At a Glance
- A 1-year-old Australian Shepherd named Lana bolted during strong winds in Mission Viejo
- Thermal-equipped drone pinpointed the dog a mile from where she vanished
- Officers pulled Lana from steep, brush-choked canyon on Saturday morning
- Why it matters: The rescue marks the city’s third successful drone-assisted dog recovery since November, spotlighting how thermal tech is transforming pet searches
A frantic call to Mission Viejo Animal Services last Friday set a dramatic two-day search in motion after strong winds spooked a family’s Australian Shepherd and sent her sprinting into rugged terrain between Dove Canyon and Coto de Caza.
Friday Disappearance
According to the city, the 1-year-old dog-Lana-was last seen racing through open space as gusts toppled backyard items and scattered debris across residential streets. Animal control officers arrived within minutes, sweeping the border zone on foot and launching the department’s drone for an aerial view.
Wind speeds quickly grounded the aircraft. Officers scoured thick sage and mustard brush until dusk, but darkness forced them to suspend the hunt.
Saturday Breakthrough
A resident’s 911 call shortly after sunrise changed everything. The caller reported faint barking roughly one mile from Lana’s last confirmed sighting. Officers redeployed, this time with calmer air allowing the drone’s thermal camera to sweep the canyon.
The infrared feed highlighted a small heat signature tucked beneath a steep wall of chaparral. Officers hiked in, cut through waist-high brush, and found Lana dehydrated but responsive.
“She was alert, tail wagging, and ready to get out of there,” an officer told News Of Losangeles.
Reunion and Aftercare
City officials said Lana showed no visible injuries and immediately reunited with her owner. A quick veterinary assessment confirmed she needed only water, rest, and a few days of pampering at home.
Growing Drone Success
This weekend’s save is Mission Viejo’s third drone-assisted dog rescue in four months:
| Date | Breed | Terrain | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Unspecified | Remote trail | Saved |
| This weekend | Australian Shepherd | Steep canyon brush | Saved |
The drone, supplied by the nonprofit Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), carries both standard and thermal cameras. DAWG funds medical care for sick and injured animals citywide, underwriting equipment that the city could not otherwise afford.
Community Reaction
Neighbors living along the search perimeter cheered the outcome on social media, praising officers for refusing to give up. Several credited the thermal imagery with sparing searchers from hours of blind bushwhacking.
“Mission Viejo Animal Services is proud to support community members when they need it the most and remains committed to providing professional, compassionate and innovative animal rescue services,” said Brynn Lavison, the city’s Animal Services Director.
Key Takeaways
- Strong winds initially grounded drone operations, proving weather remains the biggest variable in aerial searches
- Thermal imaging located Lana through dense vegetation that masked both sight and sound
- Partnership with DAWG gives the city access to cutting-edge gear without straining municipal budgets
- Rapid resident reporting-within 12 hours-was critical; delayed calls shrink success odds in cooling overnight temperatures
