Dog Who Waited by House Destroyed by California Wildfire Reunited with Family

During the chaos of the Camp Fire that raged across Northern California, killing at least 85 people and burning down thousands of homes and businesses, Madison waited faithfully for his humans to return.

When the fires began to spread on Nov. 8, pet owner Andrea Gaylord was unable to reach her house, and her Anatolian shepherd mix, the Washington Post reported.

And for weeks, she didn’t know the fate of either her dog or her home.

The pup was spotted a few times in the vicinity of the canyon where his home was located, according to Shayla Sullivan, a volunteer with animal rescue organization K9 Paw Print Rescue. Sullivan left food and water out for Madison, who seemed to be guarding his territory, and an article of Gaylord’s clothing “to keep Madison’s hope alive until his people could return,” Sullivan wrote in a Facebook post.

Gaylord was finally able to return to her home last week and was thrilled to find her faithful pooch still on guard duty.

“WELL, 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!” Sullivan wrote.

“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!” she added.