Missing dog found in Rotherham thanks to drones and Greggs

Drone searches and a sausage roll have successfully located a dog which fled from its owners’ car after a crash on the M1.

Athena the German shepherd went missing after the collision near junction 33 on 15 March which killed one of their three dogs.

Local residents and community groups volunteered to look for Athena and on Wednesday morning she was found in Wickersley, near Rotherham, and reunited with Mark and Michelle Storer.

Mrs Storer said: “She was so pleased to see us, thankfully apart from aches she is unhurt and since being home just wants to sleep and eat.”

The Storers were returning home to Newark when their vehicle was struck by a driver who later appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court charged with failing to provide a sample and driving without due care and attention.

Their springer spaniel died instantly and a third dog was unhurt.

Drone operators Craig Dent, Erica Hart and Nathan Crossley all took part in the hunt for Athena.

Mr Dent from K9-RSQ, a volunteer group with expertise in finding lost dogs, described the search as a “team effort”.

“The moment we were alerted to the plight of Athena, we pulled out all the stops. A massive behind the scenes effort sprang to life with drones, surveillance cameras and ground searches.”

Mr Storer described the week as an “emotional rollercoaster”.

“There had been a number of potential but no confirmed sightings for four days, but we just kept looking and sharing and working as a team.”

Athena was finally spotted by two horse riders in woodland close to the M1/M18 slip road at Wickersley.

They, along with dog walkers, lured Athena out with a Greggs sausage roll before the search team arrived.

South Yorkshire Police had appealed for sightings of the dog and thanked the public for their help.

Mrs Storer added: “We are so thrilled to have Athena home. We are so grateful for everyone’s support, it has been amazing.”