Hiker's Dog Rescued After Waterfall Fall

0:00A hiker took a brutal 55-meter tumble down a waterfall in New Zealand's rugged South Island bush last week, suffering bruises and cuts. But surviving thanks to a quick helicopter rescue on March 24th. The catch? Rescueers had to leave her loyal border collie, Molly, behind in the wild, with no sign of the dog at the time. Earlier this week, local helicopter pilot Matt Newton stepped up, flying multiple searches near Hockeyteca Gorge, becoming of empty each time. He wouldn't quit, so he and his family started a fundraiser for extra flight time and thermal imaging gear to track Molly down. Strangers rallied hard, donating more than $11,000 New Zealand dollars, about $6,300 U.S. dollars to fuel the effort. The catch funded three hours of high-tech healing time, pulling in volunteers, a vet nurse, and even another dog named Bingo to help with the hunt. On Tuesday, they spotted Molly just meters from where her owner had fallen, looking bedraggled and hungry, but in surprisingly good shape.

1:03Surviving on feral critters, Newton dropped low, a volunteer hopped out with Bingo to calmer, and they coaxed Molly right into safety without a chase. Word spread fast back at base, turning a search party into a barbecue bash, with cuddles all around. Hours later, the still recovering owner shared a tearful reunion with Molly, the kind of heart-lifter that speeds up healing in ways meds just can't. Touch. Canada News Today, powered by AI Bringing You What Matters. I'm Corey, with the story.