Border Collie Rescued After Week Lost in New Zealand Wilderness
A heartwarming rescue mission unfolded in the remote backcountry of New Zealand, where Molly, a border collie, was saved after spending a week missing in the wilderness. The successful operation was made possible by a volunteer helicopter crew and an outpouring of public donations, culminating in a joyful reunion.
Molly's Disappearance and Owner's Ordeal
Molly went missing on 24 March when her owner, Jessica Johnston, suffered a serious accident while hiking in the Campbell Range of the Arahura Valley, located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Johnston tumbled down a 55-metre drop, resulting in severe injuries including a split elbow and bruises from head to toe. She was promptly rescued by helicopter, but Molly was left behind, her whereabouts unknown.
The chances of finding the dog seemed slim due to the extremely remote and rugged terrain of the southern alps, described as "rough, bushy, and wet." However, Lillian Newton of Precision Helicopters felt a strong intuition that Molly was still alive, sparking the initiative for a search.
Community Support and Volunteer Effort
Precision Helicopters, a small family business, lacked the budget to fund a private search, with helicopter operations costing approximately $50 per minute. While search and rescue missions are common for humans in the area, there is no official funding for rescuing animals lost in the wilderness. Newton contacted Johnston to seek permission to appeal to the public for help.
The goal was to raise $2,400 and recruit experienced volunteers. Astonishingly, within just eight hours, donations from "complete strangers across New Zealand" totalled $11,500, allowing the team to close the fundraising campaign. This enabled the formation of a skilled volunteer team, including former rescue helicopter pilots and crew members.
The Rescue Mission Unfolds
A plan was crafted, involving volunteers with expertise in human search-and-rescue adapted for the canine mission. Georgia, a volunteer from Christchurch, brought thermal imaging gear to aid in the search. Wayne, a helicopter crewman by trade, volunteered and brought his Jack Russell, Bingo, to provide emotional support in case Molly was frightened. Matt Newton, Lillian's father and a former rescue helicopter pilot, flew the mission.
The team headed directly to the spot where Johnston had fallen. To their surprise, Molly was found there, theorised to have spent the week slowly moving towards the last location she had been with her owner. She was stranded at the foot of a waterfall, surrounded by sharp, mossy rocks and spraying mist, making it a "challenging little spot."
Successful Recovery and Emotional Reunion
Matt Newton hovered the helicopter low while Wayne climbed out. After offering Molly a bit of sausage, he picked up the dog and carried her to the helicopter. Video footage of the rescue shows Molly being carried under Wayne's arm, with Bingo tucked under the other. None of the rescue team had known Johnston or Molly prior to the mission, but the overwhelming joy was palpable when they delivered the news that the dog had been found.
Lillian Newton expressed amazement at the outcome, noting that someone had told her she would be "lotto lucky" to find Molly. She added that Johnston, who was lucky the water broke her fall, would likely heal better now with Molly safely back home.
Owner's Relief and Reflection
In a Facebook post, Johnston described the week as "a bloody rough week, but with both of us back home I can add this adventure to the list. Still a great trip before our lives got turned upside down." This rescue highlights the power of community support and dedicated volunteers in overcoming adversity in one of New Zealand's most remote landscapes.
