Emotional reunion captured amid the aftermath of the Palisades Fire
In a poignant moment of relief and joy, Casey Colvin, a resident of Los Angeles, was reunited with his dog Oreo, who went missing during the destructive Palisades Fire. The reunion, which occurred less than a week after Colvin’s home was reduced to ashes, was captured on video and quickly became a symbol of hope for the fire-ravaged community.
The heartwarming moment
NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz documented the emotional reunion, showing Oreo racing toward Colvin from a neighbor’s driveway amidst the devastation. In the video, Colvin is seen overcome with emotion, clutching a squeaky toy in one hand and Oreo in the other. “Oh my God! You’re alive! Oh, honey!” Colvin exclaimed through tears of relief and joy.
Kreutz had played a crucial role in the search for Oreo, using her social media platform to amplify the call for help. Tips from the community and the efforts of a professional dog trapper ultimately led to Oreo’s safe return.
The events leading up to Oreo’s disappearance
Oreo went missing after bolting from Colvin’s home as the fire engulfed the neighborhood. Colvin was at work at the time of the evacuation order. By the time he returned, authorities had barred him from entering the community to rescue his pets.
A firefighter overheard Colvin’s plight during an interview with Kreutz and volunteered to attempt a rescue. While the firefighter managed to save Colvin’s other dog, Tika, Oreo fled in the chaos. Just hours later, Colvin’s house was completely destroyed by the flames.
Despite the devastation, Colvin remained determined to find Oreo. He distributed flyers and enlisted Kreutz’s help to spread the word. Days later, neighbors spotted Oreo sitting among the rubble of a nearby house. Colvin rushed to the location, and the long-awaited reunion took place.
The Palisades Fire, which remains only 11% contained, continues to wreak havoc in areas west of Los Angeles. Kreutz reflected on the harrowing events, noting that had the firefighter not intervened, both dogs might have been trapped in the flames.
“Had that firefighter not offered to go get the dogs, both of them would have been trapped inside when the flames came,” Kreutz wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
A bright moment in a time of devastation
Oreo’s reunion with Colvin provided a rare moment of joy amid the destruction. Kreutz shared another emotional video post on Instagram, celebrating the happy outcome. “OREO HAS BEEN FOUND!!!” she wrote. “The moment he saw Casey, he came running. An incredible moment and a bright spot in such a devastating time.”
The story of Casey and Oreo’s reunion continues to inspire hope as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire.