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Caledonia Today
By the People, for the People
Drone Helps Reunite Missing Dog with Belvidere Family
Four-year-old Tiny was found after more than three weeks with the help of a thermal drone.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:24am
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A Belvidere, Illinois family's dog named Tiny went missing for over three weeks before being located with the help of a thermal drone operated by Mike Smith of SmithicAir. The dog's owner, Randi Umek, had been searching the Belvidere area for Tiny but later learned he had been spotted in the nearby town of Caledonia. Umek hired Smith and his drone, which located Tiny on the edge of some trees on Rockton Road in Caledonia on the second flight.
Why it matters
This story highlights the growing use of drone technology in search and rescue operations, particularly for missing pets. Umek's experience underscores how animals can travel much farther than expected when lost, making it challenging for owners to locate them on their own. The successful reunion also demonstrates the power of community engagement, with volunteers assisting in the search efforts.
The details
Tiny, a four-year-old dog, went missing from a friend's home in Belvidere three weeks ago. Umek searched the Belvidere area extensively, posting flyers and going door-to-door, but was unable to locate him. It wasn't until a week later that Umek learned Tiny had been spotted in the nearby town of Caledonia. Umek then hired drone pilot Mike Smith to assist in the search, and on the second flight, Smith was able to locate Tiny on the edge of some trees on Rockton Road in Caledonia. Umek and a volunteer then spent hours luring Tiny into a cage to safely return him home.
- Three weeks ago, Tiny went missing from a friend's home in Belvidere.
- One week after Tiny went missing, Umek learned he had been spotted in Caledonia.
The players
Randi Umek
The owner of Tiny, the missing dog.
Tiny
A four-year-old dog that went missing from Belvidere for over three weeks.
Mike Smith
A thermal drone pilot for SmithicAir who was hired by Umek to assist in the search for Tiny.
What they’re saying
“He took really good care of himself”
— Randi Umek, Tiny's owner
“I happened to be looking to the left, and Tiny was on the right. And when I came back to the right, I panned back to the right and kind of behind me. And I picked up a heat source on the edge of some, some trees, and it just kind of looked right to me”
— Mike Smith, Thermal drone pilot
“I was a mess; I was an absolute mess. I was crying, I was, not yelling, but like, out of anger, but like yelling from excitement”
— Randi Umek, Tiny's owner
What’s next
Umek and her family plan to celebrate Tiny's safe return with a special homecoming party this weekend.
The takeaway
This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of technology, community engagement, and perseverance in reuniting lost pets with their owners. It serves as an inspiring example of the lengths people will go to ensure beloved family members are brought home safely.
