19 Feb 2025
By Humane Society of Ventura County
Recently, one of our alums, Casper, and his devoted owner, Krystal, faced an unimaginable challenge when the devastating Eaton Fire threatened their home in Altadena, CA. On January 8th, 2025, Krystal received an alarming wake-up call as the fire in Altadena advanced dangerously close to her home. Around midnight, she first saw the glow of flames creeping toward her neighborhood. Although no evacuation orders had been issued yet, Krystal knew she had to act fast. The fire was moving quickly, and she began packing with her beloved dog, Casper, by her side.
By 3:30 am, the situation had escalated when Krystal heard a sheriff’s bullhorn blaring, “Evacuate now!” Moments later, the Protect App sent an evacuation notification confirming the urgency of the situation. Krystal knew they had to leave immediately. With the fire quickly advancing and smoke filling the air, Krystal grabbed only the essentials. A suitcase with clothes, Casper’s food, his blanket, and a few other items were all she could manage to pack in the rush. Her parents, who also resided with her, had even less time. They barely managed to grab a few papers and fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
As anyone who has faced an emergency evacuation knows, it’s a stressful and chaotic experience. For Krystal, evacuating with Casper added an additional layer of anxiety. Like many dogs, Casper was sensitive to the change, and the combination of smoke, panic, and uncertainty left him unsettled. The family managed to get out safely, but the stress of the situation didn’t stop once they were in the car. Krystal was concerned about finding adequate resources for Casper—he refused to eat after being uprooted so suddenly, and she couldn’t find his regular food at local shelters. On top of that, their local vet had closed due to the heavy smoke, leaving Krystal unable to get his flea medication.
