Making tough decisions is part of being an adult. Often we have to live with the decisions that we make, but sometimes, Lady Luck will be there for us to make things alright. If we are lucky enough to experience the latter, hopefully, we learn from our mistakes, and we become prepared for any situation that befalls us.
This is what this family from Santa Rosa, California, had learned when their dog went missing. They were faced with a tough dilemma when a wildfire broke out in their neighborhood, and they had to evacuate. Oftentimes, dogs get spooked during wildfires and their 9-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Izzy, was no exception.
Whenever a wildfire breaks out, the first priority is to save yourself. Material possessions can be replaced, but lives can’t be. This is the bitter truth that drove the Widen family to abandon Izzy. The gigantic dog panicked and ran away. Unfortunately, the Widens didn’t have the luxury of time to chase after her.
They drove away from the fire and once they have brought the family to a safe place, Patrick Widen and his brother-in-law Jack Weaver, tried to come back for Izzy. Unfortunately, police officers did not allow them to go back to their neighborhood as it wasn’t safe yet for anyone to go there.
Once the fire has been put out, the two men went on a mission to find their lost pup. They weren’t sure if she was still alive, but as any other dog parent would do, they had to try. They hiked a total of 3 miles searching for the pup, within a scorched neighborhood that was once their home.
They recorded their search, and from the sound of their voices, you could tell that they were pretty tired. But understandably, they were determined to find her. Luckily for Patrick and Jack, their mission was a success, they found her! Good thing Izzy wasn’t too spooked to run away again. See the video of them finding Izzy below.
Just a heartwarming story to share in the middle of all this devastation. My parents woke up with flames surrounding their house in wikiup bridgeway and had seconds to get out. In the chaos of trying to escape, my parent's dog Izzy ran from them. My mom couldn't chase after her without risking her own life. They had to drive through walls of flames and across a burning wooden bridge to get to mark west springs road and to safety. They lost everything, but my mom was most devastated about leaving Izzy. My brother and husband were determined to try to get back to my parents property to see if by some miracle Izzy survived. They were turned away by police officers, but if you know my brother Jack or husband Patrick…neither one likes to be told no. They ended up hiking just under 3 miles to my parent's property. This video shows the last part of their hike up to my parent's house. It's a little long, but the ending is worth the watch.
Posted by Beckyjean Widen on Thursday, October 12, 2017
Credits: Beckyjean Widen
