> At a Glance
> – Abbie, a golden retriever mix, bolted from a New Jersey rest stop during a shelter-to-home transport
> – The USAR Drone Team located her in 7 minutes using thermal imaging after a day-long search
> – She ran 26 miles before being safely captured
> – Why it matters: Quick coordination between volunteers and local agencies saved a shelter dog headed to her forever home
A transport bound from South Carolina to Maine turned into a roadside drama when Abbie slipped away at the Joyce Kilmer rest stop off the New Jersey Turnpike.
The Escape and Search
Volunteers from Final Victory Animal Rescue had paused with several dogs when the golden retriever mix darted into nearby woods. Despite wearing an AirTag, the scared dog covered 26 miles before rescuers could close in.
- Searchers worked through the night, stationed 10 hours away from their base
- Woodbridge Animal Control and Police created a perimeter to keep Abbie away from highway traffic
- At least six officers combed both sides of the area while one spent hours deep in the woods
High-Tech Rescue
Just after 2:20 a.m., the veteran-run USAR Drone Team arrived with thermal-equipped aircraft. Within seven minutes they pinpointed Abbie’s heat signature and guided ground teams to secure her.
> Drone Team member Michael Parziale: “Our reward is seeing the smiles on everybody’s face, especially the owners of their pets. I mean, we consider them family members.”
Recovery and Reunion
Abbie was rushed to Tri-State Veterinary Hospital in Woodbridge, N.J., for treatment of:
- Hip and ligament injuries
- Road rash from her long run
She has since returned to South Carolina and is recuperating with a foster parent while awaiting surgery.
Key Takeaways
- AirTag plus thermal drones equaled a fast find despite the 26-mile head start
- Volunteer nonprofit USAR Drone Team specializes in pet search-and-rescue
- Joint effort by rescuers 10 hours away, local police, and animal control kept the dog off the turnpike
Final Victory praised the “true teamwork, determination, and compassion in action-all for a dog they didn’t know from states away.”
