By Janet McAfee

It was an incredible moment and a bright spot in such a devastating week. Millions watched in anticipation and then joy on NBC news as a small dog named Oreo ran toward his human, squeezed under the fence, and jumped into his waiting arms. With the tragic loss of at least 27 people, many animals, countless homes and businesses and never-ending fires, this replayed video brought smiles and tears of joy as we shared Casey Colvin’s miracle.

Casey was away at work when the fire struck his Pacific Palisades neighborhood. His two small dogs were trapped inside his home as the flames grew closer. It’s a pet parents’ worst nightmare, made worse when people were not allowed into the area due to dangerous conditions.

On the morning of January 7, the dry Santa Ana winds howled and nearly bent trees. Casey thought briefly about taking his 2 small pups to work but was only going to be away for a few hours. It wasn’t long before he started receiving alarming text messages from neighbors reporting flames in the nearby hills.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua met the distraught screaming Calvin later that day as he raced around on his bicycle trying to enter the fire zone to save his pets. He listened to the story of “special needs” rescue dog Oreo who would only leave if his sister Teeka went also. The brave firefighter took off.

In his previous life, Oreo survived in the wild after being severely abused and then abandoned. He was found covered in ticks and suffering from hepatitis. Casey met him at an animal shelter in the summer of 2024 and volunteered to foster the snappy Pomeranian few people could handle. His loving Rat Terrier Teeka took Oreo under his wing, and with Casey’s patient training the traumatized Oreo learned to trust. Casey became what we affectionately call a “foster failure” when he adopted Oreo.

Pascua smashed the glass panel to the home’s front door. He managed to grab Teeka but skittish Oreo took off running in the direction of the fire. Casey went frantic on Facebook, reaching some well-connected contacts, and a dozen experienced strangers became “dog trackers”. Several days later, one tracker with binoculars spotted Oreo alive in the rubble, his fur matted and grey.

Realizing only Casey Calvin could catch Oreo, NBC reporter Liz Kreutz arranged to get him and Teeka inside the fire line 5 days after the fire started. Standing outside a white metal gate, the only left of his neighbor’s home, Casey called for his beloved dog squeezing his favorite squeaky toy. Oreo appeared, wagged his tail, and squeezed under the gate into his human’s arms. The video of the racing dog and Colvin crying with joy was seen by millions.

Are you prepared with your pets in case of a natural disaster? We are more likely to experience an earthquake in the Coachella Valley. Experts advise us that the 10 freeway, the only way out of the region, will quickly become overwhelmed. Here are some things pet owner can do to prepare in advance.

MICROCHIP & TAG YOUR PETS IN ORDER TO TRACK THEM

Engraved ID tags with your cell phone cost less than $15 at most pet stores. Loving All Animals shelter in Coachella offers FREE microchipping during weekdays; contact them at (760) 834-7000 for an appointment.

STOCK UP ON FOOD & WATER

Have at least 2 weeks of food for you and your animals. Extra water is important in case officials declare the drinking water unsafe. A flashlight and a battery operated radio will come in handy in case of power outages.

CRATES FOR EVERY PET

Have enough crates for each dog and cat to ensure they can travel safely in case of evacuation. Have toys and a blanket inside for comfort. Birds require secure cages. Include a supply of medications and copies of medical records.

BUDDY SYSTEM WITH A NEIGHBOR

Like Casey Colvin, you may be away at work and caught behind the evacuation line when an order is issued. Arrange with a trusted neighbor to have a key to your home who will evacuate your pets in an emergency. Identify a friend or relative who will let you stay with them and welcome your animals. Locate pet friendly hotels on www.PetTravel.com.

Advance preparation will prevent danger, panic and suffering for you and your beloved animals!

janetmcafee8@gmail.com