A runaway dog that traversed 25 miles along the New Jersey Turnpike was returned to a rescue group thanks to a drone rescue team.
Final Victory Animal Rescue said the golden retriever, named Abbie, was one of multiple dogs being transported from South Carolina to New England for adoption when she escaped during a bathroom break at the Joyce Kilmer rest stop off the New Jersey Turnpike.
The rescue was able to track Abbie’s movements thanks to an AirTag on her harness, but locating the canine as she trekked 25 miles alongside the highway proved difficult until the USAR Drone Team joined in the search.
The search and rescue team worked together with Woodbridge Animal Control and the Woodbridge Police Department to safely capture Abbie.
Abbie was taken to the Tri-State Veterinary Hospital in Woodbridge to be assessed and treated for injuries to her hip and some road rash.
The USAR Drone Team said Abbie was their 123rd dog rescue.
Final Victory posted an Abbie update Monday on Facebook.
“Abbie has since returned to South Carolina and is back with her loving foster, where she is awaiting surgery. We look forward to sharing the news of Abbie’s final victory once she is healed,” the post said.
