When the Camp Fire swept through Paradise, California, in November 2018, Andrea Gaylord had to quickly evacuate her home and leave her two dogs behind, Madison and Miguel. For weeks, she didn’t know what had happened to them.
But Madison was still there. The dog stayed near what had been his home, withstanding the harsh conditions while a rescuer, Shayla Sullivan, began visiting him to bring him food and water.
Almost a month later, Andrea was able to return. And there was Madison, waiting. Miguel had survived too: after the evacuation, he ended up in a shelter about 135 kilometers away. Finally, Andrea was able to reunite with both dogs.
The reunion was a small ray of light amid a tragedy that had destroyed thousands of homes.
Their story reminds us of the incredible loyalty of animals and that, even after a catastrophe, there can still be reasons to hope, persevere, and be reunited.
