Evacuation Nightmare

Casey Colvin was at work on January 7 when his world turned upside down. He got evacuation orders because of the Palisades fire. His home was in danger, but that wasn't what worried him most. His two beloved dogs were at home alone with nowhere to go.

Casey spent five hours stuck in traffic, trying to reach his pets. When he finally got close to home, officials stopped him. The flames were too close, and they wouldn't let him pass.

A Firefighter's Promise

Breaking down in tears, Casey explained to NBC reporter Liz Kreutz that his dogs were his family. They deserved better than to be left behind. A firefighter named Battalion Chief Brent Pascua overheard Casey's heartbreak and stepped in to help.

Brent offered to go get the dogs himself. He broke down Casey's front door and found Tika, one of the dogs. But Oreo, Casey's Pomeranian, ran away scared. Oreo had been rescued from an abusive situation before and was naturally skittish.

Just hours after the rescue attempt, Casey's home burned completely to the ground.

The Search for Oreo

For five long days, Casey searched everywhere for Oreo. Liz Kreutz went beyond her job as a journalist and helped spread missing dog posters on social media. The community joined together in hopes of finding the little Pomeranian.

The loss of a home is devastating, but for Casey, the loss of Oreo was much worse. Every day without his pet was another day of worry and sadness.

Reunion in the Rubble

Then on Sunday, a miracle happened. Someone spotted Oreo hiding in the rubble of a neighbor's destroyed home. Liz and the NBC team went with Casey to the location.

The reunion was powerful. Casey cried tears of joy when he saw Oreo was alive. He picked up his furry friend and danced with him right in the middle of the street. After days of fear and loss, Casey finally had something to celebrate.

What Really Matters

Though Casey lost his home and everything inside it, he got back what mattered most - his family. Oreo and Tika were safe, and they could start rebuilding their lives together.

This happy ending wouldn't have happened without the brave firefighter who risked his safety to save the dogs. It also wouldn't have happened without Liz Kreutz, who used her platform to help find Oreo when the search seemed hopeless.

Sometimes in our darkest moments, the kindness of others shines the brightest. Casey's story reminds us that even when we lose everything material, what truly matters is the love we share with others - even our four-legged family members.