A heartwarming reunion unfolded after a two-year-old dachshund named Mabel escaped near Leigh Delamare services and ran onto the busy M4 motorway in Wiltshire. Mabel’s owner, 23-year-old Lucy Rogers, described the experience as nothing short of miraculous.
Mabel slipped her collar and darted towards oncoming traffic near Chippenham, sparking immediate panic. Despite efforts by both members of the public and police, Mabel vanished from sight before anyone could safely retrieve her. “I was screaming and didn’t know what to do. When a small dog runs near a motorway, your mind immediately goes to the worst case scenario,” Lucy recalled.
Desperate to find her beloved pet, Lucy and her partner Jordan enlisted help from DroneSAR for Lost Dogs, a volunteer charity specializing in canine search and rescue using thermal drone technology. The team’s calm and coordinated efforts allowed them to survey difficult-to-access areas that human searchers could not reach, all while advising Lucy and Jordan on how to avoid frightening Mabel further.
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After 30 anxious hours, Mabel was spotted hiding in a hedge near a livery yard in Kington St Michael. Lucy carefully approached with volunteers’ guidance, patiently waiting for Mabel to feel safe. “I sat down by the hedge and said some of her favourite words while offering chicken,” Lucy said. Finally, at around 8:30 p.m., Mabel came bounding into her arms, showering her with joyful licks.
“The moment felt like a miracle—a wave of pure relief,” Lucy shared. “We truly didn’t know if we would see her again, so having her safe in my arms felt surreal.” She also expressed deep gratitude toward the volunteers who donated their time and expertise, emphasizing that without their help, the outcome might have been very different.
This touching story highlights the dedication of volunteer search teams and the incredible bond between pet and owner, underscoring a joyful ending to what could have been a tragic situation.