Goldendoodle Rescue Mia Found After 18 Days Lost in Illinois Park

Owners, volunteers, and drones worked tirelessly to locate the skittish dog in the 3,400-acre Glacial Park Conservation Area.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:44am

An extremely blurred, dreamlike photograph of a dog-like shape running through a hazy, sun-dappled forest, conveying the emotional experience of a lost pet's frantic search and eventual homecoming.The joyful, yet anxious energy of a beloved pet's rescue shines through in this abstract, impressionistic portrait.Ringwood Today

For 18 days, a goldendoodle rescue named Mia was lost in the vast Glacial Park Conservation Area in Ringwood, Illinois. Owners Donna and Jim Davis had adopted Mia just three months prior, and were walking her with their other dogs when Mia, described as 'very skittish,' took off running after the leashes got tangled. It took an enormous effort from the owners, volunteers, and the use of drones to finally locate and rescue Mia.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges pet owners can face when a beloved animal goes missing, especially in large natural areas. It also showcases the power of community support and the use of modern technology like drones to aid in search and rescue efforts for lost pets.

The details

On February 12, Donna and Jim Davis were walking Mia and their other dogs in the Glacial Park Conservation Area when the leashes got tangled and the skittish goldendoodle took off running. For the next 18 days, the owners, along with volunteers and the use of drones, searched tirelessly to try and locate Mia in the 3,400-plus acre park. They put up flyers, posted on social media, and coordinated search parties to scour the area. Finally, on March 2, Mia was spotted by a drone operator and the owners were able to safely retrieve her.

  • On February 12, Mia went missing in Glacial Park Conservation Area.
  • For the next 18 days, the owners and volunteers searched for Mia.
  • On March 2, Mia was finally located and rescued.

The players

Donna and Jim Davis

The owners of Mia, the goldendoodle rescue who went missing in Glacial Park Conservation Area.

Mia

A goldendoodle rescue dog who went missing for 18 days in the 3,400-acre Glacial Park Conservation Area.

Glacial Park Conservation Area

A 3,400-plus acre nature preserve in Ringwood, Illinois where Mia went missing.

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What they’re saying

“Mia was very skittish, and when the leashes got tangled, she just took off running.”

— Donna Davis, Mia's owner

The takeaway

This heartwarming story of a lost pet's rescue highlights the power of community support and modern technology in overcoming even the most daunting search and rescue challenges. It serves as an important reminder for pet owners to be vigilant and prepared in case their beloved animal ever goes missing.