Dog in a jumper found stranded on island three miles from home after astonishing 31-hour search
A heartwarming story emerged from Wales, where a six-year-old cockapoo dog named Lola found herself in a harrowing situation after being spooked by another dog during her daily walk. Following her disappearance on Tuesday, January 7, Lola’s owners, Laura and Eamonn Kinally, embarked on a frantic search to find her. The situation was made somewhat easier by Lola’s distinct red Christmas jumper, making her stand out wherever she went. With the support of the local community and the Missing Dogs Team Wales, several sightings of Lola in various locations were reported.
Despite these sightings, including at an ice cream shop, the beach, a park, and even darting across a dual carriageway, the search for Lola seemed increasingly fraught as time passed. Laura, Lola’s owner, shared her anxiety, stating, “I spent about 30 hours looking for her without any sleep. I knew how anxious she is and it was really cold as well.” However, hope glimmered on the evening of Wednesday, January 8, when Lola’s barking was heard emanating from Middle Island near the lighthouse, nearly three miles from where she had gone missing.
The rescue operation took a risky turn as the tide began to flood, potentially stranding both Lola and the rescuers on the island. Faced with this danger, the volunteers decided to contact the Coastguard for assistance rather than risk getting cut off themselves. Members of the Mumbles Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) sprang into action, scouring the island in darkness until spotting Lola in an eastern gully. With the help of a crew member who assessed Lola’s condition, ensuring she was unharmed but cold, the team safely retrieved her and wrapped her in blankets for warmth.
Upon reuniting Lola with her owners on Pier Beach, the overwhelming relief and gratitude were palpable. Laura expressed her admiration for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), saying, “I’m in awe of the RNLI and can’t thank them enough for rescuing her.” Eamonn, Laura’s husband, echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the crew’s fantastic efforts and expressing immense gratitude for their safe return of Lola. The volunteer crew member, James Cunliffe, reflected on the heartening conclusion to the rescue, underscoring the importance of avoiding personal endangerment in such situations and highlighting the need to involve the proper authorities like the Coastguard.
The joyful ending to Lola’s 31-hour ordeal stirred emotions and gratitude within the community, with plans to organise a sponsored walk to raise funds for the RNLI in appreciation of their valiant rescue efforts. The reuniting of Lola with her family served as a reminder of the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and beloved pets in distress. The heroic actions of the volunteers and the heartwarming outcome of Lola’s rescue stand as a testament to the compassion and unity present in times of crisis. May this heartwarming tale serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity, showcasing the power of community and unwavering commitment to the well-being of all beings, furry or otherwise.