Dog Survives 100-Mile Trek and Island Swim Before Rescue

Amber, a retriever cross rescue dog, has been located and safely recovered after an extraordinary 36-day odyssey across Hampshire and Dorset.

The dog, initially rescued from the streets of Qatar, vanished from her foster home near Bramshaw in the New Forest on April 25 and was finally rescued from Poole Harbour, having travelled over 100 miles. Amber's disappearance sparked an extensive search operation involving numerous volunteers and rescue organisations. Kelly Parker, co-founder of KS Angels Rescue, the group that facilitated Amber's arrival in the UK, described Amber as "absolutely lovely," but noted that her unfamiliarity with the surroundings, combined with her past, led to an escape the night after she arrived at her foster home.

The search proved challenging due to Amber's anxiety and reluctance to approach humans, leading her to enter what Parker termed a "wild mindset." Despite numerous reported sightings across the New Forest, volunteers found it difficult to catch up to the dog, who seemed determined to avoid contact. Sightings suggested that Amber was covering an estimated five to six miles between each sighting, indicating her consistent travels.

Experts believe Amber's survival in the wild was aided by the timing of her escape, coinciding with lambing season. It is thought that she likely sustained herself by consuming afterbirth from newborn animals, a natural behaviour observed in some canines. Adding to her remarkable journey, Amber reportedly swam to Brownsea Island, where residents attempted to provide assistance by leaving food for her. However, she avoided contact with National Trust staff and local search teams, eventually returning to the mainland and to her rescue.

The climax of Amber's journey occurred when a boat crew on a tour of Poole Harbour spotted her struggling in the water. Amber swam towards the vessel, clinging to the ladder for support. The crew immediately contacted Lost Dog Recovery, who had been actively involved in the search. Amber was soon reunited with her foster family, who had been anxiously awaiting her return. Jess Wadsworth, who had been caring for Amber before her escape, expressed immense relief at her safe return. 

"I still can't quite believe she is back," Wadsworth stated. "We've lost a pet for two or three days before, but never something like this. I have never known a dog that travels that many miles and survives."

Following her ordeal, Amber is reported to be skinny but otherwise unharmed. Her foster family has taken precautions to prevent further escapes, restricting her outdoor access to supervised outings on a long lead. She will soon be assessed for suitability for adoption. Amber's story highlights both the resilience of rescue dogs and the challenges associated with integrating animals with histories of abandonment into new environments. KS Angels Rescue emphasises the need for extra caution when handling newly rescued animals, particularly in the initial days of placement.

Parker also expresses gratitude to the numerous individuals who contributed to the search and rescue efforts. Despite the frustrations of the lengthy search, the reunion marks a happy ending to a story that, for weeks, seemed uncertain.