Amber, a retriever cross, has been safely reunited with her foster family after disappearing for 36 days and traveling approximately 100 miles. The adventurous dog was rescued by a charity following an extended journey through Hampshire and Dorset.
Amber, who had been rescued as a street puppy in Qatar and brought to the UK, went missing on 25 April after just one night with her new foster family near Bramshaw, in the New Forest. Over the following five weeks, she embarked on a solo adventure, including swimming to an island, before being found and rescued.
Kelly Parker, founder of KS Angels Rescue, described Amber’s behavior as having entered a “wild mindset” during her time on the run. “We had a lot of well-meaning people trying to help, but with a scared dog in that state, she would run from anyone she saw,” said Parker.
Throughout her journey, Amber was spotted several times, covering an additional five or six miles each time. “It felt like we were always behind her,” Parker added. “It’s been a frustrating experience, but we’re relieved it has a happy ending.”
Amber’s journey included a remarkable swim to Brownsea Island, where a local resident fed her. She later left the island and was seen again by two men in a boat in Poole Harbour. They contacted Lost Dog Recovery, a key group involved in her search, and Amber was safely rescued.
Despite her long and difficult journey, Amber was found in good condition, which surprised her foster family. Jess Wadsworth, who had been caring for Amber, said, “I still can’t quite believe she’s back. We’ve lost a pet for a couple of days before, but never one that traveled this far and survived.”
Looking ahead, Kelly Parker expressed hope that Amber would settle into a calmer, more stable life. “We hope this will bring Amber a more peaceful spirit moving forward.”
The charity emphasized the importance of support from local communities, with Amber’s rescue being a collective effort of volunteers, residents, and organizations like Lost Dog Recovery. The family also expressed gratitude, noting that despite the stress of the past few weeks, they were relieved to have Amber back home.
Amber’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adventurous spirit that can sometimes drive pets to unexpected places, while also highlighting the power of community support in rescue efforts.