Animal
In the heart of upstate New York, a retired New York State Police investigator, Chad Tavernia, has been making headlines with his innovative approach to finding lost pets. Using a thermal-imaging drone, Tavernia has successfully located numerous dogs, bringing hope and relief to desperate pet owners.
The Story of Aurora
One recent case involved Aurora, an American bully-golden retriever mix who escaped from her yard in Burke, N.Y. The owners, Paul Conto and Kathern McPherson, were frantic as temperatures plummeted below freezing. Tavernia, founder of North Country Drone Search & Recovery, sprang into action. He launched his drone, which detected Aurora's heat signature in a snow-covered cornfield nearly 3.5 miles away. Guiding Conto over the phone, Tavernia helped him locate and safely retrieve Aurora.
The Power of Thermal Imaging
Tavernia's drone uses thermal imaging to turn heat signals into visible images, allowing him to quickly scan vast areas, including dense woods and swamps. This technology has proven invaluable in his search and rescue missions. In January 2024, he used his drone to find Otis, a Vizsla who had been missing in Vermont for six days. Otis was located in a swamp, and Tavernia's expertise ensured a successful reunion with his owner.
A Career of Service
Tavernia, a seasoned investigator, purchased his thermal-imaging drone in November 2023. Initially, he used it to capture images of wildlife, but soon transitioned to helping find lost pets. His experience as a police investigator has been crucial in gathering details and tracking down missing animals. Over the past year, he has successfully located 42 dogs, including Max, a German shepherd puppy lost in the Adirondack Mountains, and Echo, a husky trapped on a mountain ledge.
The Challenges and Rewards
While Tavernia has found many dogs, there are cases where the outcome is less successful. Some dogs eventually return on their own, while others remain missing. Common reasons for lost dogs include electric fence failures or new pets spotting wild animals. Tavernia charges between $300 and $600 for his services, depending on the distance.
The process of reuniting pets with their owners requires delicacy. Tavernia provides real-time guidance, advising owners to use gentle coaxing to avoid startling the animals. This approach was crucial in Aurora's case, where she initially bolted deeper into the woods before being safely retrieved.
Conclusion
Tavernia's work is a testament to the power of technology and dedication in reuniting families with their beloved pets. As word of his services spreads, more pet owners are turning to him in times of need. His story highlights the importance of innovative solutions in search and rescue operations, bringing hope to those who thought all was lost.
Source:
Alexandra E. Petri, The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/nyregion/drone-lost-pets.html