A border collie named Molly was found alive a week after her owner, Jessica Johnston, fell 55 meters (180 feet) down a waterfall in New Zealand's Arahura Valley. The rescue, which took place on Tuesday, was made possible by a team of volunteers and donations from strangers who funded the search.
Johnston, who was airlifted to safety with injuries on March 24, had been holding Molly during the fall but lost her in the chaos. Despite the harsh conditions of the Southern Alps—described as remote, rough, and wet—volunteers from Precision Helicopters, led by Matt Newton, a former rescue helicopter pilot, launched a search effort.
The team used thermal imaging equipment and a volunteer dog named Bingo to locate Molly. After raising over NZ$11,500 (US$6,300) in donations, they were able to fund three additional hours of helicopter time. Molly was found near the spot where Johnston had fallen, bedraggled but alive.
The rescue was coordinated by Lillian Newton, safety manager and pilot with Precision Helicopters, who had a 'gut feeling' that Molly was still alive. The team included a veterinary nurse and other volunteers who helped in the search and rescue operation.
Johnston and Molly were reunited on Tuesday, marking a heartwarming conclusion to the week-long search.