> At a Glance
> – Ted Koerner rebuilt his Altadena home in just over 4 months after it burned down in the Eaton Fire
> – He liquidated most of his retirement savings to speed up construction for his 12-year-old golden retriever, Daisy Mae
> – The 2025 wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and killed 31 people
> – Why it matters: A race against time shows how far a pet owner will go to give his aging dog one final home
Ted Koerner never imagined he’d watch Daisy Mae play again beneath the 175-year-old Heritage Oak in his backyard. After the Eaton Fire leveled his Altadena house, he feared the 12-year-old golden retriever might never see home again.
A Desperate Escape
Koerner fled with Daisy Mae as flames reached his street, grabbing only sweats, shirts, a pillow, and two photos of her. They spent weeks in evacuation hotels, walking over ash-coated sidewalks while the Los Angeles area tallied thousands of destroyed homes and 31 deaths.
- First weeks: “beyond devastating”
- Biggest fear: losing Daisy Mae before rebuilding
- 75-pound, snow-white companion of 12 years
Racing the Clock
To finish before Daisy Mae’s health failed, Koerner:
- Liquidated most retirement holdings
- Paid builder “record speed” premiums
- Urged mortgage servicer to release insurance funds faster
> “I need to get home with my dog before she passes… if she passes, I don’t want to come here.”
During framing, Daisy Mae walked straight to where the front door belonged, circled the layout, and sat smiling as if to say, “the house is still here.”
A Bittersweet Homecoming
Reconstruction finished shortly before Thanksgiving, making Koerner’s house one of the first among thousands to rise from the ashes.
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Fire destruction | One year ago |
| Start of rebuild | ~July 2025 |
| Move-in date | Nov 2025 |
| Construction duration | Just over 4 months |
> “I’m actually home with my dog.”
Key Takeaways
- Koerner prioritized his dog’s remaining time over financial security
- Personal savings funded rapid rebuilding before insurance payout
- Daisy Mae’s health set the project’s deadline
- Home hardening techniques aim to resist future ember attacks
The finished house stands as both a fresh start and a ticking reminder of the time Koerner hopes to share with Daisy Mae under their beloved oak.
