SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Two men who hiked for miles through Northern California wildfire territory expecting a grim discovery were met with a joyful one instead.

Jack Weaver and his brother-in-law Patrick Widen walked around police barricades, through a creek and up treacherous hilly roads to save Weaver’s mother from the grim task of recovering the body of the family’s beloved dog Izzy.

Katherine Weaver was convinced Izzy died in a ferocious wildfire that destroyed their Northern California neighborhood and sent them fleeing for safety, Katherine still in her nightgown.

When the men reached the end of the narrow road, Jack Weaver swore as he saw that the house was completely gone. But then Izzy came bounding from the rubble for a joyous reunion.

Jack Weaver, who was filming the scene for his parents, captured the joyous reunion on his phone in a video that’s gone viral on Facebook, providing a rare bit of good news amid endless scenes of severe destruction.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Homeowner Martha Marquez looks over her burned home in Santa Rosa, California on Oct. 10, 2017. Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state's famed wine country.

Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty Images Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood on Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.

Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images Ben Pederson find's a school yearbook in the remains of his bedroom after his family's home was destroyed by wildfire in Santa Rosa, California, Oct. 11, 2017. The death toll from some of California's worst ever wildfires rose to 17 as thousands of firefighters battled to bring the infernos under control. The fires which have devastated California's wine country are already among the deadliest ever in the western US state and officials warned they expect the toll to go up.



Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty Images Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images An aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

Colby Clark of San Francisco, left, comforts her mother, Bonnie Trexler, after being escorted by law enforcement to her home in Silverado Highland to retrieve medicine and some personal items on Wednesday, Oct., 11, 2017 in Napa, Calif. Trexler was one of the lucky few who found that her home was spared from the devastating fire which burned homes around her Monday.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A view of mobile homes at the Journey's End Mobile Home Park that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

In this Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, photo, fire consumes two cars but spares a home on Keiser Road southwest of Kenwood, Calif.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Charred wine barrells sit on racks at Paradise Ridge Winery after being destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.



Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty Images Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood on Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Property owner Chris Schrobilgen stands in his neighbor's burned grape vineyard in Calistoga, California on Oct. 11, 2017. More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Charred wine barrells sit on racks at Paradise Ridge Winery after being destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.



Ezra Shaw, Getty Images Wine grapes are destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 17 people have been killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images An aerial view of a K-Mart store that was destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

Hector Amezcua, The Sacramento Bee via The Associated Press Mark Haley, carries his daughter Fiona, 5, as he attends a community meeting with fire officials at Browns Valley Elementary School community in Napa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images An aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Twenty one people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images An aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Firefighters inspect an Arby's restaurant that was destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.



David McNew, Getty Images A vineyard on Napa's Silverado Trail is seen next to land blackened the Atlas Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 21 people were killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A view of hundreds of homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A view of hundreds of homes in the Coffey Park neighborhood that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on Oct. 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. At least 21 people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 3,000 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.



Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images Homeowner Phil Rush looks at the remains of his home destroyed by wildfire in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 11, 2017. Rush said he and his wife and dog escaped with only their medication, a bag of dog food when flames overtook their entire neighborhood on October 9. The toll from Northern California's ranging wildfires continued to grow as officials said the fires destroyed up to 2,000 structures and killed at least 17 people.

David McNew, Getty Images The sun shines behind a smoky sky and scorched trees at the family-owned winery, Signorello Estate, on Napa's Silverado Trail, which was destroyed by the Atlas Fire, on Oct. 11, 2017 near Napa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, more than 2,000 homes have burned and at least 17 people have been killed as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread with little containment in eight Northern California counties.

Elijah Nouvelage, AFP/Getty Images Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood Oct. 11, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California More than 200 fire engines and firefighting crews from around the country were being rushed to California on Wednesday to help battle infernos which have left at least 21 people dead and thousands homeless.



Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images A U.S. flag hangs on a tree in the wildfire ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, California, Oct. 11, 2017. The death toll from some of California's worst ever wildfires rose to 17 as thousands of firefighters battled to bring the infernos under control. The fires which have devastated California's wine country are already among the deadliest ever in the western US state and officials warned they expect the toll to go up.

Jeff Chiu, The Associated Press A law enforcement officer blocks a road as flames from a wildfire burn in a residential area in Santa Rosa, Calif., Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images A truck burns as fire ravages the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Fire consumes a home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Flames overtake a structure as nearby homes burn in theNapa wine region in California on October 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region. / AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSONJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images The remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images GLEN ELLEN, CA - OCTOBER 09: Fire consumes a home as out of control wildfires move through the area on October 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in a widespread wildfire that is burning in Napa and Sonoma counties. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images A firefighter pulls a hose in front of a burning house in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Fire consumes a home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Fire consumes a barn as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images The remains of fire damaged homes after an out of control wildfire moved through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated Press Flames from a wildfire consume a a three car garage at a home Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, east of Napa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California early Monday, sending residents on a headlong flight to safety through smoke and flames as homes burned. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images The Signorello Estate winery burns in the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.



Justin Sullivan, Getty Images A resident rushes to save his home as an out of control wildfire moves through the area on Oct. 9, 2017 in Glen Ellen, California. Tens of thousands of acres and dozens of homes and businesses have burned in widespread wildfires that are burning in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Flames ravage a home in the Napa wine region in California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Fire glows on a hillside in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.



Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images A tent structure built for the 2017 Safeway Open burns on a golf course at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images file Firefighters assess the scene as a house burns in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017.

Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated Press Flames from a wildfire burn Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Napa, Calif. The fire is one of several burning across Northern California's wine country.



Ben Margot, The Associated Press Fire burns a Hilton hotel on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Santa Rosa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California, sending residents on a headlong flight to safety through smoke and flames as homes burned.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Resident Louis Reavis views his burned classic Corvette at his home in Napa, California on Oct. 9, 2017, as multiple wind-driven fires continue to whip through the region.

Rich Pedroncelli, The Associated Press Rivers of melted metal flow from a vehicle parked at a home, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, that was destroyed by a wildfire near Napa, Calif. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through California wine country sending thousands fleeing as flames raged unchecked through high-end resorts, grocery stores and tree-lined neighborhoods.



This combination of photos shows the Coffey Park neighborhood of Santa Rosa, Calif. The bottom image taken Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, and provided by the California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division, shows the damage after a wildfire swept through the area. The top undated image provided by Google Earth shows the area before the fire. (Google Earth (top), California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division (bottom) via AP)

Jeff Chiu, The Associated Press Mary Caughey, center in blue, reacts with her son Harrison, left, after finding her wedding ring in debris at her home destroyed by fires in Kenwood, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017.

David McNew, Getty Images SANTA ROSA, CA - OCTOBER 10: A chicken that survived a firestorm in the area of Foxtail Court stands in its scorched cage, on October 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)



David McNew, Getty Images A neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images Smoke billows from a neighborhood that was destroyed by a fast moving wild fire on Oct. 9, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Ten people have died in wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 1,500 homes and businesses in several Northen California counties.

David McNew, Getty Images A neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.



David McNew, Getty Images A neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.

David McNew, Getty Images A neighborhood is destroyed by fire in the area of Foxtail Court, on Oct. 10, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. In one of the worst wildfires in state history, at least 1,500 homes have burned and 11 people have died as more than 14 wildfires continue to spread in eight Northern California counties.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images A McDonald's restaurant is seen after burning down in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 10, 2017. More than 1,500 structures have burned and at least 10 deaths have been reported as a result of multiple wind-driven fires that continue to ravage the area.



Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images TOPSHOT - People watch water-dropping helicopters amidst smoke from the Canyon Fire 2, Oct. 9, 2017 in Orange, California.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Flames shoot out from a window as the Signorello Estate winery burns in the Napa wine region of California on Oct. 9, 2017. More than a dozen fast-moving wildfires tearing through through California's wine country have killed at least 10 people, destroying hundreds of homes, authorities said on October 9.

Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images The remains of an Arby's restaurant is seen after burning down in Santa Rosa, California, on Oct. 10, 2017. Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state's famed wine country.



Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images TOPSHOT - A burned home smolders in Glen Ellen, California on Oct. 9, 2017. Multiple wind-driven fires continue to ravage the area burning structures and causing widespread evacuations.

“She was very happy to see us,” Weaver said of Izzy, a 9-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog. “She’s such a brave dog. She was panting a lot and clearly stressed, but she was not frantic or anything.”

In the frantic race to escape in the middle of the night, the Weavers and many others were forced to leave behind their pets because they couldn’t be found or there was simply no time to get them. Thousands of people remained evacuated Saturday as fires continued to rage in California’s wine country and authorities said it was still too dangerous to return to burned-out neighborhoods of Santa Rosa.

Cellphone service was sketchy, but Weaver was eventually able to reach his mother, who was staying with relatives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“She just lost it,” Weaver said. “She went from being devastated about losing her home to the being the happiest person I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t get home fast enough. She was really, really happy … She’s still shaken up by the whole thing, but she’s in much better spirits now that Izzy is at our house.”

Animal care workers are working overtime to feed and provide medical care for the pets who survived the inferno.

For Weaver, his first priority was telling his mother that Izzy survived.

A veterinarian said Izzy was fine, likely insulated from the fire’s intense heat by her thick fur coat.

At Sonoma County Animal Services, veterinarians and assistants are caring for 64 cats and 44 dogs, nearly all of them brought in from fire zones. Cats generally have the most severe injuries, including smoke inhalation, burned paws or singed fur and whiskers.

“The severity is often terrible,” said Dr. Katie McKenzie, the lead veterinarian. “Their paw pads are burned off. Or if they aren’t, they come off in the days following. So our goal is to treat them, to remove the tissue that is too burned to be saved and to provide them with pain medication, bandaging.”

Caretakers will change the bandages every 48 hours for as long as six to eight weeks, she said.

Shelter workers update their website every hour with photos of the pets they’ve rescued, and they’re fielding frantic calls from worried pet owners searching for their furry companions. Twenty five animals have been reunited with their owners, said Monica Argenti, a spokeswoman for the shelter, which is run by the county.