A New Jersey woman’s search for her missing dog turned into a nine‑day ordeal, but a drone company’s timely intervention brought the pup back just before a harsh snowstorm hit the area.
The Nine‑Day Search
A 3‑year‑old dog named Dakota vanished from Johnson Park, a nearly 500‑acre expanse shared by Piscataway and Highland Park. Dakota ran off chasing another animal and was never seen again. Samira Gross, the owner, spent the next nine days combing the park, growing increasingly anxious as the weather began to turn cold.
Emotional Toll
“Not knowing if she was OK for nine days was just so emotional for me,” said Samira Gross. She expressed concern about the looming snowstorm, noting that “I was pressed for time because now, I mean, with the snowstorm coming, it’s already been, like, very cold outside.” The extended search left the family exhausted and desperate.
Turning to Technology
When hope seemed low, Gross reached out to Apex Eagle Drone Services, a Williamstown‑based company that specializes in recovering lost pets. The company deployed a thermal‑imaging drone to scan the park on a Saturday afternoon. Chris Sherrard, the pilot, reported, “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.” He added, “It was really awesome. Honestly, my heart started pounding.”
Navigating the Marsh
The drone’s heat signature pinpointed Dakota’s location, but the surrounding reeds were up to ten feet tall, making a rescue difficult. A friend of the Gross family ventured through mud and thick vegetation to reach the dog. Sherrard guided the friend with the drone’s live feed, saying, “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.” He noted that timing was crucial, as “now there’s eight inches of snow in that area.”
The Rescue
After locating Dakota, the friend carefully lifted the dog out of the reeds and carried her back to safety. Gross was relieved to see her pup alive, though she described Dakota as having lost weight, being scraped up, and needing IV fluids. The dog’s tail wagged non‑stop, a clear sign of her relief and happiness.
Veterinary Care
Gross transported Dakota straight to a veterinarian, where she received immediate treatment for her injuries and dehydration. The vet’s care helped stabilize the dog, allowing her to recover quickly. Gross expressed immense gratitude for the swift rescue and the professional help she received.
Gratitude and Cost
“We were just so happy to have her home,” said Gross. “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 added that the drone company’s services cost her $350, describing it as “a small amount, she said, for the priceless outcome.”
Key Takeaways
- A nine‑day search for a missing dog in a 500‑acre park ended with a successful drone‑guided rescue.
- Apex Eagle Drone Services used thermal imaging to locate the dog in a marshy area with tall reeds.
- The dog was recovered before a snowstorm, received veterinary care, and was returned to her grateful owner.
The story highlights how modern technology can aid in emergency animal rescues, providing hope for families facing similar challenges. The community’s support and the drone company’s expertise combined to bring a beloved pet back home.
