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Their home burned to the ground; a man is quickly building a new home to share with his loving dog.
Ted Koerner and Daisy. Photo: aol.com
In January, a massive fire swept through the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena destroying nearly 6,000 homes, over 80 commercial structures, and most schools.
66-year-old Ted Koerner, and his 13-year-old labrador retriever Daisy, like thousands of others, lost everything.
But incredibly, even as most of the area remains scorched earth and incinerated structures, Ted and Daisy are within weeks of moving into their new home on their old lot.
This incredible pace offers us valuable lessons in case our homes are ever lost.
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Ted runs a fraud investigation and prevention company, and is used to working with government agencies, insurance companies, and other corporations.
From his interview with Los Angeles Times Columnist Steve Lopez, here is his advice:
Tip No. 1: "Email is not communication." Your email will be lost. Instead, call, waiting if you must, to speak with someone. And get in front of them. This makes it personal.
Tip No. 2: "Make a decision to go home." Keep your blueprints simple. You want to get your home built, not complicate the process with construction changes.
Tip No. 3: "Hire a builder who understands the meaning of the word 'finish.'" This builder must be well organized and able to focus intensely with you.
As for 13-year-old Daisy, she has been Ted's companion since he adopted her as a puppy. "That dog has saved my life more times than I can count," he told Steve Lopez.
The two lost everything, but their bond is so deep, that during final construction, they already feel the joy of their new home and all the good times to come.
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