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A dog in Illinois that had been missing for a week was found Sunday thanks to a local pet rescue organization and a thermal imaging drone. And the moment they found the poor puppy is so triumphant, that you will probably end up watching the rescue at least a couple of times like we did.
The ordeal all began on December 31, when a Bernese mountain dog named Charlie disappeared in the Crystal Lake area of northern Illinois. Charlie’s owner, Kate Belmonte, was understandably distraught and posted messages on Facebook about Charlie.
“Don’t wear your neck,” Belmonte he wrote. “He is very friendly and energetic, but he can be shy with strangers. He is still a puppy and probably cannot find his way back home. He likes to go and explore ponds and wetlands. Please let me know if he sees something!!”
Belmonte received help from Dog Gone Pet Recovery, a local animal rescue organization, which sent Smithic Air for drone support. The drone had thermal imaging that allowed you to see hot objects on the ground.
Dog Gone Pet Recovery in Illinois and Smithic Air posted a video to Facebook and YouTube that shows the moment on January 5th that Charlie was spotted, and you can see that little orange dot where it zeroes in on Charlie right before switching to a regular camera mode to confirm that it’s him. It’s quite something to watch as they are clearly thrilled to have found it.
Charlie was found a few minutes from his home, but was unable to walk due to a broken femur. I believe he was hit by a car.
Local ABC News The TV station spoke with Belmonte and his girlfriend about the rescue, celebrating the “incredible technology” that allowed Charlie to return home.
“David and I are completely overwhelmed by the support of the community we live in,” Belmonte wrote on Facebook. “Just living here a few years we have met so many wonderful people (unfortunately in these circumstances) have been contacted by thousands of people reaching me and sending support and good wishes 🙏 and I seriously thank everyone who kept their eyes. out for Charlie!!”
“You are all such amazing people!! If only Charlie knew how he became the neighborhood celebrity lol,” Belmote continued.
The family set up a GoFundMe to help pay for Charlie’s medical costs, a campaign that has raised more than $5,200 at the time of writing.
