Finding Benji: Thermal drone helps locate missing dog after 48 hours in snowstorm

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Benji the dog is back home safe after spending 48 hours lost in what his owners described as one of the worst winter storms the area had seen in some time.

The one-and-a-half-year-old Bernedoodle was found with the help of a thermal drone after disappearing during the storm.

Benji's owners, Ece Bal and Justin Cerone of Fishtown, said they still can't believe how the rescue unfolded.

"It's just unreal," Cerone said.

The couple had recently adopted Benji when he ran off Saturday night, just as the storm was beginning. Their neighbors quickly joined the search.

"It was incredible to see how everyone in the neighborhood mobilized," Cerone said.

A worker with Lucky Dogs Rescue contacted Rick Rotondo Photography and Lost Pet Thermal Drone Search for help.

"I believe it was the night before the storm was when I first heard about him," said drone operator Rick Rotondo.

He was unable to fly during the blizzard, but once conditions cleared, Rotondo, his coworker, and his wife launched the drone.

"I kind of wanted to focus on quieter areas because when a dog is in a fight or flight mode, they're scared," Rotondo said.

The drone eventually detected Benji in an abandoned lot at Tulip and Lehigh in Kensington, about half a mile from the dog's home.

Bal said the moment didn't feel real.

"It really didn't feel real because we looked everywhere and everyone was helping us look," she said.

Guided by the drone's location, Cerone and several others approached Benji. The dog bolted, jumping from the top of a concrete wall.

"He jumped like 15 feet down," Cerone said. "As soon as he hit the ground, he started sprinting."

Cerone followed slowly in his car to avoid frightening him. Benji eventually stopped when he reached a snow embankment.

"I parked the car, got out, took a knee, calmly called his name, and was so lucky that he came over to me," Cerone said.

Now back home, Benji has gained unexpected attention online.

"People in Australia were commenting on the post," Cerone said.

Bal added, "He's a very lucky dog."

Benji's owners, who also foster other animals, thanked ACCT Philly and the many neighbors and volunteers who helped search.

The drone team offered one piece of advice for pet owners: consider using a GPS tracking collar to make locating a lost animal easier.