On January 7, 2025, the Pacific Palisades Fire broke out, devastating Los Angeles County. Over 39,000 acres of land were burned, and nearly 10,000 structures were destroyed. Among those affected was Casey Colvin, whose home was reduced to rubble. Forced to evacuate quickly, Casey had to leave behind his two beloved dogs, Oreo and Tika Tika Tika. While a firefighter rescued Tika Tika Tika, Oreo fled into the neighborhood.
Devastated by the separation, Casey made a heartfelt plea. “I literally rescued them off the streets; they deserve better than this,” he said, holding back tears. Despite losing his home, Casey vowed to do everything he could to find Oreo.
A Community Comes Together
The days following January 7 saw Casey launching an exhaustive search for Oreo. Leveraging social media, he posted missing dog flyers and updates, asking for the public’s help. His emotional appeals struck a chord with many, leading neighbors, volunteers, and even a professional dog trapper to join the search.
Casey also relied on technology to aid his efforts. An AirTag attached to Oreo gave sporadic signals, helping track her movements. On January 10, Oreo was spotted sleeping amidst the rubble of a neighbor’s property.
“Knowing she was alive gave me the strength to keep going”
Casey
The community’s support provided a beacon of hope. “The people who helped me—they gave me more than I could ever repay,” Casey shared.
The Emotional Reunion
On January 12, 2025, Casey’s persistence paid off. With guidance from the dog trapper, he located Oreo hiding in the ruins of a neighbor’s property. The moment was captured on video, showing Casey breaking down in tears as Oreo ran into his arms. “Oh my God, you’re alive!” he exclaimed, holding her close. Visibly overcome with joy, Casey described the reunion as “a miracle.”
How a Personal Loss Touched the World
The story of Casey and Oreo’s reunion captivated millions. Social media was inundated with messages of support, with many applauding Casey’s perseverance. “This story reminded me that hope and love are powerful forces,” one user wrote online.

The incident also highlighted the role of technology in disaster recovery and the strength of community bonds during crises. Casey’s story served as a poignant reminder of resilience, inspiring others to keep faith in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Casey Colvin’s journey from heartbreak to happiness is a testament to the power of love and determination. Despite losing everything in the Pacific Palisades Fire, Casey’s unyielding hope and the support of his community led to a joyful reunion with Oreo.