A border collie named Molly, who plummeted 55 meters down a waterfall alongside her owner in New Zealand, has been successfully rescued after a week-long separation, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and a community-funded helicopter mission. The heartwarming reunion occurred on Tuesday, bringing closure to a harrowing ordeal that began on March 24 in the remote Campbell Range of the Arahura Valley, located on the South Island's West Coast.
A Dramatic Fall and a Painful Separation
Jessica Johnston was hiking with her beloved dog Molly when the pair fell down the waterfall. Johnston was rescued by helicopter shortly after the incident, but during the terrifying plummet, she lost hold of Molly. Johnston suffered significant injuries, including a split elbow and bruises from head to toe, though the water helped cushion her fall. She was hospitalized but released just in time for the emotional reunion with her dog.
A Gut Feeling and a Community Effort
Lillian Newton, from the family business Precision Helicopters, heard about the accident and felt a strong intuition that Molly had survived. However, conducting a search was financially challenging, as helicopter operations cost approximately $50 per minute. With Johnston's permission, Newton launched a donations page, which raised an impressive $11,500 within just eight hours, enabling the rescue mission to proceed.
Organizing the Search Team
The search area in the southern alps was described as extremely remote, rough, bushy, and wet, requiring a specialized team. Newton assembled a group of volunteers, including her father Matt, a former rescue helicopter pilot, who led the mission. The team also included a volunteer dog named Bingo, brought along to provide emotional support for Molly if needed.
The Rescue Operation Unfolds
On Tuesday, the team traveled to the waterfall and headed directly to the spot where Johnston had fallen. Using thermal detection equipment, they initially spotted a red lump, raising hopes but also concerns it might be a possum. As the helicopter neared, it became clear the object was Molly, resting in a challenging location with sharp, mossy rocks and spraying mist.
Matt Newton skillfully hovered the helicopter low enough for volunteer Wayne to jump out. With Bingo under one arm, Wayne lured Molly with a piece of sausage, scooped her from the rocks, and loaded her into the helicopter. It is believed that Molly initially fell in a different location but hiked to where Johnston had last been, surviving by eating possums during her week alone.
A Joyful Reunion and Emotional Aftermath
An emotional video captured the moment Molly ran to Johnston, who sat on the ground crying as they hugged. Newton expressed amazement at the successful outcome, noting that someone had told her she would be "lotto lucky" to find Molly. The team at Precision Helicopters was delighted to see the pair reunited and wished Johnston a swift recovery, with Newton remarking, "I'd say she'll heal up a lot better now."
In a Facebook post, Johnston reflected on the experience, calling it "a bloody rough week" but adding that with both of them back home, she could "add this adventure to the list." She also noted, "Still a great trip before our lives got turned upside down," highlighting the resilience and bond between owner and pet.
