Drones have gotten a bad rep lately, with no shortage of peculiar UFO-type sightings and conspiracy theories coloring the perception of low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles. What people may not realize, however, is the FAA-licensed drone flying above might be on a special mission to bring a lost pet home.
At least, that was the case in Peotone when Joanna LeBeau enlisted the help of Philip Foree of Eye in the Sky Thermal Drone Pet Recovery to bring home her beloved red heeler, Josie.
It was also the case in New Lenox, Mount Vernon, and other towns in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana — all places Foree has traveled to help bring home lost pets during the past year.
Foree recently partnered with military veteran Joe Gienow to operate the full-time volunteer drone-based pet recovery service, which is FAA-licensed and insured. They try to service as large an area as possible to help reunite lost pets with their families.
The Animal Humane Society reports that a staggering 10 million pets go missing each year, and many never make it home. Some run into busy roadways and are killed in accidents; others’ whereabouts are simply unknown as they try to survive in the wild.
Foree added that dogs can travel six miles in an hour, making recovery even more challenging.
Safety Concerns
The good news is that drones can quickly and easily scan miles of land, and specialty thermal drones like his can identify lost dogs by the heat they emit. Once located, the family, under Foree’s direction, can employ a calming method to lure and capture the dog.
The bad news is that, lately, Foree has found some people don’t understand or care about drones’ many positive uses, such as helping to find lost pets.
On top of that, it’s not uncommon for con artists to prey on vulnerable pet owners who are desperate to bring their furry family members home.
Foree said he’s been harassed and had to deal with belligerent people who simply don’t like drones.
“I worry about my safety sometimes,” Foree said — words people generally wouldn’t expect from someone volunteering their time to help find lost pets.
While Foree’s safety wasn’t threatened in Peotone on Josie’s case, LeBeau was almost scammed twice by nefarious individuals who had promised to have her sweet Josie.
One was from Nigeria, and another claimed to be local but stopped responding after it became clear LeBeau had uncovered their ruse.
Both tried to convince LeBeau they could produce her dog for a fee. Meanwhile, Josie was on the run. Unfortunately, pet owners and recovery drone operators must be cautious in a high-stress environment.
Joanna LeBeau’s beloved three-year-old healer, Josie. –Photo submitted.
MISSING DOG! Josie
Josie’s story started like many other lost pets.
“She got out of the yard somehow, probably chasing a bunny or squirrel, knowing her,” LeBeau recalled.
LeBeau and her family, friends, and neighbors sprung into immediate action, scouring the town for the lost pup. Everyone wanted to find Josie, and it was all hands on deck from her family and friends.
“I think the whole town was out looking for her,” LeBeau added, noting that they posted flyers all over town and asked the community for sightings of the three-year-old pup.
LeBeau’s original Facebook post was shared more than 100 times. “MISSING DOG! Josie Red Heeler 30lbs,” it read, along with a picture of the pup, where she was lost, and LeBeau’s contact information.
Some people reported a few frightening sightings of Josie running along busy Rt. 50, which no doubt ratcheted up nerves and raised the stakes for finding her.
LeBeau’s family and friends helped her sort credible leads and sightings from bad ones, while she searched endlessly for her canine companion.
“I drove 31 hours in two days looking for her. A whole tank of gas, all of my tears, everything,” LeBeau said of the exhausting search.
LeBeau’s best friend and business partner, Jen Sutton, searched for help, while working between shifts at their restaurant, Tony’s Pizza. They put flyers on every pizza order to let the community know to keep an eye out.
Lure Don’t Chase
Sutton found Foree’s drone service online, verified his services were genuine, and arranged for him to help. After a four-hour drive, Foree arrived with his thermal drone and a wealth of knowledge to share.
“Most owners haven’t been exposed to what happens when their dog gets away, so immediately people start doing the wrong things,” Foree said, noting that people will head out searching, calling out for the dog in droves.
Although they mean well, Foree said they often drive the lost pet further away.
The recovery of a lost dog must be executed carefully. The dog must feel safe enough to approach its owner, who can then secure it — but only at the right time.
In instances where the calming method doesn’t work to capture a located dog, Foree has a backup plan: Live-trapping the dog.
Foree explained he’d had the heartbreaking experience of locating a dog, having its owners get close to it, and as soon as the owners calls out the dog’s name, the dog looks at the owner, turns, and bolts, running away as fast as it can.
“These are owners who have had these dogs for years,” Foree explained of dogs that fled, stating that it is like a switch flips in the dog’s brain when they’re lost. They panic and don’t recognize their owners’ voices.
“It’s really not that difficult to find things with the thermal drone, but then connecting the dots between finding what you’re looking for and actually recovering it is,” Foree explained.
If owners want things to work, they must remain quiet, avoid eye contact, and remain calm.
Foree poses with Josie moments after locating her.
Finding Josie: The Recovery
It only took three drone flights to find Josie.
“We saw a black blob moving in the woods, zoomed in, and it was her. He was like, ok, let’s get your girl. You have to remain calm, or she won’t come to you,” LeBeau said, recalling what Foree told her and what she learned in a video he sent.
The video was titled “Unit #4 Calming Signals Panicked Dogs” and produced by Kat Albright, a former police officer and K9 handler, who founded the Missing Animal Response Network.
LeBeau said Foree also demonstrated Albright’s techniques in her driveway so they would know what to do.
“We found Josie with the drone. I put them in the proper position, and they executed the rescue flawlessly. They did everything right. It was magical. It all clicked and worked out,” Foree retold how they secured Josie.
Making Miracles Happen
The timeline for securing a dog isn’t always as quick as in Josie’s case. It can take time.
“It was a miracle. Just amazing what he does. He’s so knowledgeable,” LeBeau added.
Albright’s techniques and Foree’s experiences have resulted in several success stories, including Josie’s.
“It was quite amazing. I’m still shocked every time it happens. It’s emotional,” Foree said of reuniting Josie with her family.
“I really love what I do,” Foree said.
Though he enjoys the work, Foree urges pet owners to invest in GPS-tracking collars, like Fi smart dog collars, so they won’t have to use his services. He said Airtags aren’t reliable for pet tracking.
He and his partner are available if a pet owner needs them. You can find Eye In The Sky Thermal Drone Pet Rescue on Facebook. In between reuniting dogs, he’s creating a website he hopes to launch soon.
“I’m eternally grateful for everyone who helped, called, and I’m beyond grateful. “I can’t thank him enough. He was wonderful,” LeBeau emphatically repeated.
So, the next time an unknown buzzing is about, it might just be a drone working to bring a beloved pet back home.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
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