Support Tina and Her Dogs in Crisis Recovery

Hello -

My name is Tina Wallin, and I never thought I would be writing this. At the start of 2025, I was living a normal life in my home in Altadena, CA. I had my dogs, my job, and the comfort of familiar surroundings. But everything changed on January 7th when a fire errupted.

The fire spread quickly and a mandatory evacuation was issued around 2:30am. When I woke to the emergency notification, my home was not in flames but was filled with smoke and ash. The winds, at times, were up to 100mph, adding incredible speed to the spreading of the fire. There was no time to think or pack. I grabbed whatever clothes were in close proximity which was a pair of jeans and a couple shirts. I grabbed my dogs, their food and headed out. Our faces were met with darkness, fire, burning embers, and high winds that made it difficult to get down my stairs and to my car.

Hotels within a 15-mile radius were completely booked, but I eventually was able to locate one for 2-nights which was a great relief! Not may hotels allow dogs, especially 2! This gave me time to apply for any governmental resources, but unfortunately, that process is taking longer than expected. The constant uncertainty weighs heavily on me each day.

My immediate needs are basic necessitites, dog supplies, clothing, and gas. The emotional toll is as heavy as the financial strain I now face. As of today, January 13th, there are no updates regarding my residence, when government support will be provided, or if I will have a place to return to.

I am reaching out because I need your help. No matter how small a donation, it will significantly impact my journey toward recovery. With your support, I can secure cover my immediate needs and slowly begin to heal from this traumatic experience.

In times like these, it’s easy to feel lost, but I do have hope that my hometown will be thriving once again. Altadena is the only place I have ever considered home and hope to return there.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate your support.

Love,

Tina, Katrina, and Albert