You could smell Paddington before you even saw him—and it was awful. When Paddington first arrived at Berkeley Humane, the medical team was extremely concerned over his poor physical condition which would require extensive medical treatment. 

The 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix had a severe ear infection—it was the source of the smell. Paddington also had some common Cocker Spaniel ailments, such as hyperkeratosis, which caused the skin on his nose to be perpetually dry and cracked. 

Berkeley Humane got Paddington the urgent care he needed and soon he was ready to find a loving home where he would never experience this kind of neglect again. Paddington found a forever home and an incredible bond with Shawna, who scooped him up as soon as she saw him. Paddington keeps Shawna company during the day, accompanying her to work at Google. 

Although Shawna hasn’t known Paddington for long, she is determined to make up for lost time. Recently, Shawna celebrated her one-year anniversary with Paddington—declaring the date as Paddington’s birthday. She threw a birthday party and raised money for Berkeley Humane in honor of her best friend. 

“I’m forever indebted to Berkeley Humane for bringing Paddington into my life,” says Shawna.

Please donate to our Hope Medical Fund so we can save more animals like Paddington.

We checked in on Paddington in the summer of 2020. Read his Alumni Update here.