In the aftermath of the California fire that ravaged the town of Paradise, one dog stayed behind to protect its home and miraculously survived.
Madison, the Anatolian shepherd mix, waited several weeks until his owner, Andrea Gaylord, was allowed to return.
Dog miraculously survives Camp Fire, found waiting at site of burned down homewww.youtube.com
On November 8, Gaylord was forced to evacuate when the Camp Fire began its destructive path in the small town with a population of 27,000, located 85 miles north of Sacramento.
She was not at home when the evacuation order was given and was forced to leave her furry companion behind.
Distraught over the unknown status of Madison, she contacted an animal rescuer, Shayla Sullivan, to keep an eye on the beloved dog.
Sullivan first found Madison's brother Miguel, who was safe at a shelter and then later found Madison keeping a close watch on what little remained of the home. Sullivan nourished the abandoned dog with food and water until Gaylord was allowed back on the property this week.
"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," Sullivan said, according to Telegraph.
Gaylord recalled the moment she arrived and found Madison waiting patiently for her return.
"You are the best dog," she said through tears. "The best."
Animal lovers were moved by the story with a happy ending. Cue tears of joy.
Through it all, Gaylord never lost hope.
"Their instinctual job is to watch the flocks," Gaylord told ABC10.
"We're a part of them. It's a comforting feeling."
