Drone search finds missing labradoodle in Illinois woods

Mia the dog was lost for nearly 3 weeks before being located by thermal drone technology

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:05am

Mia, a labradoodle rescued by the Davis family in Spring Grove, Illinois, went missing while being walked in the Glacial Park Conservation Area. After an extensive 18-day search involving family, friends, and a drone operator named Michael Smith, Mia was finally located and safely returned home.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing use of drone technology in search and rescue operations, especially for missing pets. It also underscores the dedication and perseverance of pet owners and volunteers who refuse to give up on finding a lost animal.

The details

When Mia the labradoodle got away from the Davis family during a walk in the park, they immediately began searching for her. After weeks of unsuccessful efforts, they turned to Michael Smith, who operates a drone company called SmithicAir. Using a thermal drone, Smith was able to locate Mia's heat signature in the woods, though corralling the skittish dog proved challenging. It took 18 days and permission to use a trap before Mia was finally secured and returned home safely.

  • Mia went missing on an unspecified date while being walked by the Davis family in the Glacial Park Conservation Area.
  • The search for Mia lasted for 18 days before she was finally located and returned home.

The players

Donna and Jim Davis

The Spring Grove, Illinois residents who had recently rescued Mia the labradoodle.

Michael Smith

The owner and operator of SmithicAir, a drone company that used thermal imaging technology to locate the missing dog.

Glacial Park Conservation Area authorities

The local authorities who granted permission for the use of a trap to safely capture Mia.

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What they’re saying

“I started off asking them kind of where they normally walked their dogs. I did a search there. I did a search at the last known location, and then I just kind of searched everywhere I could think, and it was pretty late in the search that I was able to see a heat signature that, to me, looked interesting because it wasn't by anything else. Normally when I see deer, there's two, three, eight deer together.”

— Michael Smith, Drone operator

“Once we had that proof of life, nobody was giving up on Mia, and they got it done.”

— Michael Smith, Drone operator

What’s next

The Davis family plans to continue working with local authorities and animal rescue organizations to raise awareness about the benefits of using drone technology in search and rescue operations for missing pets.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of modern technology, community collaboration, and unwavering determination in reuniting a beloved pet with its family. It serves as an inspiring example of how innovative tools like thermal drones can make a real difference in locating and recovering lost animals.