Greetings from thankfully sunny Pasadena, California. After a week of wild rainy weather in the Golden State, the heavens opened up as we usher in 2024, just in time for the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade.
As it has been tradition for the past 135 years, with the exceptions of pauses due to World War II and the more recent Covid19 pandemic, the parade kicked off at 8 am this morning, January 1, bringing together groups from across the country and the globe. The parade featured equestrian groups, bands from as far as Japan and Costa Rica, Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday, and of course beautiful floral-decorated floats.
Some of my favorite floats this year included the City of Torrance, Newport Beach’s floral rendition of their holiday boat show, and One Legacy’s Dance of Life. As an alumna, I celebrated the Cal Poly Universities’ float, featuring a sea-themed floral motif. It was of course, creative and lovely, a celebration of the work of both Cal Poly Pomona and San Luis Obispo’s float clubs. I also appreciated the Coding for Veterans float which honors those in military service, which is very meaningful to me as an Army brat and a parent with a baby serving abroad.
But perhaps my favorite float this year was the Pasadena Humane Society’s ‘Feed the Love,’ sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. According to the Pasadena Humane Society website, the 55-foot float pays tribute to the importance of pet adoption and healthy pet nutrition. The float itself is beautiful- with playful pups and kitties in colorful florals enjoying the comforts of a forever home surrounded with hearts.
For me, this float has special significance because the Pasadena Humane Society has a special place in my heart and home. Since the adoption of our first dog, Maxwell back in 2003, we have advocated for pet adoption versus ‘shopping’ as much as possible, especially since there are many fluffy buddies who need loving homes. We adopted our bunnies, Penelope and Henry, during the Covid pandemic, and in those adoptions the humane society gave us unexpected blessings with all the laughter those two brought. My class rabbit, Oliver, was also a Pasadena adoption, after he was found in Eaton Canyon in January 2023, and he is the perfect addition to my happy classroom with his calm demeanor and curious attitude.
But the most impactful adoption of all, for which I will always be grateful to the Pasadena Humane Society, was our Owen, nearly eleven years ago. Our shy pup who turned out to be not-so-shy, who would adventure with us over a decade and love us for the rest of his days. I am so thankful for the time we were blessed with the bestest boy, and I can affirm that indeed, the very best friends can be found at a shelter- because I found mine. And even though he’s now gone, his memories still remain, and even in sadness, there is so much joy.
I wish for you and yours a blessed and happy New Year. I hope 2024 brings love, laughter, and maybe even a new furry friend. Cheers!
If you are in the Pasadena area, pet adoptions are done by appointment, with walk up visiting hours on Saturdays from 2-5 pm. If you’re outside the So Cal area, your local shelter or Petfinder is a great place to start. I wish you the best as we help pets find their forever homes and ‘feed the love.’
The Cranky Camper 