Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This video may be unsettling for some viewers. It is a discussion about the response to the devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025 by the animal welfare organization Pasadena Humane. Viewer discretion is advised.
Speakers from Pasadena Humane:
• Laura Lampley, Sr. Director of Animal Resources and Admissions
• Marissa Sunny, Sr. Director of Placement
• Chris Ramon, Interim President and C.E.O.
In times of crisis, effective community engagement and well-established support programs can make the difference between a reactive response and a coordinated, compassionate one. This session will explore how Pasadena Humane's Helping Paws program, rooted in accessibility, collaboration, and trust, enabled a swift and impactful response during the Eaton fire. From emergency pet boarding and veterinary vouchers to a robust pet food pantry and proactive community cat care, our team mobilized quickly to support both people and pets in need. Chris Ramon (Interim President & CEO), Laura Lampley (Senior Director of Animal Resources and Admissions) and Marissa Sunny (Senior Director of Placement) will discuss how long-standing partnerships and deep community knowledge created a strong foundation for crisis response, and how these efforts reflect a sustainable, community-centered model of animal welfare.
To access the full agenda and resources from this call or to ask questions of our speakers, visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations6925
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
00:00 Welcome / Question of the Day
03:44 May grant winners
12:31 Presentation
This video may be unsettling for some viewers. It is a discussion about the response to the devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025 by the animal welfare organization Pasadena Humane. Viewer discretion is advised.
Speakers from Pasadena Humane:
• Laura Lampley, Sr. Director of Animal Resources and Admissions
• Marissa Sunny, Sr. Director of Placement
• Chris Ramon, Interim President and C.E.O.
In times of crisis, effective community engagement and well-established support programs can make the difference between a reactive response and a coordinated, compassionate one. This session will explore how Pasadena Humane's Helping Paws program, rooted in accessibility, collaboration, and trust, enabled a swift and impactful response during the Eaton fire. From emergency pet boarding and veterinary vouchers to a robust pet food pantry and proactive community cat care, our team mobilized quickly to support both people and pets in need. Chris Ramon (Interim President & CEO), Laura Lampley (Senior Director of Animal Resources and Admissions) and Marissa Sunny (Senior Director of Placement) will discuss how long-standing partnerships and deep community knowledge created a strong foundation for crisis response, and how these efforts reflect a sustainable, community-centered model of animal welfare.
To access the full agenda and resources from this call or to ask questions of our speakers, visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations6925
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
00:00 Welcome / Question of the Day
03:44 May grant winners
12:31 Presentation
