Drone video captures the moment this lost dog with a broken leg is finally found

An Illinois dog that had been missing for a week was found Sunday thanks to a local pet rescue organization and a thermal drone. And the moment they find the poor pup is so triumphantly heartwarming that you’ll probably have to watch the rescue at least a few times like we did.

The ordeal began Dec. 31 when a Bernese Mountain Dog named Charlie went missing in the Crystal Lake area of ​​northern Illinois. Charlie’s owner Kate Belmonte was understandably upset and posted messages on Facebook about Charlie.

Belmonte received help from Dog Gone Pet Recovery, a local animal rescue organization that brought in Smithic Air for drone support. The drone had a thermal imager that allows you to spot warm objects on the ground.

Dog Gone Pet Recovery in Illinois and Smithic Air posted a video to Facebook and YouTube showing the moment on January 5th when Charlie was spotted and you can see that little orange dot where they focus on Charlie just before they switch to regular camera mode to confirm it’s him. It really is something to watch as they are clearly excited to have found it.

Charlie was found just minutes from his home, unable to walk due to a broken femur. They believe he was hit by a car.

Local ABC News The TV station spoke to Belmonte and her fiancee about the rescue, celebrating the “amazing technology” that allowed Charlie to come home.

“David and I are completely overwhelmed by the support of the community we live in,” Belmonte wrote on Facebook. “Having only lived here for a few years, we have met so many wonderful people (unfortunately under the circumstances). Thousands of people have contacted me and sent me support and well wishes 🙏 and I sincerely thank everyone who kept their eyes out for Charlie!!”

“You are all such amazing people!! If only Charlie knew how he became a neighborhood celebrity, hahahaha,” Belmot continued.

The family created a GoFundMe to help pay for Charlie’s medical expenses, a campaign that has raised over $5,200 as of this writing.