Dog Rescued After 2 Weeks in NZ Backcountry Waterfall Zone

When Jessica Johnston fell 55 meters down a waterfall in New Zealand's remote Arahura Valley, rescuers airlifted her to safety. But her border collie Molly vanished into the wilderness.

Two weeks later, against all odds, Molly is home.

Pilot Matt Newton flew three unsuccessful search missions into the rugged backcountry near Campbell Range before Tuesday's breakthrough. Armed with a thermal camera and a vet nurse, his team finally spotted a glowing red figure on the screen at the waterfall's base.

"As we got closer we could see it was actually her," Newton said. "We were stoked. Yeah, absolutely stoked."

The March 17 accident left Johnston seriously injured in the alpine scrubline, a remote area where forest meets mountain. She was only recently discharged from hospital. She couldn't remember if Molly tumbled down with her or found her way down separately.

Newton sent Johnston a satellite message the moment Molly was aboard. "I'd say she'd been scragging the odd possum," he said. Despite her ordeal, Molly was in surprisingly good condition.

Sunny's Take

This rescue wasn't just about one pilot's determination. Strangers across New Zealand donated to fund the search flights, believing a loyal dog deserved a fighting chance.

Johnston wrote that she was "blown away" by the kindness. "Thank you for helping bring my Molly back home," she posted, expressing gratitude for donors and volunteers who refused to give up.

Newton admitted he cried after getting Molly safely into the helicopter. It's the kind of moment that reminds us why we keep searching, keep hoping, and keep believing in happy endings.

Johnston was heading to the helicopter base for their reunion as news broke. After two weeks of mountain survival and a community that wouldn't quit, one very good dog was finally going home.