Title: The Heartwarming Moment a Broken-Legged Stray Dog Was Spotted and Rescued, Caught on Drone Footage
A missing Bernese Mountain Dog named Charlie, residing in the Crystal Lake region of Illinois, spent a week in the wild before being discovered on a chilly Sunday. This triumphant moment was made possible by a local pet rescue organization and an advanced thermal imaging drone. The heartwarming video of the rescue is sure to be watched multiple times, as we did.
New Year's Eve 2022 saw Charlie slip away from his home. His distraught owner, Kate Belmonte, posted a plea on Facebook, requesting assistance from anyone who may have spotted him. Charlotte was described as a friendly and energetic pup, even though she was shy around strangers. She'd typically be found exploring by ponds and wetlands. Dog Gone Pet Recovery, a local animal rescue organization, provided Kate with support and contracted Smithic Air for drone services.
Their drone was equipped with state-of-the-art thermal imaging, capable of detecting warm objects on the ground. A video appeared on Facebook and YouTube, showcasing the dramatic moment on January 5th, when Charlie was spotted. Viewers could see an orange dot highlighting where Charlie hid, before switching to a regular camera mode to confirm the discovery. The team's excitement was undeniable as they triumphantly found their fuzzy friend.
Charlie was remarkably close to home, but his legs were too weak to make the journey back on his own. The rescue team suspected a broken femur, which likely occurred when he was hit by a vehicle during his week-long adventure.
Local ABC News reached out to Belmonte and her fiancé to celebrate Charlie's miraculous return. They commended "unbelievable technology," expressing their gratitude for the help the community provided in search of Charlie. Belmonte took to Facebook to share her gratitude, praising the neighborhood for the tremendous support they'd demonstrated during those tough times.
"We’re completely blown away by the support of our community," Belmonte wrote on Facebook. "Living here just a few years, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless wonderful individuals. Although under unfortunate circumstances, I’ve been contacted by thousands of people offering their assistance and sending positive vibes!"
Charlie quickly became the neighborhood's darling and a name that could be heard in countless conversations. Belmonte thanked the community for making him a celebrity, even if he couldn't grasp the concept.
The family set up a GoFundMe to cover Charlie's medical expenses, which had already surpassed $5,200 at the time of this writing.
The thermal drone's role in Charlie's rescue showcases the progress of drone technology, particularly its advanced thermal imaging capabilities. This technology allowed the drone to locate Charlie in areas that might have otherwise proven challenging with ground-level searches. Fortunately, the wounding followed by timely rescue and medical intervention ensured Charlie's journey would not be filled with further heartache.
In the future, advancements in drone technology might revolutionize animal rescue efforts, as demonstrated by Charlie's rescue. Belmonte and her fiancé expressed their gratitude for the "unbelievable tech" that played a crucial role in bringing Charlie back home.