Missing dachshund sparks massive search with thermal drones and pet detective
A missing dachshund has sparked an epic search with heat-seeking drones, a pet detective and hundreds of volunteers deployed. HAVE YOU SEEN LUNA?
A Brisbane woman has enlisted drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras in an epic search for her missing dachshund which has included hundreds of volunteers, thousands of leaflets, a pet detective and a $5000 reward.
So far the search effort has cost about $4000, although a gofundme has raised $1000.
Despite going missing during a hailstorm on October 27 in Fig Tree Pocket, Luna’s distraught owner Pru Gillett said the inspiring survival tale of Valerie the miniature dachshund had kept her hopes alive.
Valerie became world famous when she was found after 540 days on Kangaroo Island during a family holiday in November, 2023. She turned up in May this year after surviving snakes, extreme heat and lack of food and water.
Ms Gillett said she had taken time off work to devote herself to the search for her rare British Cream dachshund and had not even been able to bear returning to her home in Newstead.
“She’s my child. It’s been really overwhelming,’’ Ms Gillett said.
“Luna is my first dog. I’ve had her one year and four months and decided to get her after returning from Sweden, where I was living.
“I know I’m biased, so while she’s not street smart she is very clever.
“Dachshunds also aren’t very big eaters, they’re resourceful and they used to be hunting dogs.’’
Ms Gillett had knock backs from several drone companies before finding one which had expertise in searching for lost dogs.
They sent a drone up early on Wednesday morning to search the area’s thick bushland but found no sign of Luna.
“They looked as far as 3.5km away (from her father’s house). It was a $40,000 drone with cameras which can zoom right in, they can tell the difference between a wallaby or a possum and a dog,’’ she said.
“I also had someone with a thermal telescope approach me to help.
“I’m not someone who’s good at asking for help so the response has been amazing, I’ve been getting phone calls all the time.
“There have been groups out every day looking and there are hundreds of comments and likes on the (Facebook) posts I’ve been putting up every day.’’
Ms Gillett hired a pet detective, a former police officer, who has scoured the area and made extensive inquiries.
He did not think Luna had been stolen, despite the dog costing $5500, but Ms Gillett has been searching social media sites such as Gumtree in case her beloved pet was being put up for sale.
Her herculean search effort has also included contacting vets up to several kilometres away and daily checks with the RSPCA and council.
“Luna is a timid dog and although she’s tiny she can run fast, so if people have seen her she could have run off,’’ Ms Gillett said.
“I’m now hoping the reward will help.’’
To claim the reward people need to return Luna, unharmed, either to Ms Gillett or a vet. She can be contacted on 04117 747 404.
