California Family Finds Dog Miraculously Survived Wildfires After Being Forced To Leave It Behind

A family in Santa Rosa, California, is breathing a sigh of relief after being reunited with their beloved dog.

The couple was forced to make a quick escape from their home during the night, as the California wildfires spread this week. In the chaos, their dog Izzy ran away from them.

Faced with the decision to run after Izzy and put their own lives at risk, or flee, they chose to evacuate to safety and hope for the best.

The San Francisco Gate reported on the story after Beckyjean Widen shared her parent’s plight and subsequent reunion to Facebook.

Widen stated her parents, whose house was destroyed in the fire, were most devastated by the loss of their dog, reported SF Gate.

“The family knew that their home was gone, but it was the loss of Izzy that devastated them most.”

That’s when Beckyjean’s husband, Patrick, and brother, Jack, decided to return to the property and look for the dog. Police turned the men away, so they instead hiked almost three miles up to look for Izzy.

Widen shared a video to her Facebook that shows the men surveying the burned land as they call out for Izzy. Patrick and Jack can be heard saying that the house is completely gone as they walk up the driveway and take in the damage.

As they continue to take video and whistle for Izzy, she bounds out of hiding and runs toward the camera. Both Patrick and Jack can be heard emotionally reuniting with the dog as they turn off the recording.

SF Gate reported Izzy was dehydrated and tired, but otherwise fine. Widen said her parents took her to the vet to be checked out, and were relieved to learn she didn’t suffer any burns to her paws or other injuries.

Widen went on to state that her family was shocked to learn Izzy survived, although they have no idea how or where she hid from the flames.

“We were all in disbelief.”

Widen posted the touching video to her Facebook on Thursday as she called it a heartwarming story in the midst of devastation. So far, the video has 1 million views and over 12,000 shares, as people spread Izzy’s tale of survival.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting over 30 people have died in the Northern California fires and an estimated 5,700 structures have been destroyed. Firefighters are still working to contain the blazes as wind continues to be a factor.

Donations are being accepted to help the victims and responders through local organizations and GoFundMe.

[Featured Image by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]