Odin, the Great Pyrenees from the Tubbs wildfire, became a symbol of loyalty and bravery during the 2017 Northern California wildfires. His story is remarkable because he refused to abandon his flock of goats when the Tubbs Fire swept through Sonoma County.

As the wildfire approached their property, Odin’s owners, Roland Tembo Hendel and his family, had to evacuate quickly. They tried to take Odin and their herd of goats with them, but Odin refused to leave the goats behind. In the chaos of the fire, they had no choice but to leave him, hoping he might somehow survive.

When the family returned after the fire had passed, they feared the worst. Their property had been devastated, but miraculously, they found Odin alive and still guarding his goats, all of whom had also survived. Odin had not only protected the goats but also a group of small deer that had taken refuge with him. Despite injuries, burns, and singed fur, Odin had done what he was bred to do—protect his flock.