Lost dog found alive one week after owner’s hiking accident

1 Apr 2026 • 8:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A border collie named Molly, separated from her owner Jessica Johnston during a hiking accident, was found alive after nearly a week in a remote New Zealand region.
  • Molly went missing on 24 March after Ms Johnston fell almost 55 metres in the Arahura Valley, sustaining serious injuries but surviving.
  • Despite the odds, Precision Helicopters, led by Lillian Newton, organised a search, funded by public donations as there was no official system for animal rescues.
  • The search team, using thermal imaging from a helicopter, located Molly on Tuesday at the base of a waterfall near where her owner had fallen.
  • Molly was retrieved by a crew member and appeared to be in good condition, with Ms Johnston expressing immense gratitude for the public's support.

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