Pet Dog Rescued By Helicopter Week After Getting Lost In New Zealand Wilderness

After a week alone in the New Zealand wilderness, a border collie named Molly has been rescued thanks to a community-led fundraiser. Molly was left behind on March 24 when her owner, Jessica, fell down a 180-foot waterfall. An emergency rescue helicopter found the woman with bruises and lacerations, but could not locate the dog. Matt Newton, the owner-operator of Precision Helicopters New Zealand, who rescued the woman, was determined to find Molly and reunite her with the owner.

"I contacted her in hospital and said I'd go for a look for it. I went and looked for the dog several times and no avail," Newton was quoted as saying by CBS News.

Not willing to throw in the towel, Newton and his family launched a fundraiser to pay for more flying hours and advanced search gear. Moved by his commitment, strangers across social media came through and pledged more than 11,000 New Zealand dollars ($6,300).

The money and equipment were enough to fund three more hours of search operation, which Newton utilised to full effect by spotting Molly at the same spot where the woman was previously found.

"We struck jackpot within about an hour. As we made our way up the river, we could see the dog in the thermal and then we could visually see it."

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Rescue And Reunion

The helicopter dropped low enough for a volunteer to disembark with the rescue dog Bingo to help coax Molly to safety and keep her calm.

"Thank you to everybody who donated & volunteered to help, the success of saving Molly would not have been possible without this joint effort. What a happy ending to reunite her with Jess after her accident. 1 week lost in the wild, Molly will be happy to be home," Newton's company said in a Facebook post.

Hours after the rescue, Molly was paired with Jessica in what Newton described as a tearful reunion.