In October 2017, the Northern California region experienced the Tubbs Fire. At the time, the fire burned through portions of the counties of Napa, Sonoma, and Lake while wreaking the most havoc in Santa Rosa, was the most destructive wildfire in California history. Its destructiveness was quickly surpassed by the 2018 Campfire only one year later. But have you heard about Odin’s remarkable story of survival?
While his owners fled to safety during the California Tubbs Fire in 2017, a dog by the name of Odin wouldn’t leave his herd of goats behind. Odin survived and managed to keep all the goats alive when the owners returned to their property days later.
What Happened During the Tubbs Fire?
Roland Handel was forced to make a split-second decision as the raging California wildfires encroached upon his home: try to force his dog, Odin, into the car or leave him behind.
Odin was on duty the night the fires started and is one of two great Pyrenees who alternately protects the family’s eight goats from coyotes and mountain lions.
At night, Odin won’t leave the goats. When I approached, he sat down in front of the goats, and I knew that look. He wasn’t moving
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
He then drove away with his daughter, their three other dogs, and their two cats, all crammed into the family car after opening the gates to let the animals escape.
I had my 14-year-old daughter and we had to get out, The cars behind us on the road had fire pouring out of the windows just minutes after we left, It was life and death.
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
At least 40 people have died as a result of the California wildfires in the counties of Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Yuba, and 5,700 homes and other buildings have been destroyed.
As searchers scour the ruins for those reported missing, the death toll could rise. Authorities stated that many of the hundreds of missing people are likely safe but have not informed anyone of their whereabouts.
By the time we were going down the road, you could hear the twisting metal of transmission towers falling and propane tanks exploding, I’ll never forget it.
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
(Source: CBC Canada)
Odin the Miracle Dog
He wasn’t able to fully comprehend that he had left Odin behind until he had brought his daughter to safety.
We were hoping somehow they were OK, that some miracle happened
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
The following day, he made his way back by getting around obstacles. He found that everything on his property, including his house, had been destroyed except for Odin, who had all eight of his goats waiting for him.
I couldn’t believe it, Everything else was gone. There’s nothing.
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
He said that Odin rushed up to him and showered him with kisses. Both the dog’s paw pads and bright white fur had burn marks.
He looked small and he was limping. He was lying down a lot. He was clearly exhausted.
Roland Handel, Odin’s Owner
Handel reported that a herd of deer had gathered alongside Odin and the goats, possibly taking advantage of the courageous dog’s defense. When Handel arrived, the deer dispersed. (Source: CBC Canada)
Image from Cbc.Ca