Human Interest Animals Los Angeles Man Stunned to Find His Dog Alive After 5 Nights Alone amid Fire Rubble: ‘Thank You God' Casey Colvin's dog Oreo went missing shortly after the Pacific Palisades fire broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7 By Gabrielle Rockson Gabrielle Rockson Gabrielle Rockson is a staff writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She joined PEOPLE in 2023 and covers entertainment and human interest stories. She's interviewed David Beckham, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet and many others. Her previous work can be found in OK! Magazine, MyLondon, GRM Daily, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 13, 2025 07:31AM EST 36 Comments The Palisades fire near homes in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, Jan 7. Photo: Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/ Los Angeles Daily News via Getty A man who lost his home in the Los Angeles fires is celebrating the miracle escape of his missing pet. On Sunday, Jan. 12, Casey Colvin found his dog Oreo after they were separated during the Pacific Palisades evacuation five nights earlier. According to NBC News, Colvin — who lost his home in the fire — used a dog tracker to find Oreo sleeping on the rubble of his neighbor’s property. In a video shared on X by NBC reporter Liz Kreutz, the dog owner encouraged Oreo to come towards the neighbor's gate as he stood with a toy and his other dog. Malibu homes destroyed by the fire. David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Woman Who Runs 2 Calif. Vet Hospitals Opens Homes to Pets Fleeing L.A. Fires Colvin became emotional as Oreo ran towards him before he picked his four-legged friend up. “You’re alive, you’re alive,” Colvin cried before running across the street and cheering joyfully. “Thank you, Jesus, thank you, God,” he continued as he went back to the gates. Colvin then turned to hug reporter Liz Kreutz, who watched the reunion. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Los Angeles County firefighters spray water on a burning home amid the Eaton Fire. Justin Sullivan/Getty Pasadena Shelter Takes in Over 300 Pets Displaced by L.A. Fires, Including Cats and Dogs 'Covered in Burns' The outlet reports that people began looking for Oreo on Tuesday, Jan. 7 after the pup ran away during the L.A fires. After an evacuation alert was issued, Colvin rushed from work and spent five hours in traffic trying to save his dogs from his home. “I literally rescued them off the street,” Colvin tearfully told Kreutz at the time of Oreo’s disappearance. “They deserve better than that. How do I get to my house?” A firefighter then went to Colvin’s home and was able to rescue dog Tika, however, Oreo fled. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! A structure burns during the Palisades Fire. Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Posters were put up to raise awareness of the dog’s disappearance before the dog tracker located him on Sunday, Jan. 12. “OREO HAS BEEN FOUND!!! Casey called me right after my last post and told me there were eyes on Oreo,” Kreutz wrote in an Instagram post. “We rushed to his street where Oreo was hiding in his neighbor’s home. The moment he saw Casey he came running. An incredible moment and bright spot in such a devastating time. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @bigbluemuppet @nbcnews.” On Sunday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner revealed the death toll from the L.A. fires had risen to 24 people. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna added that at least 16 people have been reported missing. Close