> At a Glance
> – Ted Koerner rebuilt his Altadena home in just over four months after the Eaton Fire destroyed it
> – He liquidated most of his retirement savings to speed up construction for his 12-year-old golden retriever, Daisy Mae
> – The Heritage Oak in his backyard survived the blaze, becoming a symbol of resilience
> – Why it matters: The story highlights the emotional toll of wildfire recovery and the extraordinary lengths owners go to for their pets
When Ted Koerner watched the Eaton Fire consume his Altadena street, he fled with nothing but sweats, a pillow, and two photos of Daisy Mae, his 75-pound snow-white golden retriever. A year later, they’re back home-thanks to a record-speed rebuild fueled by love and life savings.
Racing the Clock
Koerner’s biggest fear wasn’t financial ruin; it was losing Daisy Mae before she could set paw in a new house. He told his mortgage servicer:
> “I need to get home with my dog before she passes. Because if she passes, I don’t want to come here. And this is a very, very, very special dog.”
To hit that deadline, he:
- Cashed out most of his retirement holdings
- Paid the builder a premium for record speed
- Waited months for the insurance payout to arrive
First Visit to a Frame
Construction had barely risen above the foundation when Koerner brought Daisy Mae for a tour. She trotted through the open studs, found the spot where the master-bedroom slider would go, sat down, and smiled.
> “She went, ‘OK, the house is still here.'”
Home at Last
Shortly before Thanksgiving 2025, the rebuilt house-one of the first finished after the Los Angeles-area wildfires-was complete. Koerner walked inside and wept.
> “I’m actually home with my dog.”
Outside, the 175-year-old Heritage Oak still shades the yard, a living reminder of what survived.
Key Takeaways
- 4-month rebuild required liquidating retirement funds
- Daisy Mae, now 13, never left Koerner’s side through hotels, ash, and construction
- Heritage Oak stands as a neighborhood landmark untouched by flames
They’re home-and, for Koerner, that’s everything.
