Man reunited with beloved dog after losing home in wildfire

Amid the devastation of the Palisades Fire, which has tragically claimed at least 24 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people in Los Angeles County, a deeply emotional reunion has touched hearts online. Casey Colvin, a California resident who lost his home in the wildfire, was overwhelmed with relief and joy when he found his dog Oreo alive after five harrowing days apart.

According to the New York Post, Colvin had been at work when evacuation orders were issued. He spent five agonizing hours stuck in traffic, trying desperately to reach his home and save his two dogs, Oreo and Tika Tika Tika. “I literally rescued them off the streets—they deserve better than this,” Colvin tearfully told NBC Los Angeles while stranded in gridlock. Tragically, he was unable to reach his house before the fire consumed it.

A firefighter came to Colvin’s aid and managed to rescue Tika Tika Tika. However, Oreo bolted into the neighborhood, and Colvin feared the worst. Determined not to give up, he launched an intense search, posting flyers online and using Oreo’s AirTag to track her. “How do I get to my house?” he asked, visibly distraught as he described the chaos.

Five days later, Colvin returned to the charred remains of his neighborhood with a professional dog trapper. To his amazement, they found Oreo hiding in the rubble of a neighbor’s home. In footage captured by NBC, Colvin gently coaxed the frightened dog out of the debris. When Oreo finally recognized him, the two embraced in a heartwarming moment that quickly went viral.

“Oh, honey! Oh my God, you’re alive! You’re alive!” Colvin cries in the footage, holding Oreo in his arms. Overwhelmed, he pumps his fists in the air and shouts, “Yes! Oh, thank you, Jesus! Thank you, God!” The raw emotion of the moment resonated deeply with viewers across social media.

The Bigger Picture

The Palisades and Eaton fires, believed to have been sparked by New Year’s Eve fireworks, continue to rage out of control. As of this writing, the fires have burned thousands of acres and destroyed entire neighborhoods, according to local reports. Crews are working tirelessly to contain the flames, while volunteers and organizations mobilize to support evacuees.

Colvin’s story is one of many that highlight resilience in the face of tragedy. Alongside the heroic work of firefighters, community members have rallied together, offering shelter, supplies, and emotional support to those displaced by the fires.

How to Help

For those inspired by Colvin’s determination, there are several ways to contribute to relief efforts. Local animal shelters are seeking donations for displaced pets, and organizations like the Red Cross are providing aid to families affected by the wildfires.

Though his home is gone, Colvin is determined to rebuild with Oreo and Tika Tika Tika by his side. “I’ve lost so much, but finding Oreo gives me hope,” Colvin said. “We’ll get through this together.”