After a puppy ran out from its owner’s garden and was gone for two hours, a “hero” animal lover used her drone to find the canine and bring it back to safety.
Just before a storm came, Erica Hart, 33, discovered Jamie and Leah Hollinshed’s black schnauzer Hilda in a field four miles from their house in Yorkshire.
Erica, who claims to have used technology to save over 200 dogs, says she often spends over £50 on gas to reconnect pet owners with their animals but doesn’t demand a fee since she does it out of “the love of dogs.”
On Friday, September 9, the family spent two hours exploring near their Clayton home when she located Hilda in only 20 minutes.
The thrilling drone video that was used to locate Hilda shows the runaway Schnauzer sprinting down a Thurnscoe residential road and nearly avoiding an approaching car.
Rescue dog Hilda, age two, flees into a field before owner Jamie, age 43, tries to capture her.
Erica instructed Leah, 37, to use the drone to help Jamie get closer to their pet, which enabled the family to reunite.
“What she did is wonderful,” Jamie said. She is a true superhero and a hero.
We had been without a sighting for a number of hours, then she found her in only 20. We were extremely happy when she was located, which just goes to show how effective these drones can be.
She prevented her death. She could have been struck by a car or been anxious due to the weather. You automatically assume the worst.
“Erica kept in touch with us all the time.” She instructed us to disperse since she understood what she was doing and where to look.
“I have no clue how she escaped.” She must have been alarmed by the storm even though there was just a little opening in the fence. She frequently stays by my side; she’s like my shadow.
We believed we would never see her again as it became later. It was worrisome that the storms might restart. When we got her back, it made me weep up.
When Jamie called to report Hilda missing, the drone expert was out shopping and instantly went to aid.
Finding Hilda again was a subject near and dear to her heart since in April she had assisted in finding Hilda a home with Jamie and Leah.
“It was amazing to watch the owner’s expression after they’ve been pursuing the dog for hours, then I come there and it’s over in 20 minutes,” said Erica, a resident of Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire.
Thank God we located her at the right time. They were ecstatic, and it’s very satisfying.
“Minutes after I brought the drone down, the storms began.” It was fortunate that Hilda didn’t dart away since we wouldn’t have seen her for a long time.
The drone won’t move once it is over the dog since I can direct people in quickly enough. It resembles a military mission.
I’ll question the dog’s owners about their pet’s personality in order to develop an image.
In seven years, Erica claims to have saved more than 200 pets. She utilises the HARTSAR Facebook page, which she manages, to assist pet owners in finding their lost animals.
Even if it means spending money on gas instead of indulging herself, she doesn’t charge for the service.
“Some days I get home and I’ve spent £50 out of my own money and I’ve skipped something for myself to buy gas in the vehicle to locate a puppy,” Erica said.
“I lie in bed with a grin on my face and I realise why I do it when I put it on Facebook and I read the responses.
“I do it for the dogs,” you say.
Afterward, Leah wrote a Facebook post applauding “star” Erica Hart’s efforts in finding Hilda.
She’s gone on a great little expedition up Clayton, bless her, and she’s fatigued, dirty, and ravenous.
“Erica Hart, you’re a rock star. Thank you very much for all your assistance.”
More than 100 people have liked Erica’s post, which also includes the drone video, and praised her bravery.
Cheers Ez you’re a fantastic friend, said Jamie.