Specialist thermal imaging technology from a Christchurch company played a key role in locating a collie dog missing for days in remote West Coast backcountry.

Molly disappeared after falling with her owner down a 55 metre bluff near Hokitika. While her owner Jessica was rescued, the dog was left behind in rugged alpine terrain.

Christchurch resident Georgina Du Val, owner of CITIS Ltd Independent Thermal Imaging Services, saw the call for help on Facebook and travelled to the West Coast to assist in the search, bringing her specialised equipment.

Using thermal imaging from a helicopter, Du Val detected Molly’s heat signature.

“When we spotted Molly, Matt and I were nearly in tears,” she said.

Du Val, a helicopter pilot herself, said the surge of public support was overwhelming, but not unexpected.

“People who have dogs know how much they mean. They’re family.”

The dog was found sheltering under a rock, close to where her owner had been rescued.

Matt Newton of Precision Helicopters said, “It just glowed straight away and we knew it was a target. As soon as we got closer, we could see it was her.”

Despite days alone in the wilderness, Molly was found in good condition and quickly recovered after being brought back to base.

The search effort was backed by strong public support, with thousands of dollars donated to fund the operation.

Du Val said she was grateful to help bring a positive outcome to what could have been a tragic situation.