🐶 Fur Real: The Latest in All Things Dogs!

👋 Happy Thursday! Let’s dive into some tail-wagging stories!

In today’s Cause for Paws:

• 🐶 🙌 Oreo Found After Devastating Fire

• 🧠 Top Training Tips of The Week

• 🐾 Paw Profiles – 3 incredible rescues looking for a new home

🐶 🙌 Oreo Found After Devastating Fire

In January 2025, a devastating wildfire tore through Pacific Palisades, California, leaving destruction in its wake and inspiring a heartwarming story that led to new legislation.

Casey Colvin, a resident of the area, was at work when the fire broke out, forcing him to endure a harrowing five-hour journey through gridlocked traffic in a desperate attempt to reach his two dogs, Tika Tika and Oreo, who were trapped in his home.

A firefighter, CalFire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua, stepped in to help, bravely entering Colvin’s home to search for the dogs. He managed to save Tika Tika, but Oreo, a small white-blonde Pomeranian described by Colvin as “behavioral,” fled in fear as the flames approached.

Tragically, Colvin’s home was engulfed by the fire and burned to the ground shortly after. For five agonizing days, Colvin searched tirelessly for Oreo, posting flyers around the neighborhood, sharing pleas on social media, and even using an AirTag to track possible sightings. Neighbors reported seeing the dog, and firefighters refilled bowls of food Colvin left out to lure Oreo from hiding.

His persistence paid off on January 12, when a dog tracker located Oreo sleeping amid the rubble of a neighbor’s property. In a tearful reunion captured on video, Colvin called out to Oreo with a squeaky toy, coaxing the sooty, disheveled pup down a driveway and through a gate into his arms. Overcome with joy, Colvin shouted, “You’re alive! Thank you, God!” as he ran into the street, tears streaming down his face, celebrating the miracle of finding his dog alive after five nights alone in the fire-ravaged area.

The viral video of their reunion, shared widely by Kreutz and others, touched hearts across the country and caught the attention of Los Angeles Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur. Inspired by Colvin’s story, Zbur introduced the “FOUND” Act—Friends of Oreo Uniting During Disasters—in March 2025.

The proposed legislation aims to prevent other pet owners from facing similar ordeals during natural disasters. It would require cities to update their emergency plans to include procedures for rescuing pets left in evacuation zones, allowing evacuees or designated representatives to be escorted in to retrieve their animals safely.

Additionally, the bill proposes a hotline to help residents locate missing pets and extends the holding period for rescued pets to 90 days before adoption or euthanasia, giving owners more time to reunite with their animals. Colvin, now grappling with survivor’s guilt after losing his home, has embraced the opportunity to advocate for the bill, planning to testify in Sacramento in April 2025. He hopes the FOUND Act will become a model for other states, ensuring that pets, often considered family members, are better protected during crises.

🧠 Top Training Tips of the Week

Come When Called - Recall Training

A reliable recall is very important for safety, allowing you to call your dog back in potentially dangerous situations. Examples include in off-leash parks, if your little one escapes or gets spooked.

Follow these steps to master recall:

1. Start Indoors: Begin in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Have high-value treats and a happy tone.
   

2. Get Their Attention: Say your dog’s name once to get their focus. If they look at you, praise softly (“Good!”).
   

3. Introduce the Cue: Say “Come” in an upbeat voice, then take a few steps backward to encourage them to follow. Pat your legs or make exciting noises to lure them.
   

4. Reward Immediately: When your dog reaches you, praise enthusiastically (“Yes, good come!”) and give a treat. Touch their collar gently to get them used to being handled after coming.
   

5. Increase Distance: Gradually move farther away (5 feet, then 10) before saying “Come.” Practice 5-10 times per session, 2-3 times daily.
   

6. Use a Long Line: Move to a fenced yard or use a 20-30 foot leash. Let your dog wander, then call “Come.” Gently reel them in if they don’t respond, rewarding when they reach you.
   

7. Add Distractions: Practice in slightly busier settings (e.g., yard with toys around). Call when they’re sniffing or exploring, rewarding heavily for compliance.
   

8. Proof the Behavior: Test in safer off-leash areas (e.g., dog park) with a long line for backup. Never punish a dog for coming, even if they take a while.
   

9. Maintain with Rewards: Always reward a successful recall with treats, praise, or play, even years later, to keep the cue strong. Vary rewards to keep it exciting.
   
   
   We hope this helps! If you have other techniques feel free to reply, we loving hearing from you!

🐾 Paw Profiles: 3 Pups in Search of a Forever Home!

Pasadena Humane operates out of Pasadena, California serving the greater Pasadena area. They have several dogs and cats up for adoption and operate as a non-profit.

Today, we’re highlighting 3 of their precious pups, looking for their forever homes.

Could you be the one they’ve been waiting for?

Wile

Wile is looking for a peaceful, patient home with no children or other pets—just a calm environment where he can feel safe and loved. A quiet neighborhood would be ideal for this sensitive boy to relax and adjust at his own pace.

Wile has been through a lot—he lost his home in a fire and is still learning to feel comfortable again. He’s a shy, thoughtful pup who needs time to trust new people and situations. Right now, he prefers to observe from a distance and move at his own speed, but with gentle care, he’ll start to come out of his shell.

Mito

🐾 Mito is a big, lovable goofball with a heart full of wiggles! The moment he steps out of his kennel, he’s ready to greet the world with enthusiasm (and maybe a little too much pulling—he’s just that excited). He adores people and will happily soak up all the pets and attention you have to offer.

Treats, treats, and more treats! Mito is super food-motivated and already knows “sit” (and will happily show you in exchange for a snack). He’s also a fan of putting his paws on things—tables, people, you name it—because he just can’t contain his excitement!

Mito would thrive in an active home where he can get plenty of exercise and training to refine his manners. He’s a strong boy, so leash skills are a must! With a little guidance (and lots of treats), he’ll make a fantastic, affectionate companion. ⛰️

Marble

Marble is a spirited 1-year-old German Shepherd mix with a big heart and lots of potential! This young lady was found as a stray on a hiking trail, and she’s been working hard to adjust to shelter life. As a naturally active and intelligent dog, she sometimes feels a bit stressed here at the shelter. Because of her sensitive nature, Marble would do best in a calm, adults-only home with no other pets, where she can have a stable, predictable routine.

With experienced guidance, ongoing training, and lots of positive reinforcement, Marble will thrive as she builds her confidence. She loves being outside, so she’s dreaming of a family who enjoys outdoor adventures as much as she does! If you’re ready to give Nova the patient, loving home she deserves, she’ll be your most loyal and devoted companion. 🥰 

Ready to give a second chance to one of these pups, or one from the many others?

Take a look at their website to find your perfect match!

👋 That’s all for this week, Cause for Paws crew! Thanks for reading – we’ll see you next week!