Dog Found After Week-Long Search in New Zealand Wilderness

Jessica Johnston experienced a harrowing ordeal when she fell 180 feet down a waterfall in New Zealand. She was fortunate to survive, but her loyal companion, Molly, a border collie, went missing during the incident.

The Incident and Initial Search

On March 24th, Johnston and Molly were hiking in the remote Arahura Valley on the South Island’s west coast. Johnston had been documenting their journey on Facebook, sharing photos of their camping and mountain adventures. However, she lost her footing near a waterfall, resulting in her fall and separation from Molly.

Rescuers transported Johnston to the hospital, but a search for Molly proved initially unsuccessful. The dog was nowhere to be found in the rugged terrain.

Community Rallies to Find Molly

News of Molly’s disappearance quickly spread throughout New Zealand. A crowdfunding campaign was launched by Precision Helicopters to fund an aerial search.

“HUGE thank you to so many people who have donated to get a search underway for Molly the dog,” Precision Helicopters posted on Facebook.

The campaign successfully raised enough money for three hours of flight time.

Molly is Found!

Within that three-hour window, the helicopter crew miraculously located Molly. She was found shivering and wet at the base of the waterfall.

“MOLLY HAS BEEN FOUND!!” Precision Helicopters announced on Facebook.

Video footage showed Molly being carefully lifted into the helicopter by a crew member.

Emotional Reunion

Upon landing, Molly excitedly ran towards her owner. Johnston, sporting a cast on her right arm, slowly lowered herself to the ground to embrace her beloved dog.

“She’s been a bloody rough week. But with both of us back home I can add this adventure to the list,” Johnston wrote on Facebook. “Still a great trip before our lives got turned upside down.”

The Rescue Operation

Pilot Matt Newton explained that the search had been challenging. The crew had previously searched for Molly from the air without success.

Utilizing Thermal Imaging

“We’d been in the area on three occasions looking for her, with no luck,” Newton said. They then acquired a thermal imaging camera, which proved crucial. “Once we got the right people on board with that gear, and the perfect day for it, we hit the jackpot,” he recalled.

Newton believes Molly survived by preying on small animals, potentially possums. He noted that Molly was already playing fetch with the crew upon arrival at the helicopter base. “She was in pretty good nick, a little bit subdued, but I think she looked like she knew she was being rescued,” he said. He wished Johnston a speedy recovery, believing Molly’s presence would aid in her healing.