Riley with his adopter on the day he went home.
Share and Follow

When firefighters battled the flames of the Eaton Fire earlier this year, they weren’t only saving homes, they were saving lives in every form. One of those lives was Riley, a dog found severely burned and disoriented in the fire’s aftermath.

Riley was brought to Pasadena Humane roughly 24 hours after the fire erupted. His injuries were extensive: burns covered much of his body, including all four paws, and he was struggling to breathe due to smoke inhalation. Despite the odds, Riley survived.

Over the following months, staff at Pasadena Humane cared for him with extraordinary dedication, tending to his wounds, managing his pain and helping him overcome the emotional scars left by the wildfire.

  • Rescue dog Riley is shown in January 2025 at Pasadena Humane's ICU following the breakout of the Eaton Fire.
  • Riley is seen recovering at Pasadena Humane on Jan. 9. 2025, a day after arriving from fleeing the Eaton Fire.

“It was incredibly moving to watch this Eaton Fire survivor recover and thrive until finally, he was ready to find his new home,” Pasadena Humane said in a statement.

That home would ultimately be with Sylvia, who met with Riley several times to ensure he would be a good match not only for her, but also for her resident husky.

Now settled into his new life, Riley has become a quiet and constant companion. 

Riley with his adopter on the day he went home.
Riley with his adopter on the day he went home. (Pasadena Humane)

“Riley likes to watch me work or sleep next to me while I’m in Teams meetings,” Sylvia said in a message shared by Pasadena Humane. “Thankfully, he doesn’t micromanage. Riley says he misses everyone who saved his life and took such great care of him at the shelter.”

Riley’s recovery and adoption mark more than just a happy ending. They represent hope and resilience in the face of disaster. His first photo at Pasadena Humane, showing his injured frame, was shared around the world and quickly became a symbol of the fire’s toll on animals.

“Riley’s adoption was a huge milestone,” the organization noted. “But nearly six months later, we continue to care for many animals whose families are still displaced.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexico’s President Sheinbaum wants boxer Chávez Jr., who was deported, to be imprisoned in Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that Mexico hadn’t…
Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws

Missouri judge once more halts several of the state’s laws restricting abortion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge blocked many of the…
A fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war tests the harmony of Los Angeles' huge Iranian community

A delicate truce in the conflict between Israel and Iran challenges the unity of the large Iranian population in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Tehrangeles” in West Los Angeles is home to…
Cops detail Caitlyn Jenner's manager's final moments before crash

Caitlyn Jenner’s Manager’s Final Moments Before Crash: Police Report

Sophia Hutchins was involved in a tragic incident where she was speeding…

Search continues for missing children and adults in Kerrville

AUSTIN (KXAN) The city of Kerrville and Kerr County provided another update…
Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As officials continue to…
Doctors warn of dangerous trend putting millions at risk of cancer

“Health Alert: Millions at Risk of Cancer Due to Dangerous Trend, Warn Doctors”

A fringe theory is catching fire online, and health experts are sounding…
Houston-born Heart O' the Hills camp director dies in Kerr County floods

Director of Heart O’ the Hills camp, a native of Houston, passes away in Kerr County flooding

“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives…