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Emotional Day As Black Forest Fire Evacuee Reunited With His Horse

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - The devastation of the Black Forest Fire has come between so many and their animals, but one man was reunited with his horse Sunday morning after he feared the worse.

Thomas Boyle is just one of the thousands forced to abruptly leave home because of the devastating fire. He was forced to leave his horse "Banjo" in a nearby barn. When he came back in the morning Banjo was gone.

Boyle searched high and low for Banjo, looking everywhere he could think of. He had just about given up hope until he spotted a photo online. After a quick drive to a nearby farm, the friends were finally reunited.

"It's like seeing my kid. I'm so grateful for you guys taking care of him," Boyle told the Devaneys, who were taking care of Banjo.

"During the night (my wife) had gone out and found Banjo in a pasture about 400 feet around a house that was burning down." Randall Devaney said. "It's not very often you see a 240 pound, 6-foot man crying over a horse … the horse world is a really unique world, because if you're an animal lover it's impossible to say no to them."

RELATED: Ranch In Castle Rock Takes In All Kinds Of Evacuated Animals

Thanks to neighbors Banjo had been taken in, patched up, and finally returned home. Aside from the burns and maybe a few haunting memories, Banjo is just fine.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

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