NJ woman was desperate, with her dog lost for 9 days. Then a drone company stepped in

A New Jersey woman’s search for her lost dog turned desperate as the search stretched nine days, but their prayers were answered just before the weather turned bitterly cold — thanks in part to a drone company that helped save the day.

“Not knowing if she was OK for nine days was just so emotional for me,” said Samira Gross.

Her 3-year-old pooch Dakota ran off chasing another animal in Johnson Park, which spans nearly 500 acres in Piscataway and Highland Park. Gross and her family looked and looked, but could not find Dakota.

“I was pressed for time because now, I mean, with the snowstorm coming, it’s already been, like, very cold outside,” she said.

Finally, Gross connected with Apex Eagle Drone Services, a Williamstown-based company that specializes in recovering lost pets. Using a thermal imaging drone, Chris Sherrard scanned the park on Saturday.

“Came across this marsh, a little pond next to it. And wouldn’t you know, there was one heat signature in the middle of all the reeds in there,” said Sherrard. “It was really awesome. Honestly, my heart started pounding.”

The next problem: getting to Dakota. Where she was located, some of the reeds around her were close to ten feet high, making a rescue more difficult. A friend of Gross’  family ventured through mud and thick reeds to reach the dog, and ultimately bring her out. 

“I had to guide him every step of the way with the thermal imaging, because he literally couldn’t see two feet in front of him,” Sherrard said. “I really believe the timing was just crucial, because now there’s eight inches of snow in that area.”

Gross had to bring Dakota straight to the veterinarian. She had lost some weight, needed IV fluids and was scraped up — but alive. Her tail was wagging non-stop, and Gross was equally happy to have her pup returned to her.

“We were just so happy to have her home,” said Gross. “I told them that, like, I thank you. Like, from the bottom of my heart, yes, I’m very, very grateful for their services.”

The drone company’s services cost Gross $350 — a small amount, she said, for the priceless outcome.