There is no doubt that dogs are the epitome of the words loyalty and faithfulness. From time to time, dogs from different parts of the world show that nothing in this world could put an end to the devotion that they have for their favorite humans. In fact, there are numerous records of dogs waiting for their deceased owners to return once again.
Another testament of how loyal and faithful a dog can be is Madison, a survivor of the most devastating fire that engulfed California in the last months of 2018. The faithful dog has been found guarding what used to be his family’s home by the rescue team.
In the recent deadly wildfire that wreaked havoc in Northern California, numerous residents had to flee their home and abandon their belongings to save their lives. Worse, some even had to leave their beloved pets behind. One of them were Madison’s owners (Andrea Gaylord, one of the owner) who did not have the chance to return home when the wildfire started.
Literally, Madison’s owners did not have any clue whether he’s still alive, especially since they were discouraged from returning to the devastated area. Despite this, the couple did not lose hope nor faith. Days after the wildfire, the couple ceaselessly prayed and hope for dear Madison’s safety.
Fortunately, aside from the couple, there are other people who share the same hope as well. K9 Paw Print Rescue, a non-profit Bay Area-based animal rescue team have resilient volunteers like Shayla Sullivan. The woman who has a soft spot for animals did not stop searching and serving animals who survived the deadly wildfire. Shayla even even sees to it that the animal survivors will be reunited with their families.
“I initially found the couple’s other dog, Miguel, and reunited them. But Madison remained behind, making him harder to catch. In the meantime, I left food and water out for Madison until I could lure him back home.” Shayla explained on Facebook. Apparently, Shayla has already rescued and returned Madison’s brother, Miguel, to Andrea Gaylord. The only problem now was how she would be able to do the same for Madison.
After meeting Andrea Gaylord to return Miguel, Shayla thought of a bright idea to find Madison. She hugged Andrea so her cloth would smell like her. This way, she’d be able to lure Madison with a cloth with a smell that Madison is familiar with.
“After meeting Andrea in person when I took Miguel to her, I had the idea of placing an article of clothing that would smell like her( i had hugged her) to keep Madison’s hope alive until his people could return.” Shayla further explained.
Meanwhile, while waiting for the chance to reunite Madison and Andrea, Shayla left food and water to keep the faithful dog healthy.
The effort and good will of Shayla did not go in vain. When Andrea and the other victims of the wildfire were finally allowed to return to their home, she found Madison standing on what used to be her property- dutifully guarding their ‘home’ while waiting for her return.
On Facebook, Shayla shared the tearful reunion of Andrea and Madison together with a touching photo. Her Facebook post reads:
“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! I’m so happy I’m crying as I write this! He didn’t give up through the storms or the fire! A long month it must have been for him!”
On a separate Facebook post, Shayla shared how Madison’s story keeps her even more motivated in pursuing her cause. She’s also hoping that Madison’s story will inspire other rescuers and volunteers to never stop looking out for animals who survived the wildfire. The full content of her inspiring Facebook post can be read below:
“I’ve been asked many times over these last weeks what keeps me going when rescuing and caring for animals. Today I experienced the what, in a way like NO other.
I enjoy the people connection as much as I do the animals. After all, people who love their animals are part of the equation. Today I had the pleasure of picking up Andrea and Miguel. Miquel was very suspicious of me, but he eventually loaded into the truck. I think he remembered me. It was a long ride back to his home, and he was restless. He had NO idea I was going to re unite him with his brother.
It was the BEST feeling having Madison meet our truck. After feeding him for almost a month, but NOT knowing he was for sure still there, seeing him was surreal. He followed the truck, so he must have sensed Miguel was aboard. He was wagging his tail as if to tell me “ I know you from around here, I think you’re pretty ok. “
Re-uniting Miguel and Madison was amazing. They said their HELLOS and then went back to work. Miguel took Guard over the lower part of the property and Madison took the top. It must be such a RELIEF for Madison to have his partner back. I’m sure it makes his job that much easier…. we looked around and still are amazed that both dogs survived. It’s a true testament to the instincts these dogs have. Their people lost multiple family homes. Andrea’s spirit is uplifting and she hopes to rebuild a new home for the boys to watch over.
Madison is PROOF that there are many animals waiting for their people. Keep feeding, just in case , and keep the hope alive! – Animal Rescue”
Madison’s inspiring act of loyalty and faithfulness towards his owners has become viral thanks to Shayla and the K9 Paw Print Rescue’s Facebook posts. Appealing to the people who have heard about Madison’s story, Shayla set-up a GoFundMe page to help Andrea recover from the 9 homes she and her family lost from the devastating wildfire. Unfortunately, the fire also claimed Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord’s jobs. To help them get back to their feet, you can send donations here.
For Andrea, there is no other companion animal she could ask for than Madison.
“Imagine the loyalty of hanging in in the worst of circumstances and being here waiting,” she said. “Their instinctual job is to watch the flocks and we’re part of them,” Gaylord said about her dogs. “It’s a comforting feeling.“
True to her words, there sure is no more comforting thought than knowing that in whatever adversity life throws at Andrea and her family, there’s a Madison who would remain loyal and faithful to them.
Watch the touching videos below and learn more about the loyal and faithful dog, Madison, who remained true to his duty even after the devastating wildfire that took their home. Kudos to Shayla and to the people behind K9 Paw Print Rescue, Madison and his family are finally finally seeing the rainbow after the rain!
Video 1:
Video 2:
Videos | Shayla Sullivan and Andrea Gaylord