The Camp Fire ravaged(毁坏) an area the size of Chicago, destroying 14,000 residences and taking more than 17 days to contain. As it spread, killing at least 85 people and displacing thousands more in Northern California, Madison waited patiently.
Madison's owner, Andrea Gaylord, was not able to get to her home in Paradise, California, when the fire began to spread on Nov. 8, meaning Madison was left behind. For weeks, all Gaylord could do was pray for Madison's safety.
Shayla Sullivan, a rescue volunteer, spotted Madison a few times in a valley, apparently guarding territory, and put out fresh food and water regularly in hopes that the dog would turn up. She even placed an article of clothing that smelled like Andrea near the home to keep Madison's hope alive until his people could return.
When the evacuation(撤离) order was lifted last week and Andrea went back to the property—which had been destroyed by the fire—her prayers were answered: Madison was there, seemingly protecting what little remained of his family's home.
"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 in the comment on her Facebook post, which was shared 12,000 times as of Saturday evening. "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.
Later, Andrea said in an interview that she was overcome with joy to see Madison waiting for her. Andrea lost everything in the fire and is now homeless, but she has been able to find some solace knowing her dogs are safe, "Imagine the loyalty of hanging in through the worst of circumstances and being here waiting," Andrea told ABC10, fighting through tears. "You could never ask for better animals."
