A 1½-year-old Bernadoodle named Benji vanished from his Fishtown home just before a snowstorm, sparking a 23-hour search that spanned the neighborhood and ended with a drone-powered rescue.
The family’s persistence, combined with advanced thermal imaging, turned a frantic hunt into a triumphant return.
At a Glance
- Benji disappeared on Jan. 24 and was found on Jan. 27.
- The search involved two drone pilots, two drones, and seven flights over abandoned lots and railroad tracks.
- Family members, police, shelters, and local organizations coordinated the effort, keeping the dog safe until a vet cleared him for home.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 24 (Sat) | Benji disappears at 7 p.m. |
| Jan. 25-26 | 23-hour search, snowstorm |
| Jan. 27 (Tue) | Drone search, Benji rescued |
A Vanishing Act
Benji slipped out of the front door of his Fishtown apartment at about 7 p.m. on Jan. 24. The owners, Justin Cerone and Ece Bal, drove around the neighborhood for 23 hours straight, shouting his name and posting flyers. Their determination was clear when Bal said, “Our mentality was ‘we have to find him.'”
Fishtown’s cobblestone streets and historic warehouses made the search more challenging. The heavy snowfall covered the streets, making it difficult for the family to see Benji.
The Search
The couple checked under cars, in empty lots, and near construction sites, asking neighbors for help. Police officers from the Philadelphia Police Department joined the ground search, coordinating with shelters and volunteers to keep the area monitored. The family posted flyers and called local shelters throughout the night.
The snowstorm that hit on Sunday brought heavy snowfall, covering streets and making it harder for the family to locate Benji. Visibility dropped sharply, and many areas became inaccessible. The family had to rely on alternative methods to continue searching.
The drones were equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras that could detect heat signatures up to 200 feet away. Operators monitored the live feed and adjusted flight paths in real time. This precision allowed them to pinpoint Benji’s location quickly.
Police officers provided a mobile command center that coordinated the ground search. They also checked nearby construction sites for the missing dog. Their presence helped keep the search organized and efficient.
Philadelphia and Lost Pet Thermal Drone Search specializes in using drones for animal searches. Their team includes experienced pilots trained in thermal imaging. They have assisted in several missing-pet cases across the region.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 27, a Philadelphia-area drone company stepped in. Philadelphia and Lost Pet Thermal Drone Search used two thermal-imaging drones piloted by Rick Rotondo and a team of technicians. The drones flew at low altitude, scanning for heat signatures, and relayed live video to the operators.
The operation required seven flights to cover the area. On the final flight, the drones detected a small heat signature near a rail bed in an abandoned lot. The abandoned lot was surrounded by rail tracks, making it a hard-to-reach area for ground searchers.
When the family approached the spot, Benji, frightened by the sudden presence of people, leapt from an over 10-foot ledge. He landed on the sidewalk and ran away as fast as he could. The family was able to catch him before he could escape again, preventing another disappearance.
After being captured, Benji was taken to a veterinarian who checked his vitals and confirmed no fractures. The vet cleared him of injuries, confirming his vitals were normal.
Since returning, Benji has slept, eaten, and drank water. The family plans to install a GPS tracker that will provide real-time location data and a baby gate at the front door to prevent future escapes.
Police officers coordinated with shelters and volunteers, ensuring the search zones overlapped with drone coverage. The family expressed gratitude to the drone company and the police for their help.
The thermal imaging allowed coverage of hard-to-reach areas quickly, giving the team a real-time advantage over ground searchers. The case demonstrates how technology can aid missing-pet searches.
The incident highlights the importance of community effort, collaboration with law enforcement, and the use of modern technology in rescue operations. It shows that persistence and innovation can bring lost pets home safely.
Benji’s return demonstrates how modern tools can complement human effort in critical search situations.
Key Takeaways
- A 23-hour, community-wide search combined with drone technology can recover missing pets.
- Thermal imaging drones can identify heat signatures in abandoned or hard-to-reach locations.
- Post-rescue care includes veterinary checks and preventive measures like GPS tracking and secure entryways.
- Benji’s return underscores the power of community and technology in missing-pet rescues.
This rescue will be remembered as a testament to the effectiveness of teamwork and technology.
