A dog that survived wildfires in Paradise, California, which killed 85 residents, was found protecting the ruins of his former home for almost a month until his owner returned. The “Camp Fire,” which practically destroyed the whole town, was the most deadly in state history. The wildfire destroyed nearly 19,000 buildings, including 13,954 homes. As the wildfires spread, the majority of residents had to abandon their homes and belongings and in some extreme cases, even their pets.
Andrea Gaylord, a resident of Paradise, fled the town on the 8th of November when the fire broke out
Image credits: Andrea Gaylord
When Andrea was away and could not access her property, she requested that animal welfare officials check on her dog Madison. An animal rescuer, Shayla Sullivan who responded to her request, first spotted the dog several days later. Madison was reluctant to interact with the rescuers, but they regularly left him food and water. Sullivan also helped to find Madison’s brother Miguel, who was taken to a shelter 85 miles away, during the confusion of the wildfire.
Sullivan said that “If (the evacuees) can’t be there I’m going to be and I’m not going to give up on their animal until they can get back in.”
Image credits: Andrea Gaylord
The dogs and their owner Andrea reunited this Friday when she came back to her property with Miguel and found Madison waiting for her. Andrea later said she couldn’t ask for a better animal. “Imagine the loyalty of hanging in in the worst of circumstances and being here waiting. Their instinctual job is to watch the flocks and we’re part of them,” Andrea said about her dogs. “It’s a comforting feeling.”
K9 Paw Print Rescue, an animal welfare organization, posted the heartwarming news about the reunion on their Facebook
Shayla Sullivan was very happy to announce the good news
Image credits: Shayla Sullivan
Sullivan, the animal rescuer, later in the comment section wrote: “I’m so HAPPY to report that Andrea was allowed to return to her property today and THERE MADISON WAS!!!! He had stayed to protect what was left of his home, and NEVER gave up on his people! I’m so happy I’m crying as I write this! He didn’t give up through the storms or the fire! A LOOOOONG month it must have been for him!”
"Here’s to many more reunions ahead!" Sullivan added, "Keep the HOPE alive!"
People on Facebook were more than glad to witness the sweet reunion
