Utah Firefighter Adopts Dog He Rescued From California Blaze

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA -- A German Shepherd that was rescued from the largest wildfire in California history now has a new home, and it just happens to be with the firefighter who rescued him from the massive blaze.

Officials with the Mendocino County Animal Shelter said firefighters from Draper, Utah, rescued the four-legged animal after seeing him hiding underneath a tree as the Mendocino Complex Fire burned. The wildfire, which erupted a month ago and quickly grew to more than 400,000 acres, prompting the response of firefighters across the country.

"The stunning German Shepherd was befriended by these men and brought into the Animal Care Services system for medical treatment," officials wrote on Facebook. "After receiving excellent care by the staff at Mendocino Animal Hospital, this dog now named Mendo by his firefighting friends, came to the Ukiah Shelter."

Just last week, Mendo was reunited with Draper firefighter, Patrick, in Reno, Nevada.

"We know Mendo will help (the firefighters) heal," officials wrote on Facebook.

The fire, which destroyed nearly 300 structures, took the life of a Draper fire captain. It was 90 percent contained as of Tuesday morning.

Officials with the Mendocino County Animal Shelter did not respond to requests for comment

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