UPDATE: In a heartwarming turn of events, Ted Koerner has successfully rebuilt his home in Altadena, California, just four months after devastating wildfires ravaged the area, motivated by his bond with his beloved dog, Daisy Mae. This urgent rebuild comes as Koerner races against time, facing the possibility of losing Daisy Mae, who has been by his side for over a decade.
The wildfires, which struck in early 2025, destroyed thousands of homes and tragically claimed 31 lives. Koerner and Daisy Mae narrowly escaped, fleeing their home as flames approached. Koerner recalled grabbing only a few personal items before driving away, fearing he might never return.
Now, on December 11, 2025, Koerner sits on the porch of his newly constructed home, watching Daisy Mae play in the yard under the shade of a historic 175-year-old Heritage Oak. “I went into the house and cried a lot,” Koerner shared. “It still has that effect. I’m actually home with my dog.”
The rebuilding process was expedited as Koerner liquidated most of his retirement savings to hire contractors quickly while waiting for his insurance payout. He made it clear to his mortgage servicing company that he needed to return home to Daisy Mae before it was too late.
“I told them, ‘I need to get home with my dog before she passes,’” he recounted. Koerner’s determination paid off—construction wrapped up in just over four months, a remarkable feat given the circumstances.
The emotional reunion with Daisy Mae was nothing short of magical. The first time he brought her back to the partially constructed house, she instinctively headed to where the front door would be, as if to confirm it was still their home. “She walked around, and you could see the relief on her face. It was like she was saying, ‘OK, the house is still here,’” Koerner said.
The heartwarming story of Koerner and Daisy Mae highlights the profound bond between humans and their pets, especially in the face of tragedy. Koerner’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of companionship during life’s most challenging moments.
As recovery efforts continue in the wake of the wildfires, Koerner’s story stands out as a beacon of hope and determination. His journey not only reflects the struggles many homeowners face but also underscores the deep connections that make a house a home.
WHAT’S NEXT: As communities begin to rebuild, all eyes are on the ongoing recovery efforts in California. Residents and officials are working tirelessly to restore what was lost, while Koerner’s story inspires others to keep fighting through adversity.
