A Border collie named Molly was reunited with her owner after being stranded for a week in New Zealand's Arahura Valley. The dog had been separated from Jessica Johnston when she fell 180 feet down a waterfall during a backcountry hike on March 24. Johnston was airlifted to safety but Molly remained missing.

New Zealand's emergency services focus on human rescues, leaving animal recovery to private efforts. Helicopter pilot Lilly Newton, who runs tours near the search area, organized a crowd-funded rescue after learning about the pair through a mutual friend. The operation raised about $6,600 from 160 donors in one day, covering the $1,370 cost per search flight.

Thermal imaging specialist Georgina Du Val drove four hours with her camera to join the effort. After several weather delays, the team located Molly shivering beneath the waterfall where Johnston had fallen. A crew member retrieved the dog using another terrier as a companion, bringing the emotional reunion to a successful conclusion. The rescue highlighted how community crowdfunding can fill gaps in official emergency response.