Dog Escapes as Family Evacuates California Home, Was Waiting for Them When They Got Back

Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP
Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP

From Good Housekeeping

You're going to need some tissues to get through this story.

Beckyjean Widen's parents were asleep at home on Wikiup Bridge Way in Santa Rosa when flames began to engulf their neighborhood. With just seconds to escape the blaze, their dog Izzy got loose. There was no way for the family to save Izzy without risking their own lives, so they made the harrowing drive, through walls of fire and over a burning bridge, to safety.

The family knew that their home was gone, but it was the loss of Izzy that devastated them most. Hoping for a miracle, Widen's brother and husband hiked the three miles up to the family property to see if anything remained.

One thing did: Izzy.

Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP
Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP

"No singed hair, no burned paws," Widen said. "They took her to a vet right after they found her, and she was checked out. She was dehydrated and very tired, but other than that she was perfect. We were all in disbelief."

Izzy's amazing appearance was captured on video, which you can see above. Her happy greeting is near the end of the clip. The video currently has over 21,000 likes and 10,000 shares on Widen's Facebook page.

"We are happy this story is bringing so much joy to people in this devastating time for our community," Widen said.

Izzy and her humans are now safe with family in Windsor, although Izzy's big adventure will forever remain a wonderful, happy mystery.

"We have no idea where she hid," said Widen, "but wherever she went, she had an angel watching over her."

Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP
Photo credit: Jonathan Copper, AP

From: SFGATE

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