A New Jersey woman’s search for her lost dog turned desperate as the search stretched nine days.
Their prayers were answered just before the weather turned bitterly cold, thanks in part to a drone company that helped save the day.
The Search
“Not knowing if she was OK for nine days was just so emotional for me,” said Samira Gross.
She had been looking for Dakota every day, hoping for a sign of her safety.
Dakota, a 3-year-old pooch, ran off chasing another animal in Johnson Park, which spans nearly 500 acres in Piscataway and Highland Park.
Gross and her family scoured the park but could not find Dakota.
“I was pressed for time because now, I mean, with the snowstorm coming, it’s already been, like, very cold outside,” she added.
The looming storm added urgency to the search.
Finally, Gross connected with Apex Eagle Drone Services, a Williamstown-based company that specializes in recovering lost pets.
The company employed a thermal imaging drone to scan the park on Saturday.
Drone Rescue
“Came across this marsh, a little pond next to it. And wouldn’t you know, there was one heat signature in the middle of all the reeds in there,” said Sherrard.
He described the moment as “really awesome” and said his heart started pounding.
The heat signature led the drone operator to a marsh with reeds ten feet high, making a rescue more difficult.
A friend of Gross’ family ventured through mud and thick reeds to reach the dog.
“I had to guide him every step of the way with the thermal imaging, because he literally couldn’t see two feet in front of him,” Sherrard said.
He credited the timing as crucial, noting there was now eight inches of snow in the area.
Aftermath
Gross had to bring Dakota straight to the veterinarian.
The dog had lost weight, needed IV fluids, and was scraped up but alive.
Dakota’s tail was wagging non-stop, and Gross was equally happy to have her pup returned to her.
She expressed her gratitude: “We were just so happy to have her home.”
“I told them that, like, I thank you. Like, from the bottom of my heart, yes, I’m very, very grateful for their services,” she said.
Her appreciation reflected the relief felt after the nine-day ordeal.
The drone company’s services cost Gross $350, a small amount for the priceless outcome.
The cost covered the drone flight and the operator’s expertise.
Challenges and Community Support
Johnson Park’s vast acreage and varied terrain posed a challenge for traditional search methods.
The park’s 500 acres include wetlands, wooded areas, and open fields.
The nine-day search spanned multiple days of hiking, calling, and community outreach.
Local volunteers joined the effort, hoping to locate Dakota.
Weather conditions shifted from mild to harsh as the snowstorm approached.
The impending cold added urgency to every search attempt.
Drone technology proved decisive in locating Dakota before the snow fell.
The thermal imaging provided a clear heat map of the park’s landscape.
The marsh where Dakota was found had reeds ten feet high, making manual access difficult.
The drone’s ability to fly over obstacles allowed precise targeting.
The rescue involved a friend of Gross’ family who navigated the mud and reeds.
She carried Dakota out of the marsh and brought her to the vehicle.
Once retrieved, Dakota was taken to the veterinarian for immediate care.
The vet administered IV fluids and treated scrapes before returning the dog home.
Gross described the moment of reunion as emotional and joyous.
She noted her dog’s tail wagging and the relief of seeing her pup alive.
Lessons Learned
The story highlights how modern technology can aid in animal rescue.
Thermal imaging drones offer a new tool for locating lost pets in challenging environments.
The cost of $350 was considered modest by Gross, who emphasized the value of the service.
She viewed the investment as worthwhile for the safety and well-being of her dog.
Apex Eagle Drone Services is based in Williamstown and offers pet recovery services across the region.
The company’s expertise includes operating drones in various terrains.
The incident occurred before the snowstorm hit, ensuring the dog was saved before the weather worsened.
The timing of the drone search was critical to the successful rescue.
The community’s support played a role in the search effort.
Neighbors and volunteers helped keep the search organized and persistent.
The story underscores the importance of having a plan for lost pets.
Owners are encouraged to use technology and community resources for quick recovery.
The use of drones in rescue operations is growing.
More companies are offering similar services to aid pet owners.
The dog’s health improved after receiving care at the veterinarian.
The vet’s prompt treatment prevented further complications.
The family expressed gratitude toward the drone company for their prompt response.
They praised the professionalism and efficiency of the team.
The incident demonstrates how technology can bridge gaps in emergency situations.
The drone’s thermal imaging provided a solution where ground searches struggled.
The story serves as an example for other pet owners facing similar challenges.
It highlights the potential benefits of rapid technological intervention.
Apex Eagle Drone Services continues to assist in pet recoveries across New Jersey.
They remain committed to providing reliable and efficient solutions.
The outcome of this rescue is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.
It shows that with the right tools, even a nine-day search can end successfully.
Key Takeaways
- The drone’s thermal imaging was crucial in locating Dakota before the snowstorm.
- Gross’s family’s persistence and community support enabled a successful rescue.
- The $350 service fee reflected the value of timely, technology-driven pet recovery.
The rescue of Dakota demonstrates how modern technology can save pets in challenging environments.
It highlights the importance of perseverance, community involvement, and the willingness to invest in innovative solutions.
