Found Animals. My love for animals evolved into a meaningful career — one that I’ve been fortunate to continue at Pasadena Humane since joining the organization in 2018.
Now, with more than 20 years of experience leading teams and expanding programs, I have learned that in addition to strategy and decision-making, it’s about inspiring people, fostering collaboration and creating a shared vision for meaningful impact.
I have had the privilege of guiding teams through challenges and growth in and out of animal welfare and have learned that always prioritizing the people and mission will drive success.
I strongly believe in our mission of leading the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals. We provide second chances and new beginnings for thousands of homeless animals at our shelter every year.
At its core, our mission isn’t just about helping animals — it’s about supporting people, too.
Being in service to the community means dedicating myself to something greater than just the work. It is about showing up with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. It means recognizing the needs of both people and animals, offering support in times of crisis, and creating opportunities for hope and healing.
My approach to service is about listening, understanding, and acting in a way that uplifts and strengthens our community. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to be a source of stability, kindness, and change.
There is no greater reward than knowing our efforts have made someone’s life a little better — just like the family whose dog I helped reunite when I was a kid.
The Eaton fire destroyed part of a community I grew up in, but it also reinforced what I have always known: Pasadena Humane is more than a shelter. It is a pillar of our community, inviting everyone to be a part of our mission.
During those first few weeks of the fire, I was constantly reminded of the resilience of our neighbors and felt grateful for the opportunity to give back to the same community that has supported me throughout my journey with Pasadena Humane.
I look forward to continuing this work, side by side with our dedicated team and our caring community, as we build a brighter future for animals and the people who love them.
Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane. pasadenahumane.org