UPDATE: A heartwarming and urgent story emerges from Altadena, California, where Ted Koerner has successfully rebuilt his home just four months after it was devastated by the 2025 wildfires. Driven by his deep bond with his beloved golden retriever, Daisy Mae, Koerner expedited the reconstruction to spend precious time with her before it’s too late.
On December 11, 2025, Koerner and Daisy Mae were finally reunited in their newly rebuilt home, a sight he feared he might never see again. The wildfires, which took the lives of 31 people and destroyed thousands of homes, forced Koerner and Daisy Mae to flee their property as flames engulfed the neighborhood.
Koerner recalls the harrowing moment he grabbed a few belongings—some clothes, a pillow, and cherished photos of Daisy Mae—before escaping as fire raged dangerously close. After weeks spent in a hotel filled with other evacuees, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life while fearing he might lose Daisy Mae to old age during the process.
To ensure a swift reconstruction, Koerner liquidated nearly all of his retirement savings, pouring approximately $2 million into hiring contractors. “I told my mortgage servicing company, ‘I need to get home with my dog before she passes,'” he recalled. “If she passes, I don’t want to come here. And this is a very, very, very special dog.”
The emotional reunion was palpable when Koerner first brought Daisy Mae back to the partially constructed home. As she walked through her familiar surroundings, her smile conveyed a silent reassurance: “OK, the house is still here.”
After just over four months of intense work, Koerner’s home was rebuilt, allowing him to finally settle back into a routine with Daisy Mae. “I went into the house and cried a lot,” he admitted. “It still has that effect. I’m actually home with my dog.”
This remarkable story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between pets and their owners. Koerner’s commitment to his dog in the face of disaster is a poignant reminder of what truly matters in life.
As the community continues to recover from the devastating wildfires, Koerner’s journey offers a ray of hope for many. The rebuilding process is a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship, driving him to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing recovery efforts in the Altadena area and stories of resilience from other wildfire survivors.
