California Camp Fire: Dog Left Behind Waits Weeks For Owner

PARADISE, CA — When the massive and deadly Camp Fire ignited Nov. 8, the wildfire spread fast. Many people were unable to return home to collect their belongings — and pets. One of those people was Andrea Gaylord, whose Paradise home was destroyed in the blaze that claimed the lives of at least 85 people and displaced thousands more. Gaylord left behind her Anatolian shepherd mix Madison.

But thanks to the efforts of an animal rescuer, who fed and watered the dog after the fire and subsequent storm, Gaylord has been reunited with her dog. Photos posted on the Facebook page of K9 Paw Print Rescue showed the dog lying near the home's charred debris, patiently waiting for his owner's return.

Rescuer Shayla Sullivan said Madison's brother Miguel turned up in Citrus Heights, miles away. She had seen Madison a few times deep inside a nearby canyon and returned to the site to leave out fresh food and water for the dog in case he survived.

"After meeting Andrea in person when I took Miguel to her, I had the idea of placing an article of clothing that would smell like her( i had hugged her) to keep Madison’s hope alive until his people could return," Sullivan wrote in a Facebook comment.

Her idea worked. The evacuation order was lifted last week. When Gaylord pulled up to her property Thursday, her home was destroyed. But a familiar face greeted her — her guard dog.

"WELL, I’m so HAPPY to report that Andrea was allowed to return to her property today and THERE MADISON WAS," wrote Sullivan. 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!"

Gaylor choked up when she told KXTV-TV "you could never ask for a better animal."

She tearfully added, "you are the best dog."

The Camp Fire began in the Sierra Nevada foothills and quickly spread across 240 square miles. Most of Paradise was charred within 24 hours. Nearly 19,000 buildings, mostly homes, were destroyed. It was the nation's deadliest wildfire in a century.

Photo credit: Shayla Sullivan